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Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the “official” start to holiday gift shopping, but #GivingTuesday kicks off the true reason of the season by encouraging giving and goodwill towards others.
Join the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) Foundation this year in celebrating #GivingTuesday on November 27 and help give the gift of sight!
A History of #GivingTuesday
Observed the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is placed after the major commercial shopping holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Through social media and participating organizations, it hopes to inspire a global movement of giving back time, resources, and talents to better local communities.
Originally founded by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact and the 92nd Street Y, #GivingTuesday aims to connect communities, organizations, and businesses to spur the spirit of giving back.
Now in its sixth year, the international event encourages individuals to donate to causes they’re passionate about and the organizations that fuel various forms of support in their own communities.
“Giving Tuesday is a wonderful new tradition in philanthropy. During the holiday season, it’s important to have time when we all think of others. Collectively, we can have significant impact on our community through giving to nonprofits,” says Carrie Mason Sauer, Board Chair of Young Nonprofit Professional Network of OKC.
Participate in #GivingTuesday with the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation
By participating in #GivingTuesday with the DMEI Foundation, you’re giving much more than a simple donation.
“On #GivingTuesday, your gift to the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation will give the gift of sight to Oklahomans in need of the specialized surgery and treatment options available at the only non-profit ophthalmology institute in the state,” says Jim Durbin, Dean McGee Eye Institute Executive Director of Development.
DMEI turns no one away for necessary care, a commitment that has been a part of its mission since its founding. All patients without health care coverage or who have limited financial resources are offered an opportunity for assistance through the DMEI’s Patient Financial Assistance Program (PFAP). Patients who request and meet criteria for assistance are qualified along a sliding scale. Thousands of patients – from all 77 Oklahoma counties and surrounding states – have been helped through this program.
“There is no other nonprofit ophthalmology institution in the state of Oklahoma. Many of the services, treatments, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed at DMEI cannot be obtained elsewhere in the region,” says Durbin. “Without DMEI and its PFAP, the low-income, at-risk patients we treat would not receive the care they need.”
Simply, the work we do to provide healthy vision depends on the kindness of donors.
