Giving > Receiving.

In lieu of giving each other gifts this year or coordinating a White Elephant exchange, we decided to contribute money to an extremely worthy nonprofit, Friends of the Children, as a way to give back to our community that we love so much. Betsy & Will loved the idea so much that they generously agreed to match whatever we raised as a staff; the real holiday magic is that an anonymous donor to Friends of the Children will match any donations received. That means our donation doubled, twice! SO RAD. Per their website, the mission of Friends of the Children is "To provide our most vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become a healthy, productive member of the community." We all feel lucky to be employed and among loved ones this holiday season, but know that there are thousands of young people who aren't as privileged as we are.

Friends of the Children Portland donation Any reason to make a giant fake check, amirite?

With the anonymous donor's match, we'll end up giving $2000 to Friends of the Children. Our gift will go to those less fortunate kids aforementioned in the organization's mission, and that makes me feel all warm & fuzzy inside (and the office runs cold, so that's saying something....). Also, new life goal is to someday be an "anonymous donor." How completely selfless and amazing!!!! Those of us at our regular Wednesday staff meeting are seen here posing with the $1000 we raised. I do want to note that ALL of us contributed to the amount, so even though Allison, Ann, Elizabeth, Meridith, & Tess aren't pictured, their donations are represented in the amount! Thanks for the work you do, Friends of the Children, and thanks to my coworkers & bosses for your generosity. More warm, more fuzz, Anna

***Song of the Moment: Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns n Roses***

Group 7