SOUNDING BOARD -- Aviva Goelman

On Sept. 11, the lives of nonprofit organizations changed.

So much has occurred in our country since that date and over the past

few months. Funds have poured in from all over the country to those in

need in New York who have lost family and friends. The Red Cross, United

Way, firemen’s funds, police funds, churches and individuals all dug deep

into their pockets to help those affected by the tragedy.

Where does all that leave the nonprofit organizations that count on

contributions chiefly from their local community? There is an old saying:

“Charity begins at home.”

This year, the nonprofits will suffer due to the recent national

tragedy, the change in the stock market and as a result of the

political/economic consequences. As we face recession, nonprofit

organizations find themselves in the front lines of cutbacks and reduced

spending.

Monday morning’s radio headlines screamed nonprofits will suffer this

year due to philanthropic cutbacks. Those in the past that gave $8,500

per year will only be giving $5,000. Donations are expected to be cut by

a third.

Every month, every year, nonprofits seem to help more and more people,

but this year it will get harder and harder to meet demands.

Local nonprofit organizations such as the Costa Mesa Senior Center are

seeing many people with heightened fear and anxiety, people worried about

their safety. The need is greater than ever for support services to help

many segments of society through these challenging times.

We have always been at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to

raising funds. One philanthropic individual responded when asked [why

that is]: “You are not glitzy.” What does that mean? Maybe we do not have

a high enough profile. No, we don’t have black-tie events; we don’t

attract the social section of the newspaper or the generous financial

supporters who give to the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the

Orange County Philharmonic or abused children’s shelters. Donations to

our nonprofit do not bring the “society rewards” of philanthropy that

result in name recognition for those who contribute to those glitzy

causes.

Unfortunately, the seniors who themselves contributed so much during

their life are now the forgotten generation.

So as we approach the holidays, let us remember all the local

nonprofit agencies that bring services, compassion and solutions to so

many lives in our community.

Make this a better year than ever in the spirit of giving.

* AVIVA GOELMAN is the executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior

Center.