Whether we realize it or not, nonprofit organizations touch everyone’s lives. On May 6th, folks in the Midlands will have the chance to give back to the nonprofits that are touching their lives through Midlands Gives.

Whether we realize it or not, nonprofit organizations touch everyone’s lives. We often take part in the many services they offer without even realizing they are a nonprofit. It’s very possible that you or your children were born in nonprofit hospitals or you frequently attend arts and culture events supported by a not-for-profit organization. Or, perhaps, your children are involved with nonprofit youth development activities or you adopted your family pet from a nonprofit shelter. No matter what your connection, I’m sure you have seen how these organizations influence our communities and our personal lives on a daily basis.

Our lives would be very different without nonprofit organizations. Mine certainly would be. Throughout the years I’ve served as a volunteer for organizations ranging from literacy to historic preservation.  These opportunities have expanded my circle of connections, forcing me beyond my comfort zone of family and friends and connecting me to amazing individuals across our community. I have seen how nonprofits encourage development of leaders, build trust within communities, and have the “special ability to organize the energy and ideas of a community to achieve together what individuals cannot achieve alone” (Minnesotanonprofits.org).

On May 6, folks in the Midlands will have the chance to give back to the nonprofits that are touching their lives through Midlands Gives, our community’s first regional day of giving. Midlands Gives will magnify our community by bringing the region together for 24 hours to raise money and awareness for Midlands area nonprofits. Gifts to one of the 150 participating nonprofits will go further this day thanks to generous sponsors and contributors who are providing prize incentives and a bonus pool. I encourage you to visit midlandsgives.org and find out how you can impact the nonprofits that have touched your life.