 Town Crier Holiday Fund |
The successful annual Town Crier Holiday Fund has just completed its fifth year, bringing the aggregate total of funds raised in the past half decade to nearly $500,000. The beneficiaries are a baker’s dozen of small non-profits in Silicon Valley.
The campaign, launched in early December each year, appeals to donors for two reasons, said Paul Nyberg, Town Crier publisher. “Some people say they appreciate the fact that we do the homework for them by choosing qualified local legitimate needy non-profit agencies,” he said. “Second, our no-overhead system gives donors a sense of satisfaction knowing that 100 percent of the funds go to the point of need.”
The Town Crier covers all promotion and credit card processing costs.
Equally important is the tax deductibility of all funds provided by Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV), which charges no fees for its services.
CFSV president Peter Hero said, “The Town Crier Holiday Fund is a wonderful partnership that reflects Community Foundation Silicon Valley’s mission of increasing philanthropy and building community. The leadership shown by the Town Crier in inspiring generosity is an example that every community can follow.”
The 2004 campaign was the most successful ever. With $60,000 in lead matching gifts, the Town Crier staff had set a goal of $120,000 for the season.
However, by Jan. 5 the total reached $134,000, a 24 percent increase over the previous year.
Nyberg thanked the lead donors for the Holiday Fund and said, “They provide a strong motive for matching funds from the general public.”
Gay and Bill Krause, Rambus Inc., David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Charles and Nan Geschke, Steve and Michele Kirsch Foundation, Skoll Community Fund, Los Altan Ed Dowd, and the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors have been regular lead donors.
A surprising 240 donors were first-time givers in 2004. And 80 generous donors have contributed all five years in a row.
The 13 agencies receiving money from the Holiday Fund are gathering for a reception
later this week to receive their checks.
TSUNAMI DISASTER TRIGGERS RESPONSE FROM LOS ALTANS: In response to the tsunami tragedy on Dec. 26, the Town Crier staff has created a new campaign to help residents who have not already donated direct funds to Southeast Asia Relief via trustworthy agencies.
An additional $29,900 was received and has been passed on to two four-star relief agencies - World Vision and the Medical Assistance Program.
Lead donors who helped to kick off the relief fund included Jack and Norma Melchor, Romesh and Kathleen Wadhwani and the Carl and Vicki Warden Family Foundation.
