The Giving Issue

OCTOBER 22, 2018

Welcome to Fall! As we wrap up the summer (and hopefully the rain here in MD) and move toward fall and the end of another successful year at Arnold Financial Services, the staff and I have been reflecting on our good fortune. I have decided to focus this quarter’s newsletter on charitable giving. Each of us will tell you a bit about a charity we love and our experience with it. At the end of the quarter, around the holidays, AFS will be making donations to all three. HOWEVER, whichever charity receives the most client votes will get double the donation. So, PLEASE VOTE

David Arnold, Owner – Growing up here in Montgomery County, I knew that this was a really nice place to live. Everyone seemed to be doing well. I knew the schools were great and learned that it was one of the highest income counties in the whole country. As an adult, I recognized that growing technology and biotech industries here as well as the federal government largely insulated us from economic downturns the rest of the country experienced … pretty fortunate for most of us. It was only after a client of mine asked me to come to a board meeting for The Dwelling Place several years ago that I learned that not everyone in my home county was doing as well as I thought. The Dwelling Place is a tiny non-profit working with the homeless of Montgomery The Dwelling Place is a tiny non-profit working with the homeless of Montgomery County, specifically with families (at least one adult and one child). They do amazing work at a level of efficiency that I can’t imagine. An all-volunteer board works constantly at fundraising while staying aware of client situations and the operations of the staff. The staff provides a lot more than a roof over their client’s heads. They work on financial literacy, employment, vocational skills, and more. As it says on their website http://www.tdp-inc.org “Success to us is a family finding permanent housing at the end of their two (or three) years in our program and being in a position to maintain their stability for the long term.”

Edith Hileman, Operations Manager – Many of you already know that I am a member of the Choral Arts Society of Frederick (aka CASOF) For the last 40,000 years, music has been found in almost all human cultures; in social settings that span everything from religious rituals to football games. The psychological and physiological benefits of singing have been well documented; improving our sense of well-being and happiness and even exercising our brains. Personally, I find that weekly rehearsal is one of the few places where I can come together with individuals from all walks of life, age groups, and backgrounds and be reminded that together, we can create something beautiful. The whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. In today’s often isolating and divisive world, where many of our social interactions are conducted remotely via Facebook and Twitter; such opportunities are hard to come by. The Choral Arts Society of Frederick County may not save lives, but it reflects our community and uplifts its members and its audience. Our motto is “Music Inspires” and I couldn’t agree more. But the best way to contribute to the organization is to attend a concert! Go to our website http://www.casof.org/ You can also make a donation by selecting Choral Arts Society of Frederick County through Amazon Smile (a portion of your purchase will be donated at no additional charge to you.)

Perri Burka, Office Assistant – or our donation contest this month, I have chosen Operation Paws for Homes, which is a “ nonprofit organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of dogs who have overcome great odds and deserve wonderful, caring forever homes.” It is a wonderful organization that rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in the south, as well as some Caribbean countries. Almost a year ago, we rescued our pup, Izzy, from OPH and it was an amazing experience working with them. When we first met Izzy, she was extremely sick with heartworms. OPH covered all medical costs for her and cared for her until she was healthy enough to come home with us. I am forever grateful for the care that they gave to Izzy and I hope that we can donate to them and help out other dogs in need! If you’d like to find out more information (or possibly even adopt one of their adorable pups) The website is https://ophrescue.org

Fall Focus: Good Referrals