For more than 80 years, the Goodmans’ name has been synonymous with community and philanthropy. Our store’s founders, the brothers Goodman, gave and gave generously to this great community. We believe a great way to honor that legacy is to nurture others who give generously. As we celebrate our Founders’ Day next month, we’re doing just that.
Madison is brimming with givers, thinkers, and doers who’ve organized themselves into well over 800 nonprofits. That’s a lot of good—for people, climate, animals and everything in between. So, we’re asking for your help selecting three local charities that will receive a portion of our sales during this year’s Founders’ Day event. We’ve already narrowed it down to six:
Gio’s Garden provides therapeutic respite to families of children ages birth to six with special needs. It was founded by a local couple with a child who has special needs, after they discovered this critical resource didn’t exist here. For free, parents can carve out a few hours each week to recharge mind, body, and spirit, knowing their little ones are being given the king’s treatment in a home-like atmosphere with skilled and loving caregivers.
The Goodman Community Center strengthens lives through its community-focused facility and programs. Complete with gym and classrooms, it operates a preschool and 4K program as well as after-school care and activities for children of all ages. It also provides parent support, such as parenting classes and family fun nights. Games, exercises, meals, and more are offered to people ages 60+. Note that the Goodman Community Center is not affiliated with our store or other area organizations bearing the Goodman name.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. It leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches in the fight against cancer. They and their fans work together to raise awareness about cancer, raise funds for research and treatments, and raise communities who nurture those living among them with cancer.
New Harvest Foundation is Dane County’s only foundation that channels charitable contributions exclusively to organizations that promote (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) LGBT causes. They seek to empower LGBT individuals—mind, body, and spirit—by providing money for specific projects, such as the Gay Straight Alliance’s safety trainings for school professionals, UW Press’s publication of LGBT literature, and the Madison Minotaurs Rugby team’s expenses for competing internationally.
The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County provides a safe place for youth that is so much more than just a playground or a place to get a nutritious meal. It is led by a dedicated team of professionals with expertise in youth development, business management, and community outreach. They’ve touched the lives of nearly 3,000 young people through positive mentoring, classes, and activities. Inspiring youth and helping them acquire important life skills, the club significantly improves educational outcomes for kids.
Dane County Humane Society is an open-admission shelter that accepts all animals that need assistance, regardless of age, health status, or temperament. With a state-of-the-art medical facility, it guarantees that those with treatable conditions will find new homes. They also reunite thousands of lost pets with their families each year, and provide a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach.
Obviously, each of these organizations—and the wonderful charities not listed here—do far more than we could ever describe on a page. But it’s a taste, and we encourage you to visit their sites to learn more. Just don’t forget to come back and vote for your favorite! To Honor our Founders Goodman’s Jewelers will divide 10% of all merchandise sales on October 17th and 18th among the three charities receiving the most likes on their logos.
The three charities with the most votes will be announced the week of October 6. So, click here to vote and tell your friends!
