Giving Tuesday: What It Is and Why It Matters

Kelsey Arvai Contributed by: Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA

Print Friendly and PDF

Every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to contribute toward making the world a better place. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 with one mission: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, the movement has become global, inspiring millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. 

The biggest celebration of generosity, GivingTuesday, is celebrated annually on the last Tuesday of November. We welcome you to join the movement this GivingTuesday, every Tuesday, or every day, whether it's time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. 

The Center participates in giving year-round. The Center Charitable Committee facilitates this framework for giving year-round. Our mission is to contribute time and donations to the following three areas – Financial Literacy, Community Needs (Metro Detroit), and Staff Involvement. 

In 2023, our team has donated over 102 hours and $15,020. We love helping others feel great. Below are some philanthropic efforts we have completed or plan to complete this year. Additionally, The Center offers eligible employees up to 2 days off with pay per year for engaging in organized volunteer community projects to facilitate involvement in community activities. The Center also encourages employees to make gifts to charities of their choice; each employee can request The Center to match their donation up to $100 annually. You can visit GivingTuesday.org/participate to learn more about giving time, gratitude, or support to positively affect your community and create a better tomorrow.  

2023 Events

  • Capuchin

    • Center Team Members folded and displayed clothing and unloaded food boxes in Detroit.

  • Gleaners’ Community Mobile Food Pantry

    • Center Team Members volunteered with Gleaners Mobile Grocery to help local seniors in our community.

  • Michigan Council of Economic Education

    • The Center is delighted to co-sponsor the Michigan Council on Economic Education's 2023 Personal Finance Challenge, as it highlights the importance of making smart personal financial choices and career opportunities in the financial planning industry.

  • Money Smart Week is a national campaign by the Federal Reserve Bank to encourage good financial decision-making by individuals and communities through free online education. Center for Financial Planning Inc. was excited to co-sponsor the Michigan Council on Economic Education's 2023 Personal Finance Challenge to show our support for the Money Smart Week campaign. High school students from all over Michigan were invited to compete on April 29th. Teams of 3-4 students review a personal finance case study and then provide a presentation of their financial planning advice. The competition occurs before a team of judges in person at the Macomb Intermediate School District. The winning team receives a $250 prize and will advance to a national competition.

  • Greening of Detroit

    • Center Team members participated in a tree-planting event with Greening of Detroit by digging holes, planting young trees, and laying mulch. 

  • Funding for the Future

    • The Center proudly supported the band Gooding through the nonprofit Funding for the Future. The event involved fun rock music, excited high schoolers, and important lessons in financial literacy. 

  • Ferndale Catfé 

    • Center for Financial Planning Inc. supported the Ferndale Catfé for National Pet Month by visiting the Catfe's new location in Ferndale. We spent time in the cat room, learned about their work, and learned more about volunteering and adopting/fostering. 

  • Autism Alliance of Michigan Fundraiser Walk

    • Center Team Members walked to support families affected by autism. The event at the Detroit Zoo included an autism resource fair with 50+ vendors, on-stage programming, a united community walk, and arts & crafts.

  • Humble Design

    • Center Team Members will work with Humble Design to affect the lives of individuals, families, or veterans emerging from homelessness. Humble Design works to change lives and communities by custom designing and fully furnishing home interiors. 

  • ALS Walk

    • Center for Financial Planning Inc. supported the march toward a treatment and, ultimately, a cure for ALS. This disease, in some manner, has affected many of our family and friends. We support the Walk to Defeat ALS and the organization's efforts to provide support groups, access to care, and advocacy. 

  • Alzheimer's Walk 

    • Center for Financial Planning Inc. supported the Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Detroit Zoo. This disease, in some manner, has affected many of our family and friends. We support the Alzheimer's Association's efforts to find a cure.

  • Impact100 Metro Detroit 

    • Kelsey Arvai, Jaclyn Jackson, and Kali Hassinger are all members of Impact100 Metro Detroit. Members join to award high-impact grants ($100,000) to local organizations in the tri-county area. 

  • BrilliantDetroit

    • The Charitable Committee is working with BrilliantDetroit to host a drive this holiday season. BrilliantDetroit is a nonprofit dedicated to building kid success for Detroit families with children 0-8 in high-need neighborhoods to have what they need to be school-ready, healthy, and stable. 

  • Baldwin Society

    • Center Team Members will help to assemble Holiday Hope Care Packages for low-income seniors.

  • Fleece & Thank You Event

    • Center Team members will get into the Holiday Spirit to make blankets for the Children's Hospital.

Kelsey Arvai, CFP®, MBA is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® She facilitates back office functions for clients.

Raymond James is not affiliated with the above organizations.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Kelsey Arvai, MBA and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.