Why We Give

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	Annie Thayer I feel one of our purposes in life is to help other people and to give back in any way that we can. I give to causes I feel will make a difference. I am a member of several environmental organizations and I am sponsoring a child in Ethiopia. My income is at a minimum right now but I try to give as often as possible.
	Audre Porterfield I just love Boulder. I love all of the things that have happened here, and I want to see it continue to be a wonderful city in 2000. Also, I want to make sure that things go to the people who need them and that the arts and other important institutions receive support.
	Hap Pitkin and his daughters Julia and Melanie Hap Pitkin and his daughters Julia and Melanie, each made a contribution to the Millennium Trust, a grassroots fundraising campaign that asked each Boulder County citizen to give one hour of income from the millennium to benefit the next millennium. Why did they give to the Trust? Hap Pitkin: Donating to organizations I care about seems like a practical way to make a lasting contribution. It was exhilarating to be involved in something that so many people are participating in. Julia: Boulders not like a big city, but its not like the country. Its not too noisy and busy, but nothings too far away and theres the right number of people here.
	Kitty L. deKieffer I believe that volunteering and philanthropy should be learned at the earliest age possible. I do what I do not only because I want to model generosity to my son but to show that in volunteering and philanthropy, we are helping Boulder County become that much better of a place to live. When life serves us some bumps, we need to just do some volunteer work or learn about some of the people that our non-profits serve. Suddenly our bumps seem small in comparison. I believe that our children need to grow up learning about giving back in order for them to understand how to be caring individuals as adults.
	Lisa Tedesco We have such a diversity of financial means in this community. It's important to supplement programs for people who can't afford them. I'm bothered by how many people don't have access to services and activities. We also have such a need for loving childcare that doesn't cost a fortune.
	Peggy Wrenn I give time and money to non-profits in Boulder because it does good and it feels good. Having grown up in Boulder County since 1954 when I was three years old, I'm deeply grateful for my excellent public schooling, rich community, and profound sense of "home." I get joy from giving to my community.
	Roy Young After years of being driven crazy by watching the peace and environmental groups I worked with scrounge for money, I did something I never thought Id do I became a successful businessman in order to have money to give away to groups whose work I admire. I turned my geology hobby into a successful company that sells minerals and fossils to museums and stores throughout North America. During the last ten years, Ive held my living expenses to $15,000 a year and given over $1 million in donations to grassroots environmental groups.
	The Clark Family Marty and James Clark and their children Travis, 16, and Tyler, 13, from Gunbarrel, each made a contribution to the Millennium Trust, a grassroots fundraising campaign that asked each Boulder County citizen to give one hour of income from this millennium to benefit the next millennium. Why did they give to the Trust? "It was a unique idea that wasn't asking much of people and something that we could really achieve" - Marty Clark "I believe the people who have lived in Boulder County through the years have made the area a great place to live. I couldn't help them because I wasn't here, but I can help the people who (will come) after me" - Tyler Clark "Boulder is one of the most incredible towns in the nation, and I feel it would be a great idea to make a contribution to the town I am proud to call home." - Travis Clark
Further Reading 150 Things You Can Do to Build Social Capital