We, at Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), know that you will receive many calls to action this giving season, with end of year appeals for charitable donations and specifically for #GivingTuesday. For 2019 we ask that you include DRNC as one of your top three charitable donations for three powerful reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Giving Tuesday 2019 falls on December 3 which is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Your financial support of DRNC’s critical work will increase the legal services we are able to offer to North Carolinians with disabilities and amplify your recognition of the importance of disability rights advocacy across the globe.
  2. DRNC and the disability community of North Carolina lost a great friend and legal advocate with the passing of DRNC litigation director John Rittelmeyer in October. To honor John as the pillar of our organization that he was, DRNC has established a memorial fund in his name. The John Rittelmeyer Disability Education Fund, established to support issues of importance to the disability community, has already been seeded by his and his family’s request for memorial gifts in his honor. Donations designated as a tribute to John’s work will grow the fund, and donors of $250 or more will have the opportunity to be memorialized on the plaque that we will prominently display in DRNC’s office suite.
  3. DRNC’s Chief Executive Officer Virginia Knowlton Marcus is celebrating her December 3 birthday by personally matching donations to DRNC’s new memorial fund, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 on #GivingTuesday. Virginia, a recognized disability rights attorney who has been advocating for disability rights at the federal, state, local and international levels for 25 years, joined DRNC in September of 2018.

“Virginia, as CEO, is a great asset for Disability Rights NC”, writes Bryan Dooley, DRNC board chair. “Her ability as a leader, along with her vision for legal advocacy, strengthens DRNC’s exemplary staff and their work and is providing new energy and opportunities for the agency’s growth.”

“I am impressed by Virginia’s generous gift, but not surprised,” Bryan adds. “She is committed to this mission not just professionally, but deeply personally. Her leadership donation serves as an example of her dedication and belief in the important work we do.”

Good things truly do come in threes. Please show your support by including DRNC in your top three philanthropic gifts for any or all of the three reasons above and help us reach our goal to raise $10,000 ($5,000 + Virginia’s $5,000 match) on #GivingTuesday. Three easy ways to give are listed below:

Donations may be made (1) online; (2) through our Facebook site (note in comments if you want your donation designated to the John Rittelmeyer Disability Education Fund), or by (3) mailing a check to

Disability Rights North Carolina, 3724 National Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Questions? Contact Susan McLean, director of development and communications, at 919-856-2195 or susan.mclean@disabilityrightsnc.org