SO, YOU LIKE TO GIVE TO WORTHY CAUSES…BUT WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Have you noticed that when you make a donation to your favorite charity or support a cause that you feel is worthwhile, you start receiving requests to give more, again and again, by that and other charitable organizations?  It seems like word gets around that you are “a giver!”

Sometimes, these asks for money come with an enticement or some little gift up front, like address labels, greeting cards or note pads.  Personally, I feel guilty if I keep the gifts, but don’t follow up with a donation.   I think that’s part of their strategy.  Is there anything wrong with getting a little in return when you decide to be philanthropic? 

To be honest, that’s why my partner and I like attending charity auctions!   Do a google search for “upcoming Silent Auctions in my area” and see how many organizations are sponsoring fundraisers like this.  (I just did and 12 different events popped up!)  We have attended a number of these events over the years, because we enjoy the festive atmosphere, we meet like-minded people who support causes we believe in, and we usually go home with a great auction item!  And, most of all, we like knowing that the money we pay for the auction item is our donation to a worthy cause.   Because the auction items are donated by businesses and other patrons, it’s all profit for the charity – and the proceeds support their efforts.   They win and frankly, we win too!

Because we love all animals, we’ve chosen to support pet rescue charities wherever we’ve lived.   That’s why we now support Ohio Pet Charities (OPC) ~ because they not only help animals in need of medical attention - they also support dozens of pet rescue organizations and pet-related businesses here in Central Ohio – by sponsoring events throughout the year where reps from those groups can interact with hundreds of pet lovers and potential pet adopters.   

Each December, OPC holds a premiere holiday celebration known as “Mistletoe & Mutts!”  This year, the Silent Auction fundraiser takes place on Friday evening, December 5^th – in the Meridian Room at CO-Hatch Polaris, 1554 Polaris Pkwy Suite 325, Columbus, OH 43240.  All the proceeds go to support The Furry Friends Fund, which provides lifesaving or altering surgeries for qualifying pet owners who need financial assistance. And, there are so many ways to participate:

• Buy tickets and attend!  Each VIP ticket purchaser receives a special swag bag, a passport for food experiences, 2 full- sized wine pours and items for you and your furry friends – all as a thank you for your generous support.  RSVP here:  https://www.ohiopetcharities.org/events/mistletoe-mutts-2025

• Donate an auction item!   If you are a business owner that can donate a product or service of notable value, or just an individual who is willing to part with a coveted treasure, your gift will bring in profitable bids from our attendees!  Contact elizabeth@ohiopetcharities.org to donate an item.

• Participate in our Gift Card Tree Raffle!  Imagine a tree where each branch holds valuable gift cards from local businesses, restaurants, or retail stores.  Then buy raffle tickets at the event for a chance to win them all.

• Take a walk around the room and look at all the terrific auction items.  Find the ones that you’d love to take home with you that night!  Then, start the bidding.   Keep going back to make sure your bid is the highest one before the bidding period is closed.  Fingers crossed that you are the winner!

• Preview the available items here.

• Become an OPC partner or Event Sponsor!  Each year, more and more businesses and individuals are stepping up to become annual partners or specific event sponsors.  These donations help make possible all the activities that OPC offers each year.   Click here for more information: https://www.ohiopetcharities.org/donate

  
  

Find out more about Ohio Pet Charities, and how you can support our work as a volunteer, or by donating – or both!   Visit our website at: www.ohiopetcharities.org