About
To Whom Much Is Given, was born out of Sharon Thurmond’s passion for honoring the love she received as a child from all the extraordinary adults at Greater Union Baptist Church (GUBC) and Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church (KMBC) and the desire to give that same care forward.
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After the birth of her first granddaughter, Sharon became keenly aware of how blessed she was as a child and how important it was to pass that to others, not just her offspring. It became the basis for what she felt was a God inspired idea; to assemble her peers and financially assist charities which provide services to children on Chicago's West Side. The group's mission would be based on the Bible verse found in Luke 12:48. The name of the group would be, "To Whom Much is Given".... . because, as scripture explains, we are blessed, to benefit others not just ourselves.
Sharon had relocated to California and helped form a non-profit Afterschool Program, She knew how challenging it was to raise funds and provide services and was certain nonprofits where she grew up would appreciate having reliable partners donate time, money and in-kind gifts. Wouldn't it be great for a group of her church friends, who were now "young seniors", grandparents and retirees, to come alongside an existing nonprofit and relieve some of the monetary stress? Even though, many of her peers now lived outside of Chicago, it was obvious that modern technology would make it easy for anyone to participate. The original idea envisioned inviting alumni and allies from GUBC / KMBC to form a foundation/5013c that issues grants to other charities/ individuals - on Chicago’s West Side.
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​Here's how that original idea has evolved into To Whom Much Is Given: A Giving Circle
TWMIG’s Evolution From 2018 to date:
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Fall of 2018, Sharon shared her idea with Phyliss Howard, who also grew up in GUBC. She agreed to host a meeting at her home. Twelve alumni met in October. The consensus was, "Yes, let's explore helping charities that currently assist families on Chicago’s West Side and focus on three specific areas: education, employment and family support". To Whom Much Is Given was formed.
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After researching the variety of ways groups can make charitable donations and assessing its capacity, TWMIG decided to begin as a Giving Circle instead of a 501c3.ndation/ non-profit . Operating as a Giving Circle, where members make direct donations proved to be an optimal way to collectively give.
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Marillac House St. Vincent and The Field School were the organizations TWMIG chose to support​.
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July 2019, TWMIG hosted our “1st Annual In-person Gathering”, where 13 attendees contributed $1,050.00 and a team of representatives from each charity presented their missions.
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Dec. 2020, TWMIG hosted our “2nd Annual Virtual Gathering”, via Zoom.
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Honored our 1st Living Legends: Barbara Pendleton & Nancy Green​
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Raised $1,250
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April 2021 - to date continue to host quarterly Virtual Gatherings and honor Living Legends: Mrs. Thompson, Mother Horton, Mother Byrd, Deacon and Mrs. Fred and Gertrude McKinney, Rev. Tabe Miller
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Decided to exclusively support The Field School through 2025
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​Agreed to establish Annual Membership Dues to support our operating expenses ​​
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To date TWMIG has donated over $4,000.00 in cash and in-kind gifts.
Projections: Over the next 20 years with God’s direction, we can develop TWMIG into a nonprofit. For now, as Phyliss often says, we do this because the need is great and...”We are in this together”
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