Ian Ruzow

The concept of First Friday started out in the late 1980s as a way for cities all over America to combat the threat of urban decay.

With the rise of the tech industry, Silicon Valley has become home to one of the wealthiest sectors in the US. That also makes it a prime target for charitable organizations in need of funding, but charitable organizations are finding Silicon Valley to be a tough nut to crack.

Philanthropy is a well-integrated concept in society today. Different stakeholders perform different functions to facilitate and encourage the concept of giving towards charity.

Volunteering has been shown to have a number of health and overall quality of life benefits. Volunteers have been shown to live longer, have deeper emotional stability and even experience better mental health and happiness.

Retirement is a time for people to explore new experiences and participate in events they may not have had time for during their working lives.

Utilizing Facebook as a platform for fundraising is an excellent opportunity to raise money for charity and other nonprofit purposes. However, it’s still important to weigh the pros and cons.

Before we are Republicans or Democrats, we are humans.
Each day when I read the news I am plagued by a sense of despair and a deep questioning of how we, as humans can either permit or inflict pain and suffering on each other. How can racial, social, gender, economic and other forms of inequality be sought and celebrated by some, and anathema to others?
As a human I can’t understand or accept certain ideologies or concepts, yet these same concepts are celebrated by others. Things like poverty...

We’re all familiar with seeing food courts at every mall in America. Having a central location of cuisine is convenient because people can choose between a variety of food without having to walk or drive to different restaurants.
The problem with these food courts is that they often lack upscale options. They’re more likely to be filled with chain restaurants and greasy foods than fresh, local food and drinks. A food hall, on the other hand, is a cultural experience that features both creativ...

Participating in a community event is always a rewarding experience. You get to network with other people in the area while supporting the community you live in. It is especially great when you can support a charity and get a good workout at the same time.
There are plenty of 5Ks and other charity runs in Pennsylvania throughout the year, but Spring is a great time to dust off your running shoes and enjoy the fresh air.
Here is a list of events you should consider if you live near the Harrisb...

Tourism to Lancaster County positively impacts small and large businesses alike. Restaurants, attractions and lodging properties benefit directly from tourism, but that leads to the betterment of all businesses from farmers to printers to builders.
The longtime residents of Lancaster and the surrounding areas are invaluable, but it’s the tourism to our county that has been a driving force of growth.
History of the Station
The Lancaster train station was designated a contributing property to t...

When disaster strikes, American folks often dig into their wallets and donate, but giving back entails much more. Volunteering is another quality here in the United States that racks up some huge numbers. For instance, every year, close to 63 million people here volunteer, and that rounds out to services in the amount of $184 billion. The U.S. is also very generous compared to the rest of the world and ranks 4th in giving to charity to the tune of about $410 billion annually.
Not every state ...

Spring and cleaning go together like peanut butter and jelly. Of course, cleaning doesn’t just involve shaking off the dust and debris of winter — it’s also a good time to rid yourself of that which no longer brings you joy.
Once you’ve decided to pass something along to a new home, you have to figure out just exactly how to do that. You could have a yard or garage sale, but you could also donate it to charity. Here are three things to consider when donating to charity.
Do they need it?
While...

Volunteering can change your life for the better, and those benefits are amplified when you jump out of your comfort zone and volunteer abroad. Being immersed in a new culture can change your entire perspective while benefitting the communities you visit.
How Volunteering Abroad Could Benefit You
When you decide to volunteer your time and skills in a different country, your motives likely aren’t focused on helping yourself — instead, you’re dedicated to helping those in need. However, you won...

Non-profit organizations focus on charity and have no affiliation for making financial profits, but they still need to get in touch with the public and attract financing to achieve their primary goal. To be effective, these companies need to undertake some level of marketing where they get in touch with potential supporters. Here are some crucial tips on how non-profit institutions can market themselves at the least possible cost.
Use Social Media
Social media is mostly free and famous across...

Technology is increasingly playing an important role in helping charities assist those in need. The impact on this sector is growing in a variety of ways, becoming more advanced each year.
Charity:Water helps bring clean water to communities around the world. During a gala dinner, attendees were provided virtual-reality headsets. The headsets enabled a 360-degree video experience of what it is like for people who have to collect water for their families to use each day. Donations exceeded all...