Turning Generosity into Impact
From the Auction to the Water: Turning Generosity into Impact
Experiences have a unique way of bringing people together—and sometimes, they create an impact that extends far beyond the moment itself.
This year, Can’d Aid’s annual Fishin’ With a Musician auction experience offered one lucky supporter the chance to spend an unforgettable day on the water with acclaimed artists Kelsey Waldon and S.G. Goodman. But for winning bidder Christopher Graig, the experience didn’t end when the auction closed.
By utilizing Microsoft’s corporate matching program, Christopher doubled his contribution to Can’d Aid, turning a memorable day of fishing, music, and connection into even greater impact for students and communities across the country.
It’s a powerful example of how employer matching programs can amplify generosity. Many companies offer programs that match charitable donations made by employees, often dollar-for-dollar, allowing supporters to multiply the impact of a gift without increasing their personal contribution.
For nonprofits, these programs can be transformative. A matched donation means more bicycles delivered to students, more musical instruments placed in classrooms, and more opportunities created for young people to thrive.
For donors, it’s one of the simplest ways to maximize the value of a contribution. Yet billions of dollars in eligible matching funds go unclaimed each year because many employees simply don’t realize the benefit exists.
We’re grateful for supporters like Christopher who not only invest in unforgettable experiences but also seek creative ways to deepen their impact. His generosity serves as a reminder that giving doesn’t always stop with a donation—it can grow through employer matching programs, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to creating positive change.
From the auction to the water and beyond, this is what experiential fundraising looks like: meaningful connections, lasting memories, and tangible impact for the next generation.
If your employer offers a matching gift program, consider taking a few minutes to see if your donation can go even further. Together, we can turn every act of generosity into greater opportunity for the communities we serve.