This #GivingTuesday, the Bay County Chamber Foundation will celebrate giving by using funds raised to fund a grant program whose mission is to provide financial aid to businesses in Bay County that were affected by Hurricane Michael.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27^th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

The Bay County Chamber Foundation is operated by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce in Panama City, Fla. Money raised by the foundation will be used to fund a grant program in which uninsured and underinsured businesses affected by Hurricane Michael may apply for funding to aid in business recovery. Dollars from the grant is intended to assist businesses with needs associated with reopening post storm.

“There are a number of businesses that have lost everything following the hurricane,” said Carol Roberts, President/CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. “Commerce is essential to the viability of every community. This program will help restore commerce in Bay County and send the message we are open for business.”

Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.

“We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”

Those who are interested in joining Bay County Chamber Foundation’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=593479027&fbclid=IwAR1jlfXtfD7uBMUA8W_PQa0rKuvCtpnst5MHHqg8Y2mtUHOdmVIEnCjZbLk&vlrStratCode=PrRX42xdtWOiCDVpuckUKnEUtRqlJyPCuevsT2ud9y5YiMjaN3OXiFNrt1Bi7IP%2b. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.

About the Bay County Chamber Foundation, Inc.

The Bay County Chamber Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization managed by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. It is the lead organization for Bay County’s aims of advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding of economics, matters of public concern, finance, education and training, housing, human relations, problems of minority groups, science and technology, economic planning and development, international relations, and other subjects related to improved efficiency, development, and acceleration of both the quality and quantity of economic growth and employment of economic growth and employment opportunities.

About #GivingTuesday

Founded by the team in the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at 92nd Street Yhttp://www.92Y.org, #GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 27. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners
to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit:
Website: www.givingtuesday.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday
Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues