Fifth Gear

Philanthropy and Charity. Of the many values I took from my family growing up, I would have to say that these two were by far the most ingrained in my personality. My parents both led by example, and made sure to remind me that I was quite lucky to have what I have, and I should help out organizations that might need me.

While not in a place to write big fat checks due to my shoe and bag addiction (hey its mildly better than crack) all I have to give is my time. Over the past year, I think something finally clicked with me and I realized how easy it was to make an impact. My efforts began in earnest last September when I got involved with the Young Democrats and started phone banking for Kerry. Clearly I did not call enough Ohio residents, but honestly, I am not sure if I had called them all I could have changed enough of their minds. It was such an eye opener to see what a truly diverse and tolerant area I live in, and for that I am thankful. The experience was exciting for me, and pushed me a bit out of my social circle, but what was truly a growth point for me is the fact that I did it alone.

After that happened I got involved with the March of Dimes. I was a co-chair for the first time, for a fundraising event for my company, and friends of Mark Bufton. This experience taught me a few things. 1. People want to help, just make it easy for them. 2. The Internet truly, truly has revolutionized fundraising. In a period of 2 weeks, we were able to raise 10 thousand dollars, all starting by me sending 1 email. 1 email that took me 1 hour to draft to our company, resulted in 10 thousand dollars. That's powerful. In the end the experience proved to be emotional (as we were marching for a colleague who had passed away the previous summer) and a source of pride. The team we formed "Marching for Mark" was the single largest family team walking for the March of Dimes in all of the United States. In addition, while our goal was to raise 10 thousand dollars, we raised over $36,000.00. I realized then how amazing the work my mom had done over the past 30 years was, and that I was good at it as well.

The most recent act of charity for me is different, and a bit disarming for me. When I saw the news coverage of the people who were victimized by Katrina, it stopped me in my tracks. I am not talking about the looting, or the Astro Dome conditions, or dead bodies (all of which were of course devastating.) But rather the families that were in shelters, that just looked so lost. The elderly, the children, the utter and total loss that they were facing in their lives. I could not help but think what if that was my grandfather who looked so bewildered? Or what if that was my brother so angry at no one in particular? Or what if it was any of the children so near and dear to my heart now, Shantanu being the one that kept coming to mind, who was separated from his/her parents. Alone. It made me sick to think about how frightened I would be.

I am a person who takes great comfort in possessions. This is not the best quality I know, but I like my comfortable bed, and cool sheets, and falling asleep with the fan on my face...what if it was all suddenly gone? I would recover of course, but I would feel as if I did not have ground to stand on. I had felt the same way over 9/11 and did nothing but give money. This time it was time for me to step up and put it in 5th gear. No matter if it frightened me (which it does) or if I would be uncomfortable while there (which I will be) I was still far better off than any one of the people there. The poorest of the poor, those least likely to be able to take care of themselves, are those who were left behind and asked to do just that. What if it had happened to us? I live on landfill in the Bay Area...one good earthquake and I might be left with nothing as well, I know I would want someone like me to be there to help...so I was on my way.