The Gift of Giving

Prom, graduation, last day of school for students, Faculty and Staff end of year luncheon, presenting scholarships at 8th grade graduations, the Caritas Awards, these are all events that line my calendar to let me know another year has come to a close. Yet, there is another date that comes up this time of year as well. This date and its significance give some a sense of unease and panic. I am referring to June 30^th, the last day to give a financial contribution to the school for this fiscal year.

There are many that love to talk to me about McNamara and all the things we are, the things we are doing, and all that we would like to do in the future. But when the subject of money comes up, people begin to get nervous thinking that I want to reach into their wallets and that all the school sees is dollar signs. When this situation arises I consider it a teachable moment.  Giving is important not simply for the money raised but the message that it sends and the ownership it creates.  When you give back to the school, it lets us and the community as a whole know that you value and believe in what we are doing here and that you want to see the school grow and prosper. Your investment has an effect on you as well. When we give money to something we are interested in what happens to that money, how it is used and what your return on investment is.  Alums, Parents and Friends of the school that give stay connected to the school. They become a part of the active community and are key stakeholders that help shape the direction and vision of the school. 

Each gift, regardless of size, is important. I remember way back in 1986 when I made my first gift.  It was only $5 but it felt so good to give back to a place that had given so much to me.  Even at a young age I understood that investing in my school and helping to advance its mission was important. I gave because of all the wonderful experiences and phenomenal teachers I had at McNamara. I gave because the work of the Brothers of Holy Cross made a difference in my life!  Today, 27 years later, what drives me to continue to give are all of the incredible and dedicated students that walk our halls. As I often say to people, I feel like I have the best job in the world because I get a chance to share in this important phase of a young person's life journey, to watch them grow, and to watch them be transformed by the gifted teachers that still grace our classrooms and the wonderful mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross...just as I was.  So to my students of today, I am investing in you and want to ensure that you will have the same opportunities I had and more.  Readers of this blog, I hope you will do the same because our kids are worth it!!