“Each year, we look for new and creative ways to increase the visibility and efficacy of our #GivingTuesday campaign,” said Child Care Council Executive Director Kathy Halas, “We’re particularly excited about the TD Bank sponsorship because the funds will not only support new scholarships, but also help us reach many new people on social media – and those connections are something we can continue to use and build on far beyond this year.”
Funds raised by the Council on #GivingTuesday will support its Early Opportunity Fund, which grants scholarships to working families in Westchester who otherwise could not afford quality early care and education for their young children. The Council’s goal for 2015 is to raise $10,000 on #GivingTuesday – which would create 5 new scholarships.
“The Board of Directors is matching donations on #GivingTuesday for the second year in a row because we know what a huge difference quality early care makes for children, families and our entire community,” said Child Care Council Board President Steve Wysmuller, IBM’s Mid-Atlantic Smarter Cities Sales Leader. “We hope that knowing their donation will be immediately doubled, will inspire people to give generously – and that together we can make a tremendous impact on our county’s future.”
Research shows that quality early childhood care and education, from birth to age five, makes a difference that lasts a lifetime. Interactions at this phase stimulate brain growth that sets the stage for success later in life. Children who get this quality early care benefit from lifelong better physical and emotional health, are less likely to engage in risky or dangerous behavior, and are more likely to graduate high school, be successful in college and the workforce, and contribute to our community in positive ways as an adult.
"This initiative is a great way to reach a broad audience and provide them with an opportunity to give to an amazing cause," said Adam Kintish, Retail Market Manager, TD Bank. "TD is excited to support the Child Care Council and this creative way to spread the word about the difference the organization is making in the community, and the impact its making for our local families."
