Young philanthropists break fundraiser record

To the Editor:

On the behalf of the Putnam County Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Committee, I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Gail Smith and the staff of Almost Home for hosting our Youth Philanthropy Night fundraiser on Thursday, March 8.

On Youth Philanthropy Night, members of the Youth Philanthropy Committee worked side-by-side with Almost Home staff to serve the restaurant’s patrons for the evening. Through their kindness and hospitality, Gail and her staff created a warm and welcoming environment that, while embracing our enthusiasm and overlooking our serving inexperience, made the event a wonderful philanthropic opportunity and an enjoyable evening for all.

Funds raised by the generous tips and donations from Almost Home customers have helped grow the Putnam County Youth Philanthropy Endowment to support grants for youth-led projects that benefit the community. Hosting this philanthropic event for the past 10 years speaks volumes about Almost Home’s devotion to the Putnam County community. Through their commitment to this endeavor, as well as gracious donations from community members, this year’s Youth Philanthropy Night raised a record of $3,600.27, bringing the ten-year total to over $20,000. To date, this money has helped fund more than 60 different youth-led projects and services that have benefitted the community.

Again, I would like to sincerely thank Gail Smith, Almost Home, its staff, and the numerous donors for their involvement in this fundraiser. We look forward to working with you again in the future. For more information regarding the Youth Philanthropy Committee, please visit our website at https://www.pcfoundation.org/grant_youth_phil.html.

Sincerely,

Ben Wilkerson on behalf of the Youth Philanthropy Committee