Episode #54
When I met Peter Raffa, he was excited to talk to me about the joy of giving. Not too long after that, I met Ed Larson. And he too wanted to talk to me about the joy of giving.
So what exactly is the “joy of giving”?
Ed Larson, from Pacific Lutheran University, talks about the joy of giving through economic ups and downs. Peter Raffa, from the Tacoma Art Museum, tells the joyful gift story he shares with board members.
If you have any stories or comments around the joy of giving, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment under the video. Thanks.
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If you have any stories or comments around the joy of giving, please share it with everyone else. Leave a comment. Thanks.
Perfect timing for this video today as we get revved up for the final push of the year!
My entire career is built upon this idea of the Joy of Giving. There is one pivotal moment and one important person that changed my life forever and defined who I am today as a philanthropist and development officer. 1) My father was one of the thousands laid off from Boeing Company in the early 70’s, a time when there was a billboard along I-5 that read “when the last one leaves Seattle please turn out the lights”. It was a economically devastating time in the area and my family was deeply effected. My parents managed to keep a roof over our heads but that Christmas there was not enough for any sort of celebration. Yet, someone in the community knew of our plight and ensured there was a Christmas and on Christmas morning we awoke to a porch loaded down with gifts and food. We never knew who played Santa that year, but it so moved my parents that it became a tradition in our house to adopt a family in need every year. I’ve continued this tradition as an adult to the best of my ability and encourage others to do the same, it truly makes for a joyful holiday season.
Secondly is the important person in my life, this was a woman who was the truest philanthropist, giving of herself before her own needs and always saying “Yes”, even when she only had little to give, that person was my Mother. To this day I’ve never known anyone so selfless and compassionate. She took such joy in giving to others that it literally was how she was known. Whether in her work life, her family life or her personal life she was all about giving to others. She is my philanthropic hero and I am who I am today in my work because of her.
This says it all. Thank you.