Please Give

In 1999, Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates was worth a record $90 Billion. Yes, that’s with a B. That same year, the world’s second richest man, Warren Buffett, was worth a measly $40 Billion. By the end of the year, due to the market decline, Gates’ net worth declined $35 Billion while Buffett’s shrunk $6 Billion, leaving his net worth at $34 Billion. When I read this, knowing what I know about the two men (and considering they are good friends), I imagined a conversation that probably never occurred. It went something like this:

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Buffett: Hello?

Gates: Hi, Warren?

Buffett: Yes

Gates: Hey, it’s Bill, how are you?

Buffettt: Ok, I guess.

Gates: Hey, I just wanted to let you know, that last year, I lost more than you’re worth, and I’m still the richest man in the world! Hahahahahahahaha!

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Now, even after the world’s richest man saw his net worth plummet to an unthinkable $55 Billion, he still had it in him to create the largest private endowment fund ever. The greatest philanthropist of our time has donated to such admirable charities as helping stagnant technology in southern states like Alabama to helping immunize children in Africa. Meanwhile, his influence has inspired others ‘“ like Buffett ‘“ to donate billions as well.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, millions of people from all corners of the country camped outside and wrapped themselves around the Red Cross to give blood to help those victims whom they had no idea of even a recipient’s name.

Why?

After the tsunami struck the surrounding areas of Indonesia and hundreds of thousands of lives perished, millions of people lined up to not only give blood, but billions of dollars in support. What compels us to help those we don’t know? Why do we as Americans especially (we are clearly the world’s leaders in generosity, both in total dollars and per capita), donate so much to so many without the perceived thought of a return?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I don’t believe this is because of a tax deduction and I don’t believe it is for any other reason but the fact that service to others is the greatest achievement one can aspire to. We feel the need to give to those less fortunate and we act accordingly. This is a part of our culture; in fact I believe it is part of our human nature and I hope you agree, while inspiring others to do the same. Whether it is dollars, time or a combination of both, please give.

Please give.

Frequently from freeways, I face the frightening frowns from fathers fielding fortunes from fellow passers by. I do not give to these people. I do give to those who attempt to help these people. In Oregon, we have a Christian charity called the Portland Rescue Mission. Although I am not religious (I am extremely spiritual, however), I have given money to this organization which helps the homeless find shelter, provides them with food and clothing and allows them a warm bath while helping them find work.

It would behoove us to understand what the impact of our dollars and time make. Might I suggest allocating some of your time to working with a charity, organization or religious institution of your choice so as to experience what I am speaking of? In Oregon, Neil Goldschmidt, a former governor, left as a part of his legacy the S.M.A.R.T. program. The acronym stands for Start Making a Reader Today. I have participated in this program for years and I cannot begin to describe the progress I contribute to a child’s education. I would give one hour of my time each week (I have to admit, I took last year off, but I had done it for the prior 5 years), split between two children who had trouble reading. At the beginning of the year, these kids didn’t know that reading entailed left-to-right and top-to-bottom. By the end of the year, my kids demanded I read not even a single word so that they could show me their skills. What kind of an impact did I leave? I believe I just may have gotten more out of this than even those kids.

When I look back at all of my time and money volunteering and donating: from the Special Olympics to my local GLBT Chamber of Commerce, I find that my life is not only richer with both money and personal fulfillment, but I have caused a ripple effect. Paying it forward is not just a Kevin Spacey film (although a great film which partially inspired this article), it is an attitude; a lifestyle that you can participate in.

Don’t wait for this opportunity to pass you by in afterthought. Make a change today for the better. Be the change you wish to see in the world, as Gandhi put it so eloquently.

The chaos theory suggests that a flap of a butterfly’s wings in San Francisco can change the weather in Shanghai.

How will you flap your wings of generosity today?