With every non-profit ever created about to ask for your support on #GivingTuesday, I’m going to tell you why I choose to support the Colon Cancer Alliance. And yes, I do work here.
This might seem a little self-serving at first, but hear me out.
Just like you, I’m tired of people asking me for money. And it’s not because I don’t care, because I do. I am all about adopting kittens and eating organic and protecting the glaciers and saving the whales. I’m sure you are too. We can all name off a dozen causes we’d love to support with millions of dollars.
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Katie Matusik, Communications Manager, Colon Cancer Alliance[/caption]
But the truth is that your time and resources are pretty limited, right? I hear you and I’m right there with you. As I wrote in my tribute to Gloria Borges, I love my job. I really do. But I’m not in it for the money. And that means I have a very finite amount I can afford to give.
Which is why I want to tell you – as someone on a limited budget– why I choose to donate to the Colon Cancer Alliance.
I could start by telling you some of the awesome things we’ve seen happen this year – many of which we’re incredibly proud of and couldn’t have done without you. And while the numbers are important – (I’m daggone proud of our Charity Navigator and Better Business Bureau ratings!) – what speaks louder to me is the fact that our staff isn’t afraid to put our money where our mouth is.
We aren’t asking you to help us knock out colon cancer because it sounds pretty. We’re asking you because we know that with your support, we can make it happen. It’s what we spend countless hours of our lives every week working toward. To us, this mission is personal.
Just like you, we’re survivors, family members, volunteers, advocates and donors. You know we’re using your donations to the maximum because it’s not just your money, it’s our money too – literally. We’re out there fighting right alongside you.
As a staff member, I have a front seat to what goes on behind the scenes. Every day, our staff is asking how a new program or expense is going to benefit our community. People here work hard, and I’m not just saying that. I get emails from our Development staff at 2 AM. During the fall, our Undy Run/Walk team is traveling more days than they are in the office. She probably won’t admit to it, but I’m fairly sure my supervisor was checking her email on her honeymoon. Personally, I’ve become good friends with our security guard on the night shift at our office.
And it’s not because we have to; It’s because we want to.
It’s crazy to think that in 2014, we’ve helped more than 1.5 million patients, survivors and family members (and we’ve still got a month to go!). But with our amazing staff and your support, I’m confident that we will continue to do this – and more – in the coming year.
If you ever have any questions about how your donation is being used or where your money is going, our financial information and audit reports are publicly available on our website. I strongly encourage you to look at both of these before donating to any organization.
I’m also always happy to talk or answer any questions. You can reach me at katie@ccalliance.org or (202) 628-0123.
Thanks for your continued support on #GivingTuesday and all year long. We appreciate all you do and couldn’t do this without your help. To continue your support, give today.
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.