Working to Give: Philanthropies & Philanthropic Work

Maureen Stanko of Cedars, Pennsylvania, has created a beacon of hope for families with special-needs children. Stanko’s son, Nick, a 20-year-old on the autism spectrum, inspired the creation of the So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe, which opened its doors in January 2023. This unique cafe employs 63 people, 80% of whom have disabilities, serving in roles ranging from greeters to sous chefs.

Maureen was feeling concerned about what Nick would do once he finished school. Nick’s therapist shared with her that he dreamt of opening a restaurant that would employ people with disabilities. With the help of philanthropist Kathy Opperman, this dream quickly became a reality.

The cafe has become more than a workplace—it’s a community hub where people with disabilities can dine without stress. It’s a place where Nick learned to comfortably sit at a restaurant, and where others, like Lauren Oppelts, who is hearing impaired, thrive in roles they never imagined possible. Oppelts, who works as a hostess and teaches sign language, shared her newfound confidence, saying, “I mean, if you would ask me over a year ago, two years ago that I would be a hostess, a server, I wouldn’t believe you. Because I have grown so much self-confidence… A lot of these employees I’ve known since the very, very beginning and the growth I see in them, it’s just mind-blowing.”

Adjacent to the cafe, Stanko established the Inspiration Studio. Here, individuals with disabilities engage in music, life skills, and crafts, further enriching their lives.

Through her initiative, Stanko has not only provided meaningful employment and a supportive community but also demonstrated that everyone truly has “so much to give.” This inspiring venture reflects the power of community, dedication, and the belief that everyone has valuable contributions to make.

A generous group of Providence College students from Raymond Hall’s fourth floor came together to give James Mogaji, a beloved security officer, the gift of a lifetime. Several months ago, the students learned that Mogaji hadn’t visited his family in Nigeria in over a decade. They decided to start an online fundraiser to reunite him with his loved ones.

Their initial goal was modest. The students hoped to raise $3,500. However, the overwhelming support from nearly 800 donations soon exceeded their expectations, highlighting the community’s admiration for Mogaji’s kindness and compassion.

In a touching ceremony on March 6, the students presented Mogaji with the money, ensuring his journey back home could become a reality. Mogaji was overwhelmed by the gesture, expressing his shock and gratitude at the unexpected kindness.

The gesture not only underscores the strong sense of community at Providence College but also reflects the institution’s ethos of care and concern. President Father Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. commended the students for embodying the spirit of the Friars, showcasing an exceptional example of selflessness and unity.

Mogaji plans to travel to Nigeria this summer. This story is a beautiful reminder of how small acts of generosity can make significant differences in people’s lives, strengthening community bonds and fostering an environment of mutual support and love.

This year, Valentine’s Day in Denver transcends the usual expectations of romance and smiles, offering an inspiring blend of art, generosity, and community spirit. Thanks to the creativity of local artist Xander Phoenix, who ingeniously scattered 100 papier-mâché hearts across the Denver metropolitan area. These are no ordinary hearts; each is crafted from one hundred $1.00 bills, inviting the public to a unique treasure hunt that enriches the soul as much as the wallet.

Dubbed “The Heart of Money,” this art installation ventures beyond the conventional art scene, weaving a narrative that explores our relationship with money and art. Those who are lucky enough to find a heart are encouraged to either use the money, keeping the heart as decoration in their home, leaving it in place for others to find, or even gifting it to someone else to spread joy. The choice is a testament to the varied value we can find in art and generosity.

Phoenix explained, “Ultimately, my goal is to spread love and joy around Denver on Valentine’s Day…  It’s a fun way to both create and connect community around some important themes. I hope everyone who goes out looking for the hearts and those who find them have as much fun as we’ve had creating and bringing this street art installation to life.”

The initiative is also a tribute to Phoenix’s late mother, an award-winning filmmaker and activist. “The Heart of Money” honors her legacy, spreading love and joy in a city-wide celebration that embodies the spirit of giving and creativity.

In a touching gesture, a Peloton community in Massachusetts upheld their annual tradition of generosity by leaving a substantial tip for local restaurant servers. Members of the Wicked Smaht Zone, a subgroup within the Peloton community, surprised Nicole Boiardi and Raisa Zan with a gracious gift of nearly $7,200 during a breakfast gathering at Red’s Kitchen and Tavern in Peabody.

In an interview on Good Morning America, founder Josh Vernon revealed that the fitness group, was formed to serve a more significant purpose. With the motto “do wicked good,” the 2,300 members encourage each other to excel not just in fitness, but in all aspects of life, extending their commitment to giving back to the community.

Embracing this mantra, the group initiated an annual charitable gathering, converging at different restaurants each year to pool funds for a special tip for servers. Originally expecting a modest dinner for about 20, the generosity spiraled as members expressed willingness to contribute additional funds via Venmo, resulting in a tip exceeding $7,000.

Expressing astonishment and gratitude, servers Zan and Boiardi decided to share the unexpected windfall with their colleagues, particularly those working behind the scenes. Vernon emphasized that the group’s philanthropy stems from the belief that individuals, regardless of their platform’s scale, can go beyond mere goodness and make a genuinely positive impact, embodying the spirit of “doing wicked good.”