Family pledges $20,000 to support local nonprofits

During this unusual time, we all feel a bit helpless yet in these times we also are drawn to what can be done to make a difference. George and Amanda Vescovo, and the Vescovo Toyota team, have been continual supporters of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) through multiple fund raisers, volunteerism on the board of directors, and as donors through a Donor Advised Fund. Through a Donor Advised Fund, donors can make specific recommendations for grants to nonprofit organizations. While there is no requirement to recommend grants by year-end, donors are able to take a charitable income tax deduction for the full value of your contribution for the year in which donors made a contribution to the fund.

The Vescovo Family are active social media users and prompted an impact question just days ago via Facebook. Through this and their volunteerism, they have seen the direct impact of many nonprofit organizations in Dona Ana County during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of their donor impact, the Vescovo's have decided to directly give to 20 organizations over the next 20 days. The 20 for 20 Campaign will not only impact nonprofit organizations operations during this difficult time, but will give each organization a platform to share their story.

Over the next 20 days, the CFS NM social media accounts will share a new nonprofit grant through the 20 for 20 Campaign. "We hope through our personal giving that others are inspired to give back, show their support and surround our community with gratitude," shared George Vescovo, Owner of Vescovo Toyota. "During times of change, Valley Drive construction and now the pandemic, our customers have stood behind us. Our giving through this 20 for 20 Campaign is our way to say 'thank you' for their continued support."

Here is how the 20 for 20 Campaign will work: The Vescovo Family Donor Advised Fund will donate $20,000 over the next 20 days. Local nonprofits chosen will receive the news via social media in regards to a $1,000 grant. We ask that our community keep an eye out on the various CFSNM social media accounts daily. Each grantee and their mission in the community will be shared along with recognition of the grant. As a community, we ask that individuals pick up daily posts and share them with friends, family and business contacts. The Vescovo family would like this to become a ripple in philanthropic support to various nonprofits through this overwhelming time of need and support.

For more information about the 20 for 20 Campaign or how you can start a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, contact Terra V. Winter at terra@cfsnm.org or 575-521-4794.