We kicked off December in style with giving Tuesday, and we were delighted by the generosity and enthusiasm from everyone who contributed … and all supported the Cultural Center's mission in 2020. Your involvement makes such a difference to our work and enables us to continue bringing our diverse programming to our community. We know you have many organizations to choose from when making your year-end gifts, and we are incredibly grateful that you chose the Cultural Center. This year more than ever, your support is ensuring that programs at the Center not only exist but grow as demand for services increases. Thank you!
It's well known that altruistic behavior can increase feelings of confidence, wellbeing, happiness, and optimism. But here's more good news—giving is not only good for you, it's also contagious! A recent study from research at the University of California and Harvard shows that when one person behaves generously, observers are inspired to behave generously later, toward different people and diverse groups. The study found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person to person. As a result, the researchers concluded that each person acting generously or altruistically can positively influence dozens or even hundreds of others.
So whether you do a good deed, volunteer your time, or donate money this holiday season, yours is much more than just a single act; it can positively help your friends, your colleagues, and our wider community—and that has to be a good thing. It may help you build new social connections and jumpstart a cascade of generosity. And don't be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a hefty dose of happiness in the process.