Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the spirit of thankfulness, gratitude, and friendship. I’ve witnessed this same generous spirit within our membership and business community in the way they give back, lend a hand, and support one another. This year I am feeling particularly grateful to be doing impactful and meaningful work within this same amazing community, including the work of the Northern Virginia Chamber Foundation.
As part of the Chamber’s broader strategic planning process, the Foundation’s mission has expanded and taken on larger, more impactful projects. its purpose is to build a stronger community by establishing programs that benefit the citizens and businesses of Northern Virginia. You’ve more than likely participated in or at least seen some of the Foundation’s current projects that are focused on workforce development, including the Greater Washington Apprentice Network, The Northern Virginia Workforce Index, and our newest venture, the Northern Virginia Workforce Network, an open network of workforce professionals from across the region coming together to connect and collaborate. These projects are just the beginning as our Foundation has more exciting projects around the corner.
Because the Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization* separate from the Chamber, we must rely on donations to support our work. To that end, we have recently launched two initiatives: a Giving Tuesday request for support at any level, and the Friends of the Chamber Foundation friend-raising campaign. The co-chairs of the Friends of the Chamber Foundation campaign are Kathryn Falk, Harry Klaff and Todd Rowley. Interested parties are welcome to join them and become a Friend themselves by donating $1,000 to support our workforce initiatives.
We are thankful to our Friends of the Foundation, including our most recent additions:
- Bud Morrisette
- Steve Gladis
- Deb Gandy
- Luanne Gutermuth
- Susan Moser
- Scott McGeary
The Foundation is poised to become a driving force within the region, and we invite you to become part of the action. Please consider donating to the Northern Virginia Chamber Foundation to support the important work we have begun. And keep an eye out for our future projects!
*As a 501c3 charitable organization, donations to the Northern Virginia Chamber Foundation are tax deductible.
