This is part of a series of “Why I Give” interviews intended to demonstrate that we all have a cause that speaks to us and, no matter what we have, we can find some way to contribute. In the world of nonprofits, while monetary support is always needed, they also need our time and energy.
It’s also important to see the diversity in how people choose to give back, so I am hopeful that these first-person stories introduce you to opportunities you didn’t know existed and connect you to new concepts, new nonprofits, and wonderful new people.
It just takes one small action to have a ripple effect, and I want to make waves.
Meet Matt Jagitsch
About Matt
Matt Jagitsch is a self-employed painting contractor and former art major from Eastern Illinois University. He married his college sweetheart, Michelle, and had 3 sons, Nathan 22, Brandon 20 and Connor 10. He enjoys music, playing guitar, sports, and building things. He’ll do anything to keep his hands busy. His Black Sheep Surf Shop gives him an artistic outlet since painting a house was the closest thing to a piece of art he had been creating anymore.
Matt’s Story Of Giving
Who do you support?
I support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which is a “leading children’s hospital pioneering research and treatments for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
Why do you support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?
Our middle son suffered from seizures right after birth. He spent a month in ICU.
While he has made a full recovery and is now a healthy 20-year-old, the care he received while at the hospital thoroughly touched my wife and me.
Children are our great accomplishment as parents, and any organization that does what they do for them is truly remarkable.
How do you support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?
I have made cash donations over the years as well as donated handmade items for charitable auctions.
How do you hope to make a difference through your support of St. Jude ?
I really don’t know how the charitable contributions are used, but I feel that any contribution is a good one. I hope that my donations, especially those of items for auctions, inspire others who create to give back. I would like to think that, as the years progress, I will be able to create more items to be used to raise more money for this and many other charities.
Connect With Matt
If you would like to learn more about Matt, you can find him here:
