Each fall we typically host a Celebration of Giving event to thank people, businesses and organizations that have given generous donations of time and money to the Community Foundation to help maintain and improve the quality of life in the Fox Valley region. However, the pandemic has forced us to remain socially distant for the safety of everyone.

In lieu of an event, we sent nearly 3,000 people a special, good old-fashioned thank-you note in the mail, and produced a fun, heartwarming, gratitude-filled video created by our staff and several nonprofit organization leaders.

Those two things did not cost us what we had budgeted for an in-person reception because we didn’t need to rent a facility, hire a caterer and bartender, and provide table decorations and other items.

Instead of keeping the extra money, we donated it to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support those who have been severely impacted by the pandemic, helping to sustain services that provide our neighbors, friends and families with essentials like safe shelter, nutritious food, quality child care and life-enhancing mental health.

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt society, nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to help people in communities throughout the region and need ongoing, generous operational support now and for the foreseeable future. During this giving season, when needs are especially urgent, consider how you can show your thanks and commitment to your favorite nonprofits and community. Together, we flourish!

We invite you to donate now to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. You can also learn about who has given to the fund, the fund’s grant recipients, and check out our latest news and updates.