The Salvation Army has been “Doing the Most Good” in Boise for 129 years. I attended the annual Red Kettle luncheon this week. It is the first sign that Xmas is just around the corner. As always the event was inspirational, highlighting outcomes at the Booth Marian Pritchett school and a young mother, Dustie – who lost a child and then her way. Dustie turned to the Salvation Army for assistance and they provided that and more. Through a hand-up program that builds bridges to change, she educated herself and through hard work and perseverance now employs five and has achieved financial independence. Dustie made it clear that she would be there for the Salvation Army in her now promising future.
You know how important fund raising is for our not for profits. At the event each table captain is responsible for friend and fund raising, those invited expect to make a contribution. There were the normal pens on the table with donation cards to fill out and put in the Red Kettle. Very few picked up a pen, you could text your gift amount, they were tabulated and announced before the end of the lunch. In a few minutes we knew that $91,050 had been given to support the Salvation Army operation in our area. The text linked each donor to a payment web site and voila – no paperwork and immediate cash flow for the organization. A 129 year old entity using today’s technology – well done.
Speaking of Xmas, I saw this really awesome electric powered GMC Truck for 3-6 year olds today. The truck has a top speed of 5 mph. Don’t tell Hank that this may be one of his gifts. Generally, Hank is focused on being a pirate but I am thinking he needs a new venue for his imagination. While this search for the perfect gift is going on, Hank found a large shipping box and has turned it into his new hide out. I am thinking I could learn from this experience.
Albert Einstein said “imagination is more important than knowledge.” An unknown source felt “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Lewis Carroll “why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” My final advice for Hank comes from Dr. Seuss, “why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
Stretch your horizons this week end. Mike