From Christen:
In times of uncertainty we realize that two things that are apparently opposite can both be true. For example, personally, I am both grieving the events and opportunities I have lost and I am grateful for the many blessings I still have. As I consider the future that awaits me on the other end of this crisis, I know that much of it will look quite different from what I had anticipated and I know that I will be okay.
The Off Ramp is also carrying two truths in tension. We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the generosity of resources and of spirit from our donors and we are still very much in need of support. It is with the knowledge of both of these realities that we approach next week's Giving Tuesday. #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
Instead of just asking for additional support, The Off Ramp is launching a Giving & Gratitude campaign. Over the next week, we will share with you stories of how your support is changing lives and we will show you ways we still need help. On Giving Tuesday itself, every hour on the hour we will share with our social media followers something we are grateful for even as we ask you to help us reach our goal.
So what is our Giving Tuesday goal? We want to raise $5,000. Ambitious? Perhaps. Possible? Absolutely. We will tell you more about how to do that in an email first thing Tuesday morning, May 5. For now, we wanted you to know what is ahead.
If you are feeling caught between two apparently opposing realities—you are grateful to be home with your kids and you're finding your patience tested, you are afraid for the health of your loved ones and are relieved everyone has remained healthy thus far, you are enjoying the slower pace imposed on you and you miss your previous levels of productivity—whatever the tension is for you, know that you are not alone. We are right there with you and we are embracing it all!