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Posts Tagged ‘sharing’

Heroes and Zeros

October 29th, 2009

by Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

Dear Donor:

Hey again…just checking in to see how you are doing. You may be wondering how things are going in the campaign since we last shared here…

It has been a fast and furious October in the Resource Development division at Metro United Way. The community campaign is in full swing and the numbers keep telling the story in our community and shining light on generosity in loyal donors, a new awakening for newer donors as to the value of Metro United Way in our community,  and also an increased awareness for the struggles in our working class community as increasing families find the road to poverty has gotten much shorter.


If you are at work now as you read this, you would not need to go far to find someone whose life has been touched by the work of a Metro United Way agency. If it is not you, then you can look to your left, look to your right ….or around your office, it is 2 of every 3 people in our community who will be impacted. Over 500,000 people last year alone.  I hope that makes YOU feel good about how you help!

Our work at Metro United Way during these challenging times is not a story of gloom and doom.  You know what I find encouraging? It is something that I see from people when I am in group meetings. The faces of the people seem so much more intent on listening, learning and wondering how they can make a difference. I guess the awareness we all have is so high now…that we get it. Yes, people in our community right here at home are struggling. More than ever before, though, I see people who do like just like you did when we met… You  know, your head is nodding, you’re really listening and you want to connect with something that will be said or you may want to learn about how you can make a difference.

Thanks to YOU for giving in your campaign. You would probably be surprised to know that at the start of these meetings I sometimes remind myself that I am preparing to talk to a bunch of heroes and also a bunch of zeroes. I have the intentions of making sure my heroes know that they are so appreciated and making a big difference in the lives of those less fortunate.   For the zeroes, I have wanted to challenge myself to break the indifference they may hold onto or to engage them in the work of Metro United Way …you know …how they can be a Hero just like YOU! I want them to know they will make the difference this year and it would be a mistake to do nothing just because they think they can only do a little.   Thanks for caring and sharing this year. You make our work possible…so thanks!

Gratefully,

Kelly

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Wonderful Surprises

April 27th, 2009

susan-boyleBy now you may have seen the video of Susan Boyle, the contestant on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent.”   This uncool, plain-looking, middle-aged Scottish woman sang “I Dreamed A Dream” from the musical Les Miserables and earned a standing ovation from the audience and the judges.  Despite the fact that her appearance inspired rolling eyes and derision when she took her place on the stage, she evoked gasps and cheers when she broke into song and her voice soared.  Millions of people have watched the video of her audition on YouTube, have watched it over and over again with tears in their eyes.

 

Why are we so surprised that such a sublime gift could reside in a plain package?  Haven’t we learned by now that everyone has gifts and talents to share with the world?  How often do we discount people thinking they have nothing to offer when, with the right opportunity and encouragement, they may blossom into a more fully-realized person.  Ordinary people are capable of doing extraordinary things when given the opportunity.

 

Not all of us are blessed with a beautiful singing voice, but each of us has one or more gifts that the world around us desperately needs.  Reach out to our community this week and share your gifts with the rest of us, and encourage and appreciate the gifts you recognize in the people around you.  Remember, the most amazing gifts may come in the most unassuming of packages.

 

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