Giving thanks in trying times
_BY ARLENE KNOX Planned Giving Officer, Southwest Florida Community Foundation

The news is sobering for Thanksgiving 2007.

Foreclosures are up, and many families are down and out. Gas prices are high and homebuyers are few and far between. Those laid off from work include some of the best and brightest in town. And will red tide ever go away?

What to do? As Willie Nelson said, "When I started counting my blessings, my whole world turned around."

At the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, we hear and see the challenges facing non-profits in this stressful economic climate. We count among our blessings the following:

• A vibrant and essential non-profit sector. Have you ever considered the breadth of the non-profit sector in Southwest Florida? Over 400 nonprofits serve in a five-county region, employing hundreds of dedicated staff members and serving countless causes. No cause is left untouched. Animals, the elderly, the young, the sick, the environment, the arts, parents, grandparents, working families, job training and more; non-profit organizations exist to improve and enhance the quality of life. We give thanks to the non-profit sector and the dedicated professionals who change lives.

• An abundance of volunteers. Fort Myers is a top destination in Florida for part-time residents and a large percentage of the population consists of retirees from locations across the United States. Volunteers serve as trainers, mentors, staffing support, and countless other ways to provide support. We give thanks to the volunteers who give of their time and talent to support a cause.

• Loyal and caring donors. Every non-profit organization has a group of loyal donors who are committed to its cause. These are the individuals who stop by the office, want to learn more about the newest changes in the organization, and thoughtfully inquire about how they can continue to support the organization in creative ways. We give thanks to the donors who sustain the agencies and allow them to continue good works, even in times of economic distress.

• Board members. At the helm of every non-profit is a group of leaders that provide counsel, guidance and management. Their passion is to see their nonprofit succeed and be able to provide the best care and service to clients. Fiduciary and legal responsibilities rest on their shoulders.

We give thanks to the board members and leaders who give their time and expertise to improving the efficiency of each agency in Southwest Florida.

• Media. Covering everything from human interest stories to campaign success, media outlets can be a non-profit organization's best asset. Newspaper, radio, television and internet media tell the stories of single parents in need, animals that have recovered from injury, ocean tides cleaned by science, and artists who inspire. We give thanks to the writers and broadcasters who share our success with the community.

In the final weeks of 2007, consider the blessings in your life. Take action by volunteering, donating time or money to your favorite charity, and helping your neighbor in need. And watch your whole world turn around. ¦