Philanthropist: Dirtiest word in town.

Philanthropist. Just look at the
word. Looks fancy. Just picture it… ball gowns, clinking cocktails, diamonds,
furs, hobnobbing, chit-chatting, schmoozing, old money, family secrets,
billowing cigars, bellowing laughter, big names on big buildings, more
diamonds, private jets, chauffeurs, white haired men posing for pictures with
oversized checks, golf tournaments and galas, men in tails, trophy wives, gold
watches, scotch, butlers, big hair, firm handshakes, blue bloods, mansions, and
crystal. I can see it now.  All
those philanthropists, doing all that philanthropy…

 I
asked a few friends what they thought of when they picture
philanthropists.  They were
initially concerned why my image of philanthropists resembled a cross between
80's TV saga, "Dallas" and the WB's Manhattan prep school drama "Gossip Girl".
Good question.  Great shows.  However, upon further encouragement
(threatening email, I have a deadline people!) I finally got some answers. I
wasn't so far off. Yes… so most people had a less dramatic version of what a
philanthropist looked like. While my friends didn't automatically think big
Texas hair or Park Avenue cat fights, the central theme was the same. A
philanthropist is someone who has the resources to really make a difference.
Big money. Name-on-a-building money. Money that would start literacy programs,
build hospitals, cure diseases, 
build schools, hire scientists, build parks, cure babies, create
jobs.  Money that could…change the
world? Not the kind of money hanging around in our checking accounts. Most of
my friends did manage to squeeze in a little something about how they do give
towards an employee giving program, belong to a Young Professional Organization
or are involved lots of volunteer work. And therefore, are not without a soul.
Good for you, guys. So why doesn't this count?

 

It's almost like this title of
"philanthropist" is too overwhelming, it's hard to live up to.

     

We all like to get lost in fiction…to imagine
ourselves in another life, with different circumstances. With those clothes!
For many of us, the more ridiculous, the better. It's make-believe, right? Now,
I realize that I may be in the minority with my affection for stories of a
modern day Park Avenue prep school or a Dallas ranch in the 80's. Blame my
Grandmother and my early exposure to her favorite TV shows. But, we all have
one thing in common. We're lucky. We live here! And we love it. Most of us are
shocked to find out that Austin ranks 48^th out of 50 in cities
it's size when it comes to charitable giving. What? Yes ma'am. And, you can bet
your boots that it's not because of Austin's lack of big spenders and colorful
characters. So, are we so scared of what it means to be a "philanthropist" that
we are willing to just do nothing?

      The more I
thought about it, the more it made sense. My idea of what it looks like to be a
philanthropist is as bad as my taste in television. A philanthropist is simply
someone who cares about a cause, and uses what they have to help. In some cases
this may mean big parties, big dollars, big hair. But a philanthropist is also
someone who gives what they can, when they can, and is proud to be able to
support what they believe in. It is not important that you are dripping in
diamonds to give. It is important that you find something that you believe in,
and feel good about the contribution that you make. You can be a part of
building hospitals, curing diseases, building schools…and feel just as good
about it as if your name was right there on the building.

      Each month, I
Live Here, I Give Here will be spotlighting an issue that affects people in
your community. We invite you to attend the panel discussions, held each month,
on the fourth Monday of the month. These panels will include people who are
experts on the issue. After the panel you are invited to "continue the
conversation" at a different local bar or restaurant each month.  It's your opportunity to become your
own kind of philanthropist. And to have a free drink. Wear your ball gown if
you want to…but it is certainly not required. Get to know the issues, discover
what moves you, and find out how you can help. Check the website for details or
email me at

mackenzie@ilivehereigivehere.org

 

 

Mackenzie
Martin

 

Austinite,
Philanthropist.