Giving back to the community through education is arguably the greatest way to give; it’s a gift that will continue to keep the receiver going through their life. My favorite educational charity in Miami is SHAPE, Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence. What better way to give than to keep making a direct difference on future generations! The general premise is to raise a small sum ($500), add to that a gift match of $5,000, then direct a student-run group with faculty advisors in the ways of making grant decisions. $1,500 must be spent on the school and the rest can be given as the students are led through the process. In this way, it is sure to be an important, relevant issue to the children.
The Earthman Project is aimed at educating children on environmental issues using art, music, video, photography- whatever will get kids interested! If you have some time and talent to share, the Project is always on the lookout for help.
Environmental Causes
The Izaak Walton League of America group of 50,000 men and women dedicated to protecting our nation's soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife. Solving local, regional and national conservation issues, their interests span the spectrum of outdoor recreation and conservation activities, from angling and birding to stream monitoring, wildlife photography and hunting.
A political cartoonist, lobbyist and conservationist, Ding Darling spent his life in the early 1900s trying to gain awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation- he was well known for the saying that “ducks can’t lay eggs on a picket fence.” From his winter home in the Captiva/Sanibel Island area, he has left a large wildlife refuge to the state; after his death in 1962, the Ding Darling Conservation foundation was founded to perpetuate his ideas. Donations go to education and land conservation efforts.
Medical
Of course most of us have a medical cause at heart; everyone has been affected by a disease, whether it was themselves or a loved one. There are local chapters of many medical research organizations in Miami, which help with education, awareness, fund raising for research, and care of patients in our backyard. Some of these local organizations are:
- American Cancer Society : (305) 594-4363
- National MS Society : (305) 599-0299
- Diabetes Research Institute Foundation : (954) 964-4040
