Philanthropy is Personal

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Randy Maiers

These difficult times we face have made me more aware of my own philanthropy, and more importantly, what type of role model am I being for my three children.  In my line of work I see people from all walks of life make very personal choices.  The charities and causes people support with their last gifts, through their wills and estates, are the ones that mean the most.  They are the most personal. 

I also believe that those gifts we make without public recognition or knowledge are quite personal.  Those kind gestures, large and small, that are made without notice are made for the pure joy of doing something kind for someone else.  I have made a vow to do more. 

A few weeks ago my son and I were having breakfast on a Sunday morning at a little restaurant off M-25 around Lakeport.  We had just finished an uneventful morning deer hunt, but spending quality time with my oldest son is always a personal reward for me.  He teaches me so much.  As we were finishing our breakfast an older couple came in and sat down in the booth next to us.  The many years of their lives had taken a toll on their faces.  Yet they too were spending quality time together on a Sunday morning.  They didn’t seem to talk much.  She simply ordered cofee and he ordered a small breakfast.  They ate in silence.  As I paid our bill at the register I asked the waitress for their bill and paid it as well.  The waitress smiled and thanked me for the gesture.  I wasn’t sure if my son even noticed. 

Around the same time we received a letter in the mail from Our Lady of Gaudalupe for an upcoming Christmas party they are holding for the families in the area who are in need of some special attention during this holiday season.  The letter explained the plans for the Christmas party and offered ideas for individuals and families to provide support.  Over dinner one evening I asked my children to read the letter aloud and come up with a family plan to help make Christmas a bit more special for these children.  Within a few days my oldest son lead an effort to go door-to-door in our neighborhood asking our neighbors to join us.  With a starting gift from my wife and I, our children raised $203.  Last Friday I drove my oldest son down to the Guadalupe Mission during lunch so he could personally deliver the money. 

Finally, this past Thursday, Thanksgiving, we had a crowded house of 20+ family members, young and old.  Through my mother’s leadership that day, our family members raised $500 for someone very close to our family who is going through some difficult times.  I had assumed the money all came from the adults.  As my mother was leaving that day she told me that our oldest son had gone to his room and returned with $10 from his allowance savings to contribute to the collection.  He never told me or my wife.  He did it quietly, just for the personal satisfaction of giving.  I haven’t said anything to him about it yet.  Turns out, he was paying attention that day in the restaurant.