It is that time of the year when we look into our mailboxes each day, there is another letter or request for support of some worthy not-for-profit organization in our community. Rainbows, too, recently mailed out its annual giving request.
People have a lot of different reasons for giving. There is the traditional motive of stewardship that simply expresses one’s gratitude. Others give because they are passionate about a particular cause. They believe in and support the agency’s mission.
It is this part I want to focus on – Rainbows’ mission – because when you give to Rainbows you are helping to enhance the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services. The Mission happens because of the contributions of so many.
Eighty percent of Rainbows’ budget goes into supporting staff through wages and benefits. It is this staff who travel throughout Butler and Sedgwick Counties to provide services to more than 3,500 children and their families annually.
We are not merely asking you to support Rainbows’ day-to day operations but to help transform lives. Lives like Jenna who learned to sign “I love you” to her mother, or Sophia whose mother never thought she would hear Sophia speak or see her walk of which Sophia now does both. We are not asking to help keep the lights on or maintain buildings – especially since 94% of Rainbows’ services are provided out in the community where children live or are cared for – but to help reveal the masterpiece in each and every child we serve.
So take a moment to read Rainbows’ annual request to discern how your donation will be used. Hopefully then, you will feel ever so confident that your gift will help us continue in accomplishing our Mission.
Happy Holidays!
Deb Voth
President of Rainbows
