With the New Year just a few days away, we're all soul-searching for meaningful resolutions.
Coincidentally, with 2012 comes paying 2011's pesky taxes, which means we're also searching for ways to get out of giving our year's savings to Uncle Sam.
Whether you're in it for the gift of giving, or for an extra way to capitalize on your deductions, here are five beneficial ways to support the causes of South Florida.
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children's Hospital
According to Radio Lollipop, one in four children are admitted to a
hospital before reaching age 14. As a kid, these experiences are often
crummy, and sometimes scary. Adding a little musical sunshine to a young
patient's day, the mission of Radio Lollipop is to provide a more
comfortable atmosphere within the hospital walls. Through song requests,
prize giveaways and on-air guests, this audible gem provides support
through the universal language of music. Though the gift of volunteering
is free, a monetary donation ensures Radio Lollipop
will continue its live run on the airwaves. For the music lover looking
to offer up some aid, Radio Lollipop is your number one request.
Support a future DJ at mch.com/radiolollipop.
Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry Florida
Living in Miami paves the way for edible travels around town. This
melting pot city has so much to offer to both distinguished foodies and
enjoyable eaters. But while you're sinking your teeth into that foie
gras ravioli or white truffle risotto, how often do you consider those
who are left hungry at home? Share Our Strength Florida is a local
organization devoted to ending child hunger. Through the No Kid Hungry
campaign, everyone from enthusiastic food drive volunteers to esteemed
Miami chefs (Michelle Bernstein, Michael Schwartz, and Clay Conley) have
supported the cause. With more than half a dozen Florida beneficiaries
receiving the relief, the mission of SOS continues to feed its
charitable appetite with the help of your gratuity. So, instead of
chucking leftovers from your favorite steakhouse, fork over the funds to
someone who could use a few good meals.
Feed a friend by logging on to strengthflorida.org.
Art Studio Miami
There's no better gift than giving -- especially when it's to a child.
Art Studio Miami provides a unique safe haven for budding impoverished
young minds to explore, under the creative influence of mentors,
teachers, and artists who encourage development through holistic arts. In
turn, at-risk youngsters are given a chance to discover their own
talents in this art-friendly comfort zone. Through the "Everything is
Energy" program model, children learn through stages how to nurture
themselves, while caring for their communities. Sponsor a student and be
the enriching influence that promotes the freedom to create.
Paint a smile by visiting artstudiomiami.org.
New World Symphony
Miami's famed organization of young talent, New World Symphony is a warm
way to give back to the performing arts community in South Florida. If
you've cruised down 17th Street on SoBe in the past year, you've had --
at the very least -- a glimpse of the mesmerizing New World Center.
Inviting guests inside of its gorgeous, resonating concert house, a trip
into New World is a treat for any music lover. New World gives back to
the community on the regular, inviting the public to view the breathtaking
light projects that accompany amplified surround-sound for the gratis,
outdoor concert experience. With multiple ways to contribute to New
World Symphony, you're bound to hit a high note.
Sponsor a concert at nws.edu/waystogive.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Whether it's Jazz Under the Stars or Chocolate Fest you fancy, Fairchild
Tropical Botanic Garden is a natural Coconut Grove wonder that survives on the gifts of locals. For the gardener in you, plant
conservation is one way to get involved in benefiting the city, for
nature's sake. Leave A Legacy or Fulfill A Fairchild Wish -- either way, your donation
supports this beautiful botanical wonderland and all it represents.
Every time you stroll through the greenery, you'll feel like this garden
is now partly your own backyard. And that picnic experience is
priceless.
Pay your respects to the plants via fairchildgarden.org.
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