I have spent about 40 years in the fundraising realm covering a variety of roles and an assortment of causes. Never have I been given to tears by the magnitude of generosity of others until now. It began with a donation of 27 cents.
My son and his family were with his wife’s family in Colorado for their annual trek that coincides with their family reunion on July 3rd. His plan was for the family to leave at four in the morning on July 4th, to be back home for a couple of days of rest before starting a new work week.
Foreboding weather reports forecast dangerous conditions in Texas. The goal to leave early was affirmed by the horrific floods in Kerr County (Texas Hill Country). He is the CEO/President of TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) and it is for times like this that TEXSAR was created 20 years ago. On the evening of July 3, just hours before he and his family were to start their drive home to Texas, the kids at the gathering had a collection to support the upcoming mission. They brought him their collective largesse of 27 cents.
That first donation was the beginning of a groundswell of support to TEXSAR’s mission of search, rescue and recovery. Touching messages accompanied contributions made online; conversations with donors and representatives of companies and foundations were sometimes emotional; emails from people around the country who wanted to support TEXSAR’s efforts were sincere and authentic. I have never experienced such an outpouring of funds, support, love and prayers, and it caught up with me. At one point, between calls, I cracked. Tears flowed.
I will never forget that moment. The roots of the word “philanthropy” are “love of” and “humankind.” This week has helped me understand the true meaning more than any time in my career.