Giving Tuesday starts early at MUSC

It’s easy to picture: The day after Thanksgiving. You’re worn out from cooking. And eating. And listening to your uncle talk politics. And now here comes capitalism with a smirk on its face, ready to punch you square in the face with Black Friday.

So why not dodge left – or right – hey, politics are taking a break since Uncle Steve went home, avoiding that annual blow to the old moneymaker and doing something more charitable with your money? 

Enter: Giving Tuesday. 

Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday started with a modest goal: do something good in the world. Since then, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving has grown into a global giving movement and the biggest giving day of the year in the world. In 2017, the Medical University of South Carolina got in on the action, and since then it has raised nearly $800,000. Money raised on Giving Tuesday goes to the MUSC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has supported MUSC in its lifesaving mission since 1966.

“But MUSC is a state-funded organization; why do they need donations?” you might be asking yourself. But what most people don’t realize is that state funds make up less than 4% of MUSC’s annual budget. That’s why philanthropy is so important. Over the years, the money raised has been used to create opportunities for students, faculty and staff in all six MUSC colleges through scholarships, experiences and resources. Donations also support MUSC’s greatest needs, programs that enhance patient care and research efforts across the enterprise.

Last year alone, more than $36,000 went to supporting discovery and innovation at Hollings Cancer Center and $23,000 to programs that give families hope and help children to heal at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion. And thanks to a generous gift of stock from MUSC Health Heart and Vascular Center Advisory Board member Hank Greer and his wife, Laurel, more than $300,000 went to the center to support two endowed chairs: The Hank and Laurel Greer Endowed Chair in Electrophysiology and the Elliott-Robison Endowed Chair in Vascular Surgery.

Big or small, it’s important to remember that every gift changes what’s possible. 

“There is no limit to what we can do when we all come together,” said Kate Azizi, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “Gifts of all sizes are welcome, and more than half of the gifts we receive are less than $100. Collectively, they make a significant impact on patient care, medical research, scholarships and so many other things that touch people’s lives in a very personal way.”

Want to help but maybe you don’t have the financial means to do so? No problem. Simply spreading the word is another great way to help, said Azizi. Just share @MUSCFoundation social media posts that promote Giving Tuesday or create your own posts with the hashtag “#GiveTueMUSC.”

Now for the best part: You don’t have to wait until Tuesday, Nov. 30 to donate. Simply visit giving.musc.edu/Tuesday and donate any amount you wish. Earmark it for something specific or simply label it as “funding for areas of greatest need.” Totally up to you. It’s tax deductible and can be done online or by calling 843-792-2677.