Once Black Friday hits, just about every email you get is some sale or promo code (we’re guilty of it too) that is asking you for money. This one is asking for money too, but it’s not a sale or a promo code, but it’s Giving Tuesday, so I thought we’d share some places you can help that have been close to The Ricky.
Help Our Friend Helen - We’ve talked about Helen and her husband Steve on multiple pods. Helen, if you haven’t read before, suffered a stroke last summer at 32 years old, which left her having a tough time talking, walking, doing anything. She’s back home now after months in the hospital and rehab, but has a long road ahead. Home rehab is expensive, and on Giving Tuesday, Help Hope Live, the great site hosting the fundraising has no credit card fees.
Providence Animal Center and Brandywine Valley SPCA - As you know, animal rescue is very close to my heart, and these two organizations do an excellent job saving animals from dangerous situations, and finding them forever homes. On giving Tuesday, thanks to large pledges, donations are doubled (following the links to make sure of it). We have worked with PAC for years, and as I’ve mentioned, my wife puts in long hours and her heart into her work at BVSPCA. Both of my dogs, Rebel and Scotchie are rescues, as is Mike’s new dog Moose. Remember, this donation doesn’t just buy food for the animals, it supports all of the people whose job or volunteer work is this lifesaving mission.
Mama Tee’s Community Fridge - Food insecurity is a problem that if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you do not have to worry about personally. But imagine the stress, the pain that it would cause. Mama Tee’s has helped over 180,000 families in the Philly area with this issue since their inception, and they are going strong.
Mike Ditore Small Moments Foundation - Mikey D, as his friends knew him, was a father, a dad, and a die-hard Ricky guy that was diagnosed with brain cancer in April of 2021. He was just 30 years old, and eventually lost that battle. His spirit, which everyone who he knew was touched by, lives on with the Small Moments Foundation, which was founded by his wife Rebecca to honor him. The foundation does what it says, it finds small moments of joy for families with children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer. Whether it’s a day-long experience that’s tailored to the family it’s going to, or the relief of a grocery store gift card or meal, the foundation does great work that has grown leaps and bounds in its two years.
I am proud of our association with all of these organizations, and if you’ve got an extra $5 or $10 or more today, I’d be honored if you’d choose one of them.
Spike