Giving to Charity
Giving to Charity
We are all blessed to live in a giving community. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving on several non-profit boards in Great Falls, including Community Help Line, Children’s Museum of Montana, Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, and Benefis Health System Foundation. In addition, my wife works for Special Olympics Montana. I have seen first-hand the difference that charitable giving makes to such organizations and the people they serve. Giving to charity in whatever manner or means you can has the potential to touch the lives of many others for years to come.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Thinking about all of this, and it being the holiday season, I can’t help but recall the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In my opinion, it is one of the greatest films ever made and which I intend to watch again this year. You will all easily recall Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the compassionate but down on his luck businessman. Through the film, George turns bitter, suicidal and abusive to his family, until he is shown by a guiding angel what life would have been if he never existed. Unlike the Scrooge-like Mr. Potter, who sees money only as a means to self-prosperity, George comes to understand and appreciate that money can be a means to create happiness for others. By doing just that, George is toasted as the “richest man in town.”
Sharing Of Yourself
My point in all of this is that by sharing of yourself – – donating money, whatever it might be that you can afford, and by giving some of your time and expertise to charity and charitable purposes, you enrich your own life and the lives of others by creating a happier, healthier and safer world. Now that IS wonderful!
Jon
