I AM a Philanthropist

Hello Honeybees,

I am a philanthropist!!

When people hear the word philanthropist they usually think, Oprah, Bill & Melinda Gates or Warren Buffett , you know MONEY, BIG MONEY! The month of April taught me that REAL philanthropy is not just about money but it’s about giving back with your time too. Now, I am truly not in the big money category YET but I am in the time category.  As a working single parent my time is precious so where I spend my time is very important. I work for a nonprofit so I understand how valuable it is when someone wants to give to an organization whether that be time or money. So outside of the work that I do for A Step Ahead Foundation I give my time to the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM).

The mission of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is to encourage philanthropy and foster leadership among women and support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential.

The month of April saw the WFGM in full swing honoring 3 women in Memphis who have made a difference in the community. Edith Kelly-Green (Philanthropy & Leadership Award), Barbara Holden Nixon (Innovation Award) & Pat Morgan (Catalyst Award). These three outstanding women were honored at the Legends Award Reception. I volunteered my time for this event. It was during Mrs. Kelly-Green’s acceptance speech that it finally hit me….I am a philanthropist. Although she was being honored for her work as a philanthropist, she stressed the importance of giving money but most importantly the giving of time. On this night I was a philanthropist.

Two weeks after the Legends Award Reception was one of the premier philanthropic events of the year. The Annual Tribute Luncheon. Can you imagine over 1.600 people coming together to support the efforts of the WFGM? Well, you don’t have to imagine it because if you live in Memphis you were there or you know someone that was. The guest speaker was one of my SHEroes Ms. Tamron Hall.  Tamron spoke about the diversity in the room, how important the work being done by the WFGM in the 38126 zip code is to our community and overcoming obstacles. She also spoke about the charities that are important to her. Tamron Hall is a philanthropist. I also volunteered my time for this event. On this day I too was a philanthropist.

It’s not always about the money.

Now don’t get me wrong, it takes money to fund charities and programs, but it also takes the time that people donate to help nonprofits move the needle. We all have some free time to help others. Think about it this way… You didn’t get to where you are without the help of someone else.

I am a philanthropist……….are you?

Belinda 

Beewisdom- Philanthropy is part of the path to heaven- Tamron Hall