In the span of a week, we have seen extraordinary examples of how giving the Capital City is.
And ice cream was served to boot.
Philanthropy, the act of generously giving to promote the welfare of someone else, is a common thread in Capital City life. The flavors of how that philanthropy is dished out are as varied as the multitudes of ice cream creations at Central Dairy.
The most intricate and nuanced example of that giving can be seen in the dynamic relationship between United Way of Central Missouri and its partner agencies. The partnership identifies unique, but meaningful, missions needed within the community, invests in the people willing to be the hands and feet of the community in responding to those needs, and then marshals the help of volunteers who give of their time, sweat and money to further these needed services.
Leading such a vibrant, engaged effort is no small task. And retiring United Way president Ann Bax has done an exemplary job of leading that charge. Through her efforts, and those of countless community volunteers, donors and partner agencies, the community is truly blessed by their efforts and passion for the Capital City.
Last week, the community rightfully thanked Bax for her service and celebrated the incredible work that was accomplished during her time at United Way. And, in true Bax fashion, the retiring president offered her successor, Lee Knernschield, help to fill needs that she and the community might face in the future.
The offer was genuine, generous and sweet.
Speaking of sweet, who doesn’t like ice cream?
That love for the frozen treat is the lure for an annual charitable fundraising effort that has been a staple of the Capital City for generations.
The 65th annual St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary Ice Cream Social is the most recent example of where community members have banded together for generations to do their part and help make a difference in the community.
In the case of the ice cream social volunteers, their mission has always been to do something that would directly impact patient care services at St. Mary’s Hospital and to address an immediate need. In past years, the social has raised as much as $18,000.
This year, the money that was raised will be used to buy bedside or over-bed tables for patients. The new tables will be made of a solid surface material that will be easier to clean and prevent infection, as well as have more height options for patients’ use.
In this instance, uncommon compassion and generosity will be manifested in the most common of things, a piece of furniture.
Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden once said, “If you do enough small things right, big things can happen.”
When it comes to giving, this community proves that adage true on a daily basis.
In other words, philanthropy is no little thing in the Capital City. Because of the small and substantial efforts of those before and around us now, big things are happening.
Now is the time for you to join the team.
— News Tribune
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