“Refreshing and rewarding!” Those are the two words I hear most often when I tell people what my job entails.  They listen as I tell stories of the people I meet in my day-to-day travels.  Some are the generous donors who, through their gifts, make what I do possible. And they also listen intently when I describe the visits I make to nonprofits in our community that benefit from grants we award.  They ask questions and seem genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people I interact with.  They tell me how lucky I am to do something that I am passionate about and that I obviously love. 

I am at my desk today opening envelope after envelope from people all over the country who have given to a campaign now running in one of the western counties of North Carolina. It overwhelms me at times to see how generous people are. I have been brought to tears more than once from reading notes attached to checks. “Good luck with your efforts! We appreciate all you do,” and “Thank you for allowing me to be part of this campaign.” Then there’s always: “I’m sorry I couldn’t give more.”  I know how hard it is nowadays for some people to find enough money for their daily needs — let alone give some away to those they do not even know.  

November is National Philanthropy month and here at the Foundation we are acutely aware of all the pressing needs in our communities. We are also privileged to be in a position to see all the good being done throughout the state with donations from people from all walks of life. It lifts our spirits when people pull together for a common cause. 

So, when someone tells me it must be so “refreshing and rewarding” to be doing the work I do, I couldn’t agree more.  I’m thankful that I can help people be a catalyst for change.

Happy Philanthropy Month!