Community Uplift If not now, then when? If not you, then whom? By Bradley Zeve Community is an idea that most everyone I know cherishes and wants more of—a deeper sense of place, commonality and connection, a definition that includes a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. When we feel the spirit of community there’s an overall uplift, a sense of increased safety and purpose, even inspiration. There is a discernible sense of place, of care for each other. During times of crisis we witness broad sweeps of collective action. Neighbors check on neighbors, strangers support those in need, generosity flows freely without asking for anything in return. Most of us don’t live in times of crisis. Still, community spirit is what defines us. We create community initiatives that fill our lives and address our wants and needs—sharing our time with like-minded folks whether for spiritual growth, for pleasure and entertainment, or to do good. Some do the gritty work of feeding the hungry, others of creating art, music, dance and song, others running around a field together playing sports. All of it forms our local tapestry of community. There are more than 1,000 established nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, sharing common goals for the common good. In this year’s edition of Monterey County Gives!, you can read about 206 of them. This special project of the Weekly was co-created back in 2009 to raise editorial support and money for local nonprofits. I’d invite you to set aside an hour or two to read this guide from beginning to end. It takes time, but the feeling of uplift is worth it. There are so many involved in service and they have a higher vision for us all, for our community. And even though I am deeply involved with MCGives!, when I read this issue front to back I get to savor the individual and collective efforts and I see both the parts and the whole; I have such an inspired, hopeful appreciation of where we live and who lives among us. It’s awesome. You may not think about it every day but the nonprofit sector is unquestionably a cornerstone for the overall health and welfare of Monterey County. It’s worthy to know about it and to celebrate it. It’s also worthy of your support, whether that’s $5 or $50,000. Since we helped initiate Monterey County Gives!, this project has raised and donated over $68 million for local nonprofits. This year we have a goal of $11 million from 8,500 different donors. If you’ve never contributed before, please join us. And if you’ve participated in past years, please consider doing so again, even upping your donation. We are all part of this community uplift together. Join the band! Bradley Zeve is the Founder & CEO of Monterey County Weekly and Monterey County NOW. JOIN THE BAND 8 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com HUDSON MARTIN supports Est. 1908 26515 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite 200, Carmel (831) 375-3151 www.hudsonmartin.com Play Time! ESTATE PLANNING TRUST ADMINISTRATION WILLS AND TRUSTS PROBATE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES GENERATIONAL TRUSTS POWER OF ATTORNEY REAL ESTATE CONSERVATORSHIPS ADVERTISEMENT VOTED BEST ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY 2023 2021 GOLDEN PINE CONE AWARD The Best Attorney ’12-’24 In Monterey County Jeannette K. Witten Monterey County Weekly 3 Years, LAWYER IF YOU NEED TO SUE SOMEONE
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