A Gotham mantra – it’s better to give than receive...” – takes a special meaning as next month begins. Not just because Gotham approaches a countdown to when our tribe announces the recipient charities of its annual Season of Giving. Just after Thanksgiving, the first Tuesday after that observance, that’s Tuesday, December 2, this year 2025, Giving Tuesday takes place (This year Gotham’s Winter Cocktail Party and announcement of charities take place that evening.).

As most who follow this Sunday Gotham commentary know, this correspondent holds a special place for the extraordinary non-profit senior services agency, Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP). I proudly chair its diverse and professional Board of Directors which also include Gotham members Renee Richter, Debbie Heiser and Jeff Greenwood who serves as Board Secretary; Gotham’s Joshua Zinder’s JZA+D firm is our architect and Steve Glassberg is our construction counsel. 2023’s Season of Giving awarded SNAP through its selection by Insurance Doctor Rob Intelisano. While SNAP amassed $2 million in state and Federal grants, it needs some $5 million more in funding to complete new older adult center and base for our senior services programs; SNAP’s ongoing capital campaign that merits your support. Then-outgoing Member of Congress Tom Suozzi secured a $750,000 federal grant which the agency submitted paperwork I prepared and SNAP is accessing for in-progress work. I also submitted the the applications to access state grants through the New York State Dormitory Association (DASNY); from State Senators Toby Stavisky ($1,000,000) and Leroy Comrie ($250,000) that also support current work.  

SNAP plans a 45th Anniversary Gala to raise funds, May 14 at Stewart Manor Country Club. Tickets are $175 per person and various sponsor opportunities are available; just please reach out for details.

Other charities I support include Vincent and Susan Russo’s The Theresa Foundation which successively honored Friday’s blogger in 2015 and this Gotham Sunday blogger the following year, and the Kings-FDR Tolerance Foundation of my FDR Lodge 613 Knight of Pythias (Last week, I discussed the lodge's Black Friday fundraiser.). Feel to mention any deserving one that matter to you in the comments. Gotham members also enjoy an opportunity to promote their charitable causes tomorrow (and every Monday) morning on our Fredslist listserve as part of our MAD Mondays program.

Please remember #GivingTuesday on your social media. And if you require further inspiration, I offer some music to set the mood.