I was raised by a mother who believed that thank you notes should be written for most everything. If someone performed a random act of kindness or a thoughtful unexpected gesture, then a note must have been sent immediately to acknowledge this.
People are innately good and decent and kind. We all give and do what we can from the goodness within us. We do not do anything for the acknowledgement, attention or a note. In all of my years in the non-profit world, the most generous were also those who did not need recognition. We do not give for a note. We give because we care.
Tomorrow is a day that basically tries to give “thank you notes” or recognition to those that give. The irony is of course that each of us gives our time or talent to whatever it is that speaks to who we are. We are not required to give, we give because we are human and we care for one another. The power of philanthropy or charity is that it is driven purely by our own unique goodness to make our world a better place.
In 2012, more than 125 communities and 50,000 people around the world will participate in National Philanthropy Day events and celebrations. These events include award ceremonies, galas, luncheons, seminars and other special events. Outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations, small businesses, youth in philanthropy and others will be honored on NPD in recognition of their work in improving their communities and their world every day. It is sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D__GyC0sY9I&feature=youtu.be]
Whether you receive a “thank you note”, an award, an acknowledgment or more likely…do not. Consider yourself thanked right here and now. You are acknowledged for your incredible compassion, kindness, humanity, service and love for your fellow-man. It isn’t the note, or the money, or the time, it is the gift of you to another.
Congratulations to you. Charity Matters.
Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.
