Join the Giving Tuesday Movement in New Mexico!
See what Guest Blogger Valerie Wilke with Enchanted Dish has to share about how your restaurant can give back this holiday season:
During the holiday season, the spirit of thankfulness and generosity seems to crank up a notch. As a restaurateur, you might be wondering what your dining establishment can do embrace this sentiment and show your gratitude.
Why not consider participating in Giving Tuesday NM?
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. It’s celebrated each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and right after two of the biggest shopping days of the year – Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year’s event takes place November 27.
The local branch of this global movement – #GivingTuesdayNM– is coordinated by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), which helps donors, volunteers and organizations find local New Mexico nonprofits running #GivingTuesday campaigns.
Held under the theme “Together We Can Do More,” the CNPE reported that 242 nonprofits in 34 communities raised over $383,000 for their work in 2017.
Why Should My Restaurant Participate?
When you join the #GivingTuesdayNM movement, you become one of many restaurants already taking an active role in helping to serve the community. According to the New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA), the restaurant industry donates a staggering $3 billion in resources to communities annually.
And restaurants are commonly known for aiding their communities in times of crisis and disaster. “Dine for America” is a national fundraising campaign initiated by the National Restaurant Association that supported the American Red Cross after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, according to NMRA.
Customers of any kind of business appreciate companies that selflessly give back to their community and often reward businesses for their efforts with loyal patronage.
How Can My Restaurant Participate?
Are you stumped about how you might be able to help? About 90 percent of restaurant operators say their restaurants support charities, according to the NMRA. Some help in the following ways:
- 85% of Restaurants Give Food – Consider donating unused food to a local charity. Your restaurant could also host a food drive or donate food to a local charity event.
- 79% of Restaurants Donate Cash – Your restaurant could donate a percentage of profits for the day (or week, or month) to a local charity.
- 40% of Restaurants Provide Space for Events – Host a fundraising event for an organization at your restaurant.
Restaurants don’t have to wait for a nonprofit to approach them. CNPE has made it easy to find causes and organizations that would be thrilled to have partners for #GivingTuesdayNM (and beyond). And don’t forget the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation – Serving NM Fund. This is a financial assistance fund for restaurant workers in NM.
Email Giving Tuesday New Mexico to learn how you can participate.
Share Your Participation
Don’t make it a big secret that you’re participating in #GivingTuesdayNM (be sure to use the hashtag in your posts about Giving Tuesday). Spread the word far and wide.
Giving Tuesday is largely fueled by social media, so take advantage of your restaurant’s fan base. CNPE has several helpful resource materials available on their site that can help you run your campaign.
One key social feature of Giving Tuesday is the #UnSelfie. Last year, the #UnSelfie campaign went viral internationally. Use the #UnSelfie to share what your restaurant is giving and why.
Enchanted Dish Supports Giving Tuesday New Mexico
You may wonder why we care so much about this special day here at Enchanted Dish. Our co-founder Morgan O’Donnell is serving as a co-lead for this year’s #GivingTuesdayNM movement.
We’re passionate about our community and state, and want to encourage New Mexico restaurants to participate in this event. Join us this year for Giving Tuesday.
Together, we can do more.
WHEN: November 27, 2018
WHY: Because restaurants are the hearts of their community can do a lot to help the community organizations that need it most.
Want more info?
Look for #GivingTuesdayNM
Visit GivingTuesdayNM.org
Contact Giving Tuesday New Mexico or Morgan at Morgan@EnchantedDish.com for questions or additional information.Restaurants can use this day to give thanks and recognition to local nonprofits in their community.
