Give Miami Day Community Block Party

Josie GulliksenSince the inception of the Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day, there’s been a growing interest from the community to engage with the participating non-profits. Being strictly a 24-hour online-giving event, it lacked the face-to-face element people were seeking.Upon hearing that feedback, organizers at the Miami Foundation established the Give Miami Day Community Block Party taking place on Give Miami Day, Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, West Plaza.“We figured why not invite the community to come out and enjoy this day and allow people to physically connect with those organizations participating in Give Miami Day?” said Matthew Beatty, director of communications for the Miami Foundation.Due to the space constraints of the venue, booth space was limited to 20 non-profits, but the Foundation has invited all participating groups to attend the event.The 20 Block Party participants are encouraged to highlight the variety of ways interested attendees can become involved with their organizations, including more than just volunteer opportunities. Donations, which are the main focus of the event, will be accepted that evening with iPads and laptops set up throughout the park.There will be food for sale, a kids’ zone and entertainment by the Miami Jazz Cooperative, who will provide musical accompaniment throughout the evening as well as a performance by Catalyst Hip Hop, a group of break dancers from Youth for Christ.The Miami Foundation intends to host the block party for years to come in an effort to bring more widespread visibility to Give Miami Day. “The idea here is to encourage folks to get excited about philanthropy. We want the community to know that you don’t need to write a million dollar check, that just the $25 donation during Give Miami Day is enough to make a difference,” said Beatty.“We want to make mini-gifts into multi-millions. This is how all of us can engage, be supportive and ultimately build a better Miami,” he said.