What is a "Giving Machine"? you may ask.
The Giving Machines are fun vending-type machines where people can purchase specific items for charities to support local, state and global non-profit
organizations. 100% of every donation is transferred to the
participating charities and the operating costs, such as credit card fees, are covered by The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Giving Machines have been in other states (and even other countries) for several years, raising millions of dollars to benefit those in need. They have become a holiday tradition in Gilbert and last year expanded to Flagstaff and Tucson. This is the first time ever we have had the opportunity to host a Giving Machine here in Prescott.
Our machines will be here Dec 2-Dec 14. They will be located on the dirt lot next to the Chamber of Commerce, across from Court House Square. With a wide range of items priced between $7 to $250, nearly ever one can find something they can be excited to purchase for a non profit agency here or in another part of the world.
(Examples: Art & School Supplies for The Launch Pad Teen Center, Shelter from the Cold at Prescott Area Shelter Services. Hot meals at Catholic Charities. Supporting refugees with Pots and Pans for Welcome to America. Diapers or formula for Life Connections. 100 Polio Vaccines for Unicef. A community well for WaterAid or three chickens for Mentors International.) These are just a few of the 35 different items that can be purchased from the Giving Machine when it comes to Prescott.
There will be a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to open the Giving Machine at 4:00 pm on Saturday, Dec 2. This will be right between the annual Christmas parade and the lighting of Court House Square, so that will be a busy day. There will be a stage with lighting and sound system set up next to the machines where local performers will be entertaining throughout the two weeks the machines will be here. The Quad Cities Interfaith Choir will be performing at the ribbon cutting event
The entertainment on the stage will take place three times a day (noon, 3pm and 7pm) Monday through Saturday. There will be all sorts of different acts - From more well known acts like Vicky Oldham and Tom Agostino to local school choirs, church praise bands, a bagpipe player, and the local barbershop chorus, the High Mountain Chordsmen.
Follow this blog for more details as we get closer to the event.
Here are some short videos that show what the Giving Machine is like:
(Spotlights partnerships with diverse faiths and civic groups)
No comments:
Post a Comment