Everyone knows about Angelina Jolie and her philanthropic accomplishments. She is bold, very public and charitable in her efforts to support international causes. We all also know about Mother Teresa, tirelessly devoting her entire life to lifting up those in desperate situations. They are both extraordinary examples of women that have made a difference in the world, and it would be wrong not to admire their contributions. As awesome as their work is, however, I encourage you to NOT hold yourselves to their standards.
Many people fear that their contributions would not make “enough” of a difference in the scope of the causes they care most about. While it is completely understandable, in the face of public icons like Jolie and Teresa, that we could feel less than worthy, but that comparison is not fair and simply not true. It would be nearly impossible for most of us to compete with either one of those two, but we don’t have to. There are some everyday heroes amongst us that have dedicated time and money over many years. Patty Cook is one of them.
Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser at National Philanthropy Day in Colorado last year, Patty was rewarded for more than twenty years of volunteerism and fundraising for causes like the Colorado Aids Project and Mental Health America of Colorado (MHAC). In the course of the last ten years with MHAC, she has helped to raise more than 2.3 million dollars which has provided 100,000 individuals and families across Colorado with free mental health services and information. She has inspired friends and family to get involved in the issues they care about – and never doubted that her contributions of money, time and talent, no matter how small, really did help make a difference in Colorado. You have to believe you can do this, too.
When it comes right down to it, we need all kinds of volunteers and donors. There is not a “one size fits all” category of philanthropist. While it would be wonderful if all the nonprofit organizations in Colorado had an international celebrity to support and publicize their cause, there just aren’t enough of them to go around. But every Coloradan has something to give… and I encourage you to consider what that something could be. Together, we can build a better, more vibrant Colorado.
All the best,
Sharon
Sharon Knight
