AGB Foundation postcard for virtual silent auction Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2021

Shop for holiday gifts and help a great cause at the same time during the Always Giving Back Foundation Silent Auction, taking place online November 26 through December 3, 2021.

The Silent Auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year, an annual event that makes many of our programs possible. Because of COVID, this year’s Silent Auction is a virtual experience. Participants can bid on various high-end items beautifully presented and ready for gifting (or enjoying).

This year’s fundraising goal is $10,000, and proceeds will support the foundation’s programs for underserved members of the community. These include professional internships, college scholarships, and direct assistance to families, such as our upcoming bike giveaway event.

We have curated an exciting collection of Silent Auction prizes this year, including tickets to a Chicago Bulls basketball game, two-night luxury hotel stays in Chicago, high-end restaurant gift certificates, clothing, massages and more! If you are on social media, please like and follow us on Facebook for details on our fantastic Silent Auction items.

Registration is now open through our secure partner Silent Auction Pro! You’ll need to create an account to view a sampling of auction items, and it only takes a minute to set that up. Your credit card will not be charged unless you are the highest bidder on an item.

The bidding begins on Black Friday, November 26, and closes December 3, 2021. All are invited to participate in the bidding and support the mission of the Always Giving Back Foundation!

 

Hey you! Thank you for taking the first step in opening our December Newsletter. Boy, has a lot happened. We gave away 100 BIKES, the Griffins have closed out Season 3 of Secure Podcast and you still have the opportunity to make an impact!

So much has happened this year that has forced us to create new traditions. It is sponsors like AGB Innovative Security Solutions who allow us to continue helping the community.

Oh, what joy it is to spread some holiday cheer. In 2020 Auburn-Gresham has seen a 30% unemployment rate, gang warfare & the highest rate of COVID infection in both the city and state. The Always Giving Back Foundation gave away 100 bikes to families on the Southside of Chicago. Thank you to Walmart who assembled and delivered bikes to our location.  It is the smiles on the young people’s faces that made it all worth it! Take a look: https://youtu.be/n_wYesUB5YA

If you want to volunteer at our next event click here.

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They Get Each Other

It takes courage to be married and to run a business. When one takes on that responsibility you change the dynamic of your family and the trajectory of your career.

Go watch the new episode of Secure Podcast, “We Get Each Other”.  As a G-Tribe member, you can anticipate new tips and tricks you can apply in your business. This season the Griffins have unpacked entrepreneurship and we don’t want you to miss it!  They have created a workplace that allows their employees to relish in self-identification and invest in their development as professionals. This episode expounds on setting boundaries around your business and marriage. As the Griffin’s have grown their business, they too have grown in their relationship.

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You Can Make an Impact

We recently started the year-round AGB Business Internship program. Youth are exposed to the value of teamwork and networking. Leaving with the understanding that the connections they make today will position them for tomorrow.

We provide a safe space for our youth to be proud of who they are. We hope to build their confidence and remove self-fear of “what if people don’t like me” or “what if people will fear me”.

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 by donating at agbfd.org/donate

 

Let’s Do This!

Oh, how 2020 has passed by! We have had some lows and some highs this year.

The Always Giving Back Foundation has always understood the importance of representation in the workplace. Who would have thought in this decade we would see a woman in the White House? We are super elated to see the FIRST woman, BLACK woman, INDIAN woman to serve in the seat of Vice President of the United States of America. We hope to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders who too will be the FIRST.

The AGB Business Internship has expanded from a six-week summer program to a year-round program. (See 2020 Summer Business Internship here.) This weekend 25 young people came together virtually. They left with a greater understanding of why the Griffins started the AGB Foundation. Their commitment to the community is what sets the tone for the culture of AGB Innovative Security Solutions and its charitable arm.

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Giving the AGB Way

Last year around this time we gave away turkeys to families across Chicago. This year we will gift bikes to the community, so stay tuned. If you ever want to volunteer your time, please fill out the following form. 

AGB’s great work doesn’t stop there! Have you watched this season of Secure Podcast? Entrepreneurs will find tips to build their business, data that encourages them to continue forward as they learn about the Griffins’ journey.

We want to be a part of your holiday plans. Please help us continue our mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty through workforce development, financial wellness, and philanthropy. Support us on Giving Tuesday, December 1, one of three ways:

  1. GIVE & MATCH
    Give any gift of your choice, and request your company to match, at agbfd.org/donate.
  2. SMILE & SHOP
    As you purchase your holiday gifts, consider us in your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping as your foundation choice through AMAZON SMILE.
  3. SHARE  THE JOURNEY
    Take a picture with one of the following “Reasons to give” images and share it on your social media. You’ll be spreading the word about the Foundation’s work and encouraging your friends to give!

 

 

 

This year we held nothing back! We moved to a new location. We expanded all of our programs! In celebration of community appreciation day, we stretched beyond state lines. We gifted the community with quarterly family first events. We started the  Secure Podcast where our founders voice the importance of family, love, and entrepreneurship. For Chicago youth, we took on more scholars and interns.

Our Annual Holiday Soiree was nothing short of everything we have accomplished in 2019. It was an evening filled with a silent auction, raffles, and more importantly givers.

This holiday season we decided to gift the givers

In the minority community we talk about a lot of things, but not enough about the importance of giving! The Always Giving Back Foundation values those who are culturally competent individuals that not only speak to youth but also lead by example. During our program honored our first Philanthroperneur Award to Keven Stonewall, who has dedicated his life to cancer research and advocacy for Chicago youth.

Then, we had the opportunity to surprise Shawnese Shannon, an AGB Innovative Security Solutions employee, with financial relief this holiday season.  Her commitment to the progression of others and vast heart for her family warranted her this award

and more. Last year, she suffered a stroke in the midst of work and refused to leave until her colleague made it in. In the words of  Dr. Denitra Griffin, “She is a true blend of strength and kindness, and it’s our pleasure to present this well-earned gift right before the holidays”.

We welcome you to contribute. Help us reach our goal before the new decade begins! Withhold nothing, every dollar counts to help us reach to support our scholarship, internship, and family first programming.

Join us in 2020 for our next event.

High school students are looking for real professional experiences that can advance them in their careers and academic endeavours. The Always Giving Back Foundation provides Chicago youth with that and more, such as a completed digital  portfolio and social-emotional tools to assist with their journey in college.

AGB Holiday Benefit Dec. 22, 2018 invitation

The holidays are about giving what we have with those we love and people who need our help. At the AGB Foundation, we believe in sharing our gifts with deserving young people. Those two causes come together in our annual Holiday Benefit. Join us for an evening of inspiration and a gratifying way to celebrate the season of giving.

Last year, individuals donated more than $20,000 to support our Summer Business Internship and Scholarship programs. We invite you to be a part of the work we do, and make a difference in the lives of deserving young people.