Giving | Verdin

Here’s how we’re giving back to our community.

HOW DID THE 24-HOUR GIVE START?

Verdin used to throw a grand holiday party every year. In 2014, we stopped and asked how we could use that time, energy and budget to do something that benefited not just us, but our entire community. The answer: The 24-Hour Give, during which Verdin gives a worthy local nonprofit an entire rebrand—from logo to website—in just 24 hours.

The first 24-Hour Give raised more than $80,000 in donated services from Verdin, local media and businesses, and a team of creative partners. It was such a success, we now do it every year. Even during a pandemic.

The 2020 Give put mental health in the spotlight. Instead of doing a rebrand, Verdin partnered with Transitions-Mental Health Association to create a free public awareness campaign about the nonprofit’s crisis and mental health hotline. And all planning, work, and special events were done virtually for the safety of everyone involved.

So what does 2021 have in store for Verdin’s commitment to give back? This year the plan is to change things up and shift to a Day of Giving, during which the team will volunteer at local nonprofits. Stay tuned to see who the nonprofits will be!

Keep scrolling for highlights from the last seven years of giving.

Past 24-Hour Give Recipients

Transitions Mental Health Association

Theme: 2020 Give, Evolve and Create

The “Save the Number” campaign encourages people of all ages to save the Central Coast Hotline number to their phones so they’ll have direct access to mental health support and resources when they need it. The hotline is a free, confidential mental health resource available 24/7, 365 days a year.

SLO Food Bank

Theme: Five Years!

SLO Food Bank works with more than 70 community partners to feed the nearly 46,000 men, women and children facing hunger in SLO County. Formerly known at the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, SLO Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of nutritious food every year. Staff and volunteers also harvest unwanted fruits and vegetables from local fields and orchards and offer engaging education and outreach programs throughout the county.

Stand Strong

Theme: The Twilight Zone

Stand Strong is a community leader on a mission to end domestic violence. Formerly known as the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County, they were ready to communicate that they serve more than women, and provide more than shelter. Along with offering safe housing, counseling and legal services to survivors, Stand Strong is starting bold conversations that educate and encourage the entire community to stand together and prevent future violence.

Meals that Connect

Theme: The Time Machine

Some senior citizens in San Luis Obispo County have to choose between medicine and meals. Meals That Connect (formerly Senior Nutrition Program) is a nonprofit that serves a free, nutritious lunch every weekday to seniors in dining rooms throughout the county, and delivers meals to homebound seniors. This organization needed to make our community aware of the hardships seniors face when it comes to obtaining meals and finding a community.

Literacy For Life

Theme: Mission Made Possible

Imagine not being able to help your children with their homework, or fill out a job application for a position you know you’re qualified for. Literacy for Life – formerly known as the SLO Literacy Council – is an organization that empowers adult learners and their families to develop English communication skills to improve access to opportunities, and lead fuller and more productive lives.