For the past 10 years, Strictly Business has hosted and helped organize a fundraiser for a local nonprofit. For the first four years, we partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska to support the amazing work they do to care for individuals and their loved ones in the area who are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In 2017, we were introduced to another wonderful local nonprofit, Domesti-PUPS (domesti-pups.org). This organization trains and places therapy or service dogs with people who have disabilities, typically young children who suffer from seizures. We have had the blessing of working with the founder of Domesti-PUPS, Michelle O’Dea, and her fellow volunteer team ever since. This year, our 10th Annual Party in the Garden Fundraiser benefitting Domesti-PUPS, is on Friday, September 9. So if you’re reading this before the event, please reach out to me about attending!

These last 10 years of hosting Party in the Garden have been truly humbling. Fun fact: the event used to just be called Garden Party but we changed it because it confused some people into thinking this was a party where we actually did gardening! In reality, this fundraising event is one-of-a-kind. In addition to aiding the mission of an impactful organization and raising money that ends up changing and saving lives, I love how this fundraiser has brought together so many businesses and people in the community over the years. Connecting people is one of our pillars at Strictly Business. Putting on the Party in the Garden Fundraiser is one of the ways we do this while giving back at the same time. This is why it’s one of my favorite events of the year!

As we turn the corner on a decade, there are way too many people to thank. Looking at photos from past events, I see many faces and businesses that have returned year after year—some of whom have been a part of the fundraiser since year-one!

The Party in the Garden Fundraiser is made possible by food and drink donations from local vendors, table sponsors, and auction donations from area businesses, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic attendees, and the outstanding efforts from our planning committee, which includes dear friends of mine and my Strictly Business staff. A giant thank you to each and every one of them.

As a local business, giving back and prioritizing charitable giving is so important. We have a responsibility to enhance the community we do business in—the community our clients, partners, and employees live in. I know there are many other businesses that do their part to give, like Strictly Business does through Party in the Garden and various other activities.

I would love to hear your story! How do you and/or your business support local nonprofits? If you send me your story, we’ll share it on our Facebook.

This is a wonderful time to talk about the spirit of giving as we creep up on the holiday season. Even if our time and resources are limited, I think of the words of Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor from giving.” Yes, organizing a large fundraising event is time consuming, but it is so rewarding. The past 10 years of doing the Party in the Garden Fundraiser has enriched the overall framework of my business. I’m looking forward to this being another amazing event and to seeing what the future has in store for us next.