Time, money well spent when helping make world a better place
I grew up with a father who would say: “There will always be people who have more than you; don’t use that as your yardstick for success. And there will always be people who are less fortunate than you; don’t look down on them … those people may need our help.”
I started doing volunteer work as a youngster, visiting rehab and assisted living centers, organizing food and clothing drives, and making small contributions with my babysitting money when “a tray was passed.”
When you enter the work world, philanthropic opportunities abound: serving on a not-for-profit board, participating in a charity golf event, or in my case, financially supporting a children’s hospital and breast cancer awareness.
So, why do people give to charity or make philanthropic donations? I can’t speak to the psychology behind why people give, but as I reflect on my own behavior and what motivates me, I can say it starts with my upbringing and my dad’s many wise lessons on life.
Philanthropy literally means for the love of mankind; it is action that supports the welfare of others. Most of us subscribe to the concept that doing good is “being good” and that we should use our time on earth to make things better.
I’m a firm believer that we all have a little financially to spare. But money is not the only way for us to “do good.” Sometimes our brain power is more valuable to individuals or organizations; and donations of food, clothing, furniture, appliances and even cars can be incredibly helpful.
One of the first items I requested when I became president at NIPSCO was a list of all the nonprofits we supported and all the board positions we held. I was direct with my leadership team and our employees that we consistently demonstrated financial support for the many organizations that did so much in our communities. Serving on a board was not a “resume-building activity.” My expectations were that board members engage fully in the mission of the organization, help formulate strategy, raise funds, promote sponsorships and volunteer their time. The goal was to make an impact!
About two years ago, my husband, Sam, and I made a donation for a special piece of equipment to the new Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital’s NICU. We were invited to tour the new facility and see how the baby mannequin was assisting nurses and doctors in the care of their preemies and special needs babies. As we walked around the unit, I could not help but notice the signs by every room and hallway acknowledging a donor for their contribution.
It warmed my heart to see that our friends and neighbors had donated the AngelEye cameras that allow parents and grandparents to view their baby at any time, available in every room. I sent them a note expressing what a wonderful contribution they had made, and I commented on how their gift would impact so many families during a challenging and stressful time.
Going back to what my dad said, people may need our help, and you never know when you are going to be one of those people.
He was right. In June, our first grandbaby entered the world two months early. My daughter and her husband delivered at Franciscan Health Crown Point, and our baby boy was rushed off to the NICU.
Those first 24 hours were scary and hectic, but on the second day, the new parents were told about the 24/7 camera that was available to them and their designated family members. I immediately texted our friends and let them know about the baby and thanked them for their philanthropy years ago. They humbly commented that it was their pleasure and were so moved to know someone who actually was benefiting from their gift.
This experience has allowed me to reflect on the true meaning of philanthropy — why people give and how it feels to experience and appreciate the kindness of others. You never know when or how your goodwill will impact someone’s life or how someone else’s goodwill can impact yours.
So, whether you give out of compassion, personal experience, religious or social beliefs, or just the feel-good factor; whether you contribute time, money or household items, take action and give! Our Northwest Indiana communities will only be better for it. •
Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
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