Celebrate the Love and Wisdom of a Generation
“To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.” – Chinese Proverb
They say it takes a village to raise a child. My Grandparents raised me, making them a very significant part of my “village.” My Grandpa served our country as a Marine in WWII then supported his family working for the City of San Diego. My Grandma raised four children, then took on the responsibility of raising three grandchildren. My life would not be the same without their love and wisdom.
Celebrating the difference my grandparents have made in my life
In 2004, my Grandpa passed away from lung cancer. This Grandparent’s Day, to help create awareness and prevention, I’m honoring him with a Memorial Donation to the American Lung Association. My Grandma taught me everything I know in the kitchen. Pierre’s Place, a café near my house, employs alumni of Toussaint’s Youth Villages, a residential program for teens. Profits from the café, along with my Gift Donation in her name, will help provide training for youth to succeed in the restaurant industry.
History behind the tradition
Grandparent’s Day was first celebrated nationally in 1978. Marian McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia, started it to create awareness of elderly men and women in nursing homes. She also hoped to inspire grandchildren to tap into the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide.
- Learn more about the Forget Me Not program, which connects youth with seniors, and benefits both generations. It may be something you’d like to participate in!
- Use the JustGive Guide to find the perfect cause to honor your Grandparents. Are Grandma and Grandpa tech savvy? Buy them a GiveNow charity gift card and they can choose from any of the more than 1.5 million charities on JustGive to donate to a cause they care about.
Sarah Myers
Program Manager
Share this idea with friends and family—it’s almost as sweet as Grandma’s fresh baked cookies.
