Recently Powerball was in the news due to the extraordinary amount of money a few lucky winners finally won. A BILLION dollars was at stake and it certainly got people thinking about what they would do with the money. I know I gave it consideration, despite the fact I only purchased one ticket on the first go-around.
My thoughts first went to how it would change my life and relationships with friends and family. Then, after the initial dreams of how many luxury items I could afford, my thoughts went to how I could actually spend that money to better mankind. Although it seemed a stretch, would there be a way I could bail out a desperately poor town whose budget needed balancing? How about just building a group of houses in an area ravaged by tornadoes or floods? What about anonymously paying off patients’ medical bills in a hospital? There are so many ways that money could be put to good use with numerous people benefitting instead of just one lucky winner.
Altruism is not something we think about in our everyday lives nor are most of us in the position to afford extreme amounts of charity. Although it seems we all lead busy lives, we could afford to give more of our time. Indeed, even the top Ivy League universities are demanding more of their applicants. Not only is it imperative these perspective college students be in the top percentile of their classes but also that they are well-rounded individuals. Intellect, athleticism and talent certainly might get their foot in the door, but more and more colleges are asking what a student has contributed to society as a factor in determining who is accepted. Have they volunteered or donated their time and effort to a charitable cause? Have they put their egos aside to help those less fortunate or in need of comfort? Have they proven they have the potential of being not only a doctor, or scientist but a caring, empathetic citizen? It’s something we all could take a look at inwardly and consider whether we are all doing our very best.
Here at Pompositticut the opportunity to give back and help others in need was created several years ago. With the passing of Jackie’s Mom in 2012, the founder/director became personally aware of the hardships and challenges cancer patients face when undergoing chemotherapy. As a result Jackie established a scholarship program entitled “Serving More Kids” or SMK, with the ultimate goal of providing a wholesome camp experience for children whose custodial caregiver will be undergoing cancer treatment during the summer months. This is basically the only criteria required to apply and we encourage anyone who may know of a friend or family member going through this process to do so. Applications for these annual scholarships are available on the camp’s website.
It may not be a billion dollars, but if we all contributed in some small way it would eventually add up. Who knows, it may even feel like a billion dollars to the person on the receiving end!
Carlene
