In Debt

I read a story once about a distinguished professor who gave a lecture about his sabbatical travels in Europe. During his presentation, he announced that the trip had placed him in debt. Instead of talking about the sights and expenses of his trip, he told of the kindnesses people had offered along the way. And his sense of indebtedness.

When he was lost in Paris, a young man took time to personally lead him to his destination. In a village, an elderly couple invited him to their home for dinner. He told about the patience and helpfulness of a store clerk, a waitress, a policeman and others. One kind deed after another.

He said he returned home with an overflowing sense of gratitude. And with a desire to pay back his debt by expressing kindness to others -- especially strangers.

The professor continued. He spoke of the journey of life and the debt we all owe to parents and loved ones, to teachers and doctors and other professionals, to friends and kindly strangers, to organizations and institutions and other positive influences. “In fact,” he said, “we are all terribly in debt. Our only reasonable response is to invest in individuals and organizations that need our help.”

One of the reasons people give to the Foundation for Community Care is to express gratitude and to give back to the community they love so very much. Some give because they, or someone they know, have been a recipient of a Medical Emergency Grant, or one of our education or healthcare scholarships. They know their gift to the Foundation for Community Care is needed and appreciated.

I am Melissa Boyer, the Planned Giving Officer at the Foundation for Community Care. I am ready to talk with you not only about your reasons for making a gift, but about the various methods of giving. As a Certified Planned Giving Associate, I am able to provide tax-wise gift illustrations and other helpful information. Chatting with me entails no cost or obligation whatsoever and may be well worth your time. I’ll even spring for the coffee.