When you think of philanthropy, what do you imagine? Super wealthy donors? Extravagant galas? Philanthropy can seem like a sport for rich people only. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It can be as simple as ordinary people coming together to do something good for their community.

On Saturday, June 28, at 5 pm, The Cornwall CT Library presents an author talk by Hali Lee, author of The Big We, How Giving Circles Unlock Generosity, Strengthen Community, and Make Change, in conversation with Betsy Vorce.

In The Big We, Lee argues that the future of philanthropy belongs to community action, specifically giving circles―groups of concerned people from any economic group learning, acting, and giving together to effect positive change.

Through stories of actual giving circles around the country, and including her own experience starting the Asian Women Giving Circle, Lee fleshes out her vision for the future of big giving. For example, she explains how Lisa organized her mom friends to raise money to flip the state legislature.

Lee has been celebrated in many familiar places. For example, in May 2025 she was featured in the inaugural Time100 Philanthropy list for her work building the collective giving movement. In 2021, she was named to Forbes Magazine’s 50 Over 50: Impact in recognition of her work as a cofounder of the Donors of Color Network (the first-ever national network of wealthy persons of color). She was born in Seoul and grew up in Kansas City. Nowadays she lives in Brooklyn with her family, a dog, a cat, and rooftop honeybees.

Betsy Vorce works at non-profit and commercial organizations and as a consultant for cultural, media and mission-driven institutions.

30 Pine Street
Cornwall, CT 06753

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