Tracy Simons Executive Director, Silver Cross Foundation
My first experience with philanthropy was as a child attending church services with my family. Each week, my parents would place their check in the offering plate then give me a quarter to follow their example as the plate was passed down the aisle. As an adult, I shared this tradition with my children. I didn't realize this simple gesture would provide the foundation for my personal philanthropy. Though it would take me years to recognize, I've been a philanthropist my whole life. I imagine many of my friends and colleagues are as well, though they may not embrace the title. I think that should change.
Having worked for and volunteered with local nonprofit organizations the past 30 years, I've seen the impact that small gifts have on critical programs and services that support the most vulnerable in our community. I saw my daughter’s girl scout troop donate their cookie proceeds to help buy supplies for animal shelters, and my sons’ boy scout troop build bird houses for the Forest Preserve. Not long ago, my fellow Rotarians sold raffle tickets to raise money for a new roof at the Will Grundy Medical Clinic. And the Lincoln Way Area Women’s Business Association held an auction in December to support scholarships for high school students. Most recently, my fellow co-workers donated their sneakers so that we could buy a new treadmill for our cardiac rehab patients. These acts of generosity, though small, accumulate to better our communities and it's my hope that every participant understand this - and consider themselves philanthropists.
But what is a philanthropist? A philanthropist doesn't have to give large gifts or have a specific amount of power or influence. A philanthropist is simply a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, often, but not always, with donations of time, resources or money. When seen in that light, many of us are already devoted community philanthropists.
In my current role in the Silver Cross Foundation , I have the privilege of working with folks who wish to transform their resources into community impact, both today and in the future. We are able to help them make their charitable dollars go further and provide information and support to help them make the greatest impact they can. These are not always individuals with large salaries or the beneficiaries of multigenerational wealth. Often, they are everyday hardworking people who wish to ensure the modest resources they've accumulated during their lifetimes are used to support a favorite charity or cause. These people, too, are devoted philanthropists.
I know I'm not alone in my efforts to give back. Countless friends and neighbors do the same. I want to suggest that we all, regardless of our level of giving, should embrace the title of philanthropist. Whether you're donating your time or money, and regardless 10 hours or 100 hours, if it's $10 or $10,000, you're a philanthropist if you're committed to the welfare of our community. So, next time you're thinking about how you identify yourself - mother, father, nurse, doctor, pipe fitter, or business leader - consider adding 'philanthropist” to your title. It could do a whole lot of good.
