COLUMBUS, OH (March 1, 2017)—Central Ohio rallied around Columbus Kindness Month to produce more than 10,000 acts of kindness and generate more than $100,000 toward the kindness movement.
The Columbus Foundation and Besa joined forces to launch Columbus Kindness Month in February, rallying the community to generate acts of kindness to connect, inspire and advance people throughout central Ohio.
Several Columbus businesses—from Homage to Jeni’s—partnered on the mission. It was remarkable, then, watching individuals get inspired and generating their own unique acts of kindness, big and small.
I am always amazed, but never surprised, by the generosity of the people of Columbus. We are an open and inclusive city—and kind, too.
— Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther
"I am proud of the time and money residents have donated to Columbus Kindness Month efforts, once again showing what a truly special place Columbus is," said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
Highlights include:
- $45,000 makeover of the Dress for Success Columbus fitting rooms, thanks to a bevy of community partners and donors
- 5,000+ articles of clothing donated to Volunteers of America to replenish their fire-ravaged warehouse
- 3,000 inspirational notes written and shared across the community
- 2,000 kindness coffee cups with inspiring notes given to unsuspecting customers at Roosevelt Coffeehouse.
- 1,000+ products sold to benefit kindness, including HOMAGE tees, Jeni’s ice cream, Candle Lab candles and Mikey's/Hot Chicken Takeover pizza slices
- 50 cakes given by Tremont Goodie Shop to unsuspecting people out in the community
- 1 Harmony Project video launched, building a message of unity viewed more than 80,000 times
- Hundreds of community-driven, school-driven and individual-driven acts performed citywide
"We knew our community had authentic kindness in its DNA, but being a part of the outpouring of joy and love that has occurred in response to Columbus Kindness Month has been overwhelming,” said Kelley Griesmer, The Columbus Foundation VP, Special Projects & Manager, Walter Family Philanthropy.
“Kindness is the most powerful unifier,” said Besa Executive Director Matthew Goldstein. “And this month brought it to the forefront.”
Recap the month through photos and posts on social media at #givekindnesscolumbus, and follow along for future opportunities like this on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is ranked among the ten largest community foundations in the United States. For more, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614.251.4000.
About Besa
Besa is a Columbus nonprofit dedicated to supporting those who need it most by connecting people and businesses with local charities. Besa offers a portal at givebesa.org where Columbus residents can easily find and register for volunteer opportunities citywide; it hosts drives for various nonprofits; and it helps corporate partners manage and enhance their philanthropic efforts.