With kids out of school for the summer, July is a popular month for family reunions. Usually consisting of games, homemade dishes, and one too many family pictures, reunions take planning and creativity to be successful.

This month, try something new by adding a charitable component to your family gathering. It’s easy to turn events or games into an opportunity to raise money for your family’s favorite cause.

Here are three ideas to get you started:

1. Organized Games

Organized games such as kickball or a water-balloon toss are great ways to get the family active and outdoors. It also adds a fun competitive edge that’s perfect for a fundraiser. Before the game, have members of both teams pledge to donate $10 each if the other team wins. The winning team gets choose the recipient organization.

2. Family Cook-Off

If ever there was a place for home-cooked meals, family reunions are it. This year, ask each branch of the family to bring or cook a meal and to pick a cause to advocate for. Then ask members who attend to donate money into a jar or pledge to give. When the time comes to eat, have everyone vote on the best dish. The winner gets to pick which charitable cause the money will go towards.

3. Honor the Host Family

With lots of people to entertain, family reunions take a great deal of planning and patience to host. One way to show your thanks is to make a collective donation to the host family’s favorite cause before the event, and present them with a card and printout of the donation.

If you’re unable to attend a family reunion this summer and are looking for organizations that support family and youth-related causes, consider these options below. Or start your own fundraiser by clicking here.

Family and Youth Initiative

The Family and Youth Initiative provides opportunities for teens in foster care and caring adults to get to know each other and form relationships. With support, these relationships can grow and result in matches for host parenting, mentoring, or adoption.

Northern Virginia Family Service

The Northern Virginia Family Service is dedicated to helping individuals and families find new paths to self-reliance and brighter futures. They do this by providing case management, safe housing, counseling, medical and dental access, childcare and development, affordable loans, foster and respite care, and job training.

Wediko Children’s Services

Wediko Children’s Services is committed to improving the lives of children who face repeated obstacles due to social, emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Through multi-disciplinary training programs and other services, Wediko develops lasting partnerships with children, families, schools, and the community.

To see a full listing of family and youth-related organizations, click here.

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