The holiday season is a time to stop and give thanks for the good things in life. We were recently reminded of one of the biggest reasons this area is such a great place in which to live and work.
For the past eleven years, a group of local nonprofits host a luncheon to celebrate philanthropy in our community. This group, known as the South Sound Partners for Philanthropy, is a collection of 36 charitable organizations that provide vital services to people throughout the region. The work of these organizations strengthens our entire community.
At this year’s luncheon, the South Sound Partners issued their annual Leadership in Philanthropy Awards to a number of community members. The Nisqually Tribe, the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club, and the owners of Ramblin’ Jacks/Mercato/I.talia restaurants, were recognized for their groups’ philanthropic efforts.
In addition, the Seaman family, Sylvia Barclift, and the owners of our company, Ken and Nancy Anderson, were recognized for their charitable work over the years. Ken Anderson said, “Everyone at our company is proud to support the local non-profits within our community. In our work every day we see how these non-profit organizations are positively impacting the lives of people here. This is a big part of the soul of our community. Their selfless example inspires us.” Our real estate company received the Business of the Year award in 2005. Ken explained, “We are humbled to be recognized among the best corporate citizens. The local non-profits are recognizing real needs within the community. They efficiently and effectively respond to them, but they need our help.”
Of course, as residents we all might be a little biased. However, Thomasina Cooper, the Development Director of SafePlace and this year’s president of the South Sound Partners for Philanthropy, offered some compelling, objective evidence as to why our community is so great. Thurston County far exceeds the national average for per capita donations to charitable endeavors.
When accepting his family’s philanthropy award, Scott Seaman, the Principal at Tumwater High School, provided yet another great example. Our community graduation rates are among the highest in the state and nation. The family support and the people and programs in our schools are the main driver of these rates. The work of many local non-profits also helps those kids most vulnerable to drop out stay on track.
However, the best example of our community’s unique spirit might just be that an organization like the South Sound Partners for Philanthropy even exists. Raising money for charitable endeavors is highly competitive. In most places, competing non-profits would never dream of collaborating. So the fact that these non-profits come together to share best practices, inspire each other, and work to lift the awareness of their missions is a shining example of the generous spirit that lives within our community. They are living examples of the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats.
So while the luncheon was ostensibly about recognizing a few people for their work, for us it was more of a reminder about the greater generosity within our community and how the work of great non-profit organizations makes this an incredibly great place to call home. Join us this holiday season in giving thanks for these great community partners.
To learn more about the South Sound Partners for Philanthropy and how to support their missions, visit www.CelebrateGiving.org.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }