AOF Celebrates Giving Tuesday

November 1, 2018. This #GivingTuesday, Ancient Oaks Foundation will celebrate giving by raising awareness and funds for the continued restoration of natural recreational areas. 

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27^th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

Lake Zurich and surrounding Villages are graced with a unique set of natural circumstances. Its spring-fed lake and hilly topography were formed by Ice Age glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Its oak savannas and wetlands are witnesses to thousands of years of history. The villages own several natural areas from the rare oak woodlands at Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Park and Kuechmann Park in Lake Zurich to the high-quality wetland/woodland at Brierwoods Preserve in Hawthorn Woods.

The diversity of these parks is being lost. Invasive weeds such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, along with a lack of prescribed burns are taking their toll. Invasives are overrunning these natural areas, eliminating native wildflowers and trees by preventing their reproduction. Encroachment of invasives onto private property decreases property values and causes removal expenses for homeowners.

“Ancient Oaks Foundation partners with local Village Administrators and joins #GivingTuesday to give back, to residents, areas of recreation for mental and physical health, improved real estate value and environmental stability, says AOF President, Judi Thode.  In this digital age, both children and adults, need increased options and inspiration to get outside.  We want our #Giving Tuesday campaign to raise awareness and funds for the continued restoration of natural recreational areas.”

Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.

“We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”

Those who are interested in joining Ancient Oaks Foundation’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit our Giving Tuesday page.