Jimmy Butler Helps Ukraine at the US Open

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Sports

NBA All-Star, Jimmy Butler took his talents to tennis’ U.S. Open to raise money for humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

The 6 foot 7 forward from the Miami Heat joined up with American tennis great, Frances Tiafoe to play a doubles match against Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz and singer-songwriter Sebastian Yatra.

The foursome raised $320,000 to help those suffering in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February of 2022.

The US Open began on August 22 in Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens NY. In addition to Butler, Tennis fans enjoyed seeing familiar faces like Gabriela Sabatini, John McEnroe, and others who participated in Stars of the Open, a series of fun exhibitions that took place prior to the Open.

Does mood impact giving?

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity

A study out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Georgia Institute of Technology found that people who are in good moods are more likely to donate to charitable causes.

According to AP News, the study analyzed Twitter posts made by donors both before and after they made a donation. Evidence pointed to the fact the donor’s mood had improved shortly before the donation was made.

Assistant professor Casey Wichman, explained, “It suggests that rather than this conventional notion that people give because it makes them feel good about themselves for doing the right thing, we found that people were in a good mood prior to donating, and that’s potentially the causal factor for why they decided to give”.

Charities could use this concept to their advantage, reaching out to donors at specific times such as birthdays and holidays when they are likely to be in a good mood. Using a donor’s good mood to their advantage could help nonprofits who are still recovering from the effects if Covid-19.  CEO of Charity Navigator, Michael Thatcher, continues to prompt charitable organizations to experiment carefully and stay focused on their mission. He said, “I think we need to be trying new things right now because there is donor fatigue, … (but) don’t try every new fad.”