I am a “Wizard of Oz” aficionado, meaning that I collect the movie memorabilia and like to quote various characters, usually at inappropriate times. One of my favorite quotes is by the Wizard himself, when he is about to award the Tin Man with an award.
“Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila…er … phila…er, good deed doers. And their hearts are no bigger than yours. But they have one thing you haven’t got. A testimonial,” the Wizard says.
The work of the good deed doers (phila…phila…philanthropists) in our community would put the Tin Man to shame. Look around you. They may not wear medals or crowns, so they may be difficult to identify, but they are everywhere. You can recognize them by the deeds they have done.
They are the ones who make our food banks prosper so that those less fortunate have something to eat. They find ways to create shelters and transitional housing in order that homeless families will have a safe place to sleep.
They help provide counseling and family support for those who are mentally ill or addicted to drugs or alcohol. They support at-risk youth so they have a chance at a good education.
They create recreational opportunities for the disabled, help seniors feel less isolated, rescue abused animals, and provide a safe environment for domestic violence victims. They understand the importance of arts and culture and support these causes when funding is cut.
And if they can’t do it alone, they recruit others to help launch efforts, like bringing healthcare to the jobless or clean water to Third World countries.
These individuals are selfless and dauntless in their effort to make our community, and all that it stands for, the Emerald City of our dreams. They do this by taking leadership roles on nonprofit boards, volunteering countless hours of time on the front lines, making sacrificial financial contributions, and stepping up to the plate to raise money when it’s needed.
These are the giants of the philanthropic world. They’re not getting paid. They do it because it needs to be done. And believe me when I say that our communities would be very different without them.
On Feb. 12, 2015, the Renton Community Foundation will launch a big event to celebrate and elevate philanthropy in our community and the good work done by so many. “CELEBRATE! The Love of Community” will be held at the Renton Pavilion Event Center.
The party-like atmosphere will offer food, beverage, and entertainment. At the same time, RCF will award almost $200,000 in grants to area nonprofits so that even more good work can be done!
Tickets will be available for just $25 after the first of the year and everyone is invited.
But the real highlight of the event will be when we induct the first members into the newly formed “LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GIVERS,” a society of “good deed doers” who have made their mark on our community through the donation of their time, talent, and treasure.
If you know of someone who stands up, stands out, and stands tall within the philanthropic community, we hope you will take a few moments to nominate them. You can go to our website at www.rentonfoundation.org for more information on the categories and to obtain the nomination form. Or email us at lbohart@rentonfoundation.org. Nominations are due in our office by Dec. 31.
Over the past 14 months, I have used this column to bring attention to the needs in the philanthropic community. It’s time to applaud some efforts.
Please join us. Together, we will shine a light on the good deed doers who make a positive difference in our community and in people’s lives each and every day.
