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The perfect thing

A couple weekends ago, I spent Saturday afternoon shopping at local stores in town, looking for a few gifts I needed to pick up.

I got a gift for my husband’s coworker who just had a baby (board books – The Bear Snores On is my go-to) and a thank you gift for a friend who lent us her spot at the beach (a hand soap and lotion set).

While I was at it, I also managed to score a hostess gift (individual cloth silverware holders), a gift for my husband (a little desk art), and an early Christmas gift (can’t reveal that one yet!). I know, it was only September, but I usually start in July.

It was one of those days when I just kept finding the perfect thing! Plus, I enjoyed shopping without that “no, I shouldn’t” feeling you get when you’ve indulged a bit, because these were all things for other people. Plus, I could feel good about shopping locally. And the sun was shining!

How could I figure out a way to spend every day just like this one?

I know! I could start a business. People could hire me to find the perfect gift for any one, for any occasion. Just tell me a little about the gift-ee, the reason for the gift and a price range. I’ll do the research, visit the shops and deliver.

Of course, I do already have a job that I love, and… wait a minute…

Maybe this dream job is already my day job.

We just wrapped up the second year of our grants program for eastern North Carolina, funded by the Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment. We made 15 grants, totaling $500,000, and you can check out the list here.

You see, Mrs. B generously established this endowment at NCCF so that we could continue her philanthropic legacy. She provided the funds, told us a little about who she wanted to receive funding and for what reason and she expected us to deliver.

I hope she’s pleased with the gifts that we are giving in her honor. We think we’ve found the perfect things!