A Day of Caring and Community through Art

This morning, I had the incredible opportunity to join nearly 1900 volunteers for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville's Day of Caring. It was an inspiring start to the day, with volunteers from all walks of life uniting for a common goal—giving back to our community in meaningful ways.

What made today even more special for me was seeing the painting I created for the Day of Caring featured on the t-shirts that every volunteer proudly wore. It was a humbling moment to see my art symbolizing the heart of volunteerism and community upliftment.

The design itself reflects the spirit of today—people coming together, working side by side for the good of our community. Seeing most of the volunteers in those t-shirts reminded me of how art can unite and inspire collective action.

Today’s events are a reminder that when we come together, whether through volunteerism or creativity, we make a difference. I’m grateful to United Way of Greater Charlottesville and all the volunteers for allowing me to be part of this transformative day. This isn’t just about art on a t-shirt; it’s about the beauty in action and the power of community.

Together, we’ve created something beautiful, and I’m excited to continue supporting our community in new ways.

Thank you for caring, and thank you for making today special!

My Enthusiasm for Joining the Advisory Council for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville

As the co-founder of Cvillegives.org and a person who deeply cares about giving back to communities, I'm thrilled to share that I'm joining the advisory council for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville. This is a significant milestone in my quest to make a positive impact, and I'm eager to bring my expertise to this worthwhile cause.

To me, philanthropy is more than just giving money or attending fundraisers—it's about actively engaging with the community to tackle pressing societal issues. This is why I'm drawn to the United Way's mission of mobilizing resources and rallying support to improve lives.

Charlottesville holds a special place in my heart and serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. I'm eager to contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen our community and ensure each individual has the chance to thrive.

One aspect of joining the advisory council that excites me is the chance to collaborate with others who share my passion for making a difference. We will use our combined knowledge, experience, and resources to find innovative solutions to challenges and create lasting change.

I'm also keen to explore new ways of community engagement and outreach, particularly in underserved areas. Whether it's supporting local nonprofits, or leading grassroots initiatives, I'm ready to contribute in any capacity to drive progress.

“United Way of Greater Charlottesville connects our community, enabling individuals and families to achieve their potential.”

— United Way's Mission Statement

In addition to my work in Charlottesville, I will bring a global perspective to the council, drawing from my experiences in Kenya. By sharing insights from my international work, I hope to contribute to a more comprehensive approach to philanthropy that crosses borders and fosters understanding and empathy.

I'm looking forward to meeting more members of the Charlottesville community and sharing my journey as an artist and philanthropist. Through open dialogue and meaningful connections, we can cultivate a culture of compassion and collaboration that will drive us towards a brighter future.

In closing, joining the advisory council for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville is a unique chance to channel my passion for giving back into action. I'm grateful to work alongside dedicated individuals who share my vision for a more just and equitable world, and I approach the journey ahead with enthusiasm and optimism. Together, we will make a difference—one community at a time.

Image credit: @unitedwaycville Instagram. Featured is Juandiego Wade, Board Chair (2019-2022) for the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, VA, who has recently been appointed as the mayor of Charlottesville.