Three New England Governors Proclaim Day After Thanksgiving as Day of Philanthropy

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri have each proclaimed the day after Thanksgiving as a day to encourage philanthropy.

George McCully, president of the Catalogue for Philanthropy, praising the actions of the governors, said, "Charitable giving is mostly seasonal; more charities are in closer touch with more donors during their "annual appeals" in the year-end holiday season than at any other time of year. By focusing on philanthropy when families are already together for the Thanksgiving holiday and gratefully mindful of the blessings of their own lives, Governors Romney, Benson and Carcieri have created an opportunity for citizens to express their private initiatives for the public good."

In proclaiming "Giving Massachusetts Day", Governor Romney noted that Sam Adams proposed the first official Thanksgiving Proclamation on November 1, 1777 and recommended "the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their devine benefactor."

Governor Carcieri proclaimed "Giving Rhode Island" day by stating that philanthropy is both essential to civic health in self-governing societies and generally recognized as an appropriate expression of gratitude on the part of donors for the benefits they enjoy in life.

Governor Benson's proclamation for "Giving New Hampshire Day" noted that although the majority of New Hampshire's residents participate in philanthropic activities through charitiable giving, volunteerism, or both, there is always the potential to do more.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy's annual Generosity Index, a ranking of states in charitable giving, ranks Massachusetts 47, Rhode Island 49 and New Hampshire 50 out of the 50 states.

McCully added, "While charitable giving has experienced significant growth in New England over the past several years, there is always room for individuals to give back to their communities even more."

- CATALOGUE FOR PHILANTHROPY - 11/25/03 -

For more info: Martin Cohn 617.962.3136
on the web:
www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org
www.givingnh.org