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WHEREAS, legendary patriot Sam Adams declared on November 1, 1771, that there be a day "set apart ... for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor;" and

WHEREAS, in this season of Thanksgiving, we must all be grateful for our good fortunes, and also gracious in helping those who are in need; and

WHEREAS, philanthropy is an essential element in our society, and is generally recognized as an appropriate expression of gratitude on the part of donors for the benefits they enjoy in life; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Hampshire has a community of non-profit organizations that is as vast and diverse as its natural landscape; and

WHEREAS, charitable giving has experienced significant growth in New Hampshire over the past several years, however, there is room for our citizens to give back to their communities even more; and

WHEREAS, 84% of New Hampshire residents donate money to charitable causes and 64% volunteer their personal time to philanthropic pursuits; and

WHEREAS, although the majority of New Hampshire's residents participate in philanthropic activities through charitable giving, volunteerism, or both, there is always the potential to do more; and

WHEREAS, New Hampshire residents care deeply for their fellow man, and dedicate themselves to providing leadership and charitable acts that benefit their fellow citizens, our Nation and world;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CRAIG BENSON, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim NOVEMBER 28, 2003, as GIVING NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY in New Hampshire and I encourage all citizens to take part in philanthropic programs throughout the year to enhance the quality of life for all New Hampshire residents.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Concord,
this seventeenth day of November, in the
year of Our Lord two thousand and three,
and the independence of the United States
of America, two hundred and twenty-eight.


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Craig R. Benson
Governor of New Hampshire