So many worthy nonprofits exist in Beaufort County. They feed the less-privileged; they give shelter to those in abusive relationships; they look out for the developmentally disabled and provide counseling for those who battle

addiction. Others line up cultural experiences for the children of the community; they provide help with homework; they hand out an hour or two of musical entertainment every week.

They hold events to raise money — not just fundraisers. They engage the community to come out and put talent on display to raise money for the local food pantry. They ask residents to put together a team to engage in an unusual race to fund a domestic violence shelter. They ask local artists to donate a little piece of art that ends up in the hands of one supporter and gets traded to another arts supporter, and sometimes, hijinks ensue, all to support an arts organization.

But what they try not to do is simply ask residents for money. Instead, they ask people to participate.

Participation means that residents become invested in the process and, in the course of that, become invested in the outcome. A good outcome means more funds to keep doing the good work and filling the holes where some services aren’t provided.

What these organizations do, by virtue of their many creative volunteers, is come up with fun ways to raise money — they put the fun into the word fundraiser.

Consider participating in the many upcoming events this summer. Consider investing in an outcome that provides for the wellness of the community.

Consider getting out and having some fun.