Yesterday, I spoke about the Gates/Buffett initiative. That philanthropic concept certainly makes a big splash. One the world recognizes.
Yet, there are folks in almost every community that make a big splash- but maybe just in their community. Some are local busineses. (Consider what is going to happen to Wilmington, Delaware and Midland, Michigan once Dow and Dupont merge. Both of these firms were good corporate citizens for their community.) Some are just some very wonderful people.
Many of you know I live in Alexandria, Virginia. Which is a confused place- it’s both a suburb within the DC metropolitan area and a city all by itself. That certainly does provide all sorts of issues
Most of you have heard about the (only) high school in town. TC Williams, of “Remember the Titans” fame. (I used to live on the street which was bisected by the Ivy Hill Cemetery– and just a few blocks where the fateful accident took place.) Where 694 kids graduated last year- and where almost 25% received notable scholarships from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA).
This fund has been around for almost 30 years (it started in 1986) and gets the bulk (92%) of its funds from individuals. But, besides the executive director and her cadre of volunteers, there’s one very special individual to the SFA. Jack Taylor, one who exemplifies the word “mentsch”. (No, he’s not Jewish. And, if you don’t know what that word means, look it up. It’s a most useful term.)
Jack Taylor is a community stalwart. Not only does he donate cash and benefits to the SFA, but also to a plethora of other community causes. I remember requesting his assistance for one community need that had no connection to anything “Jack”- and he was ready to help, on the spot. Just like he’s done for SFA for 23 years now.
Whether it’s donating a brand new car for auction, buying tickets ($ 5000 worth!) for the big scholarship dance the SFA holds for the community- so TC’s teachers can attend-, or a $ 50K cash infusion to the fund, he’s there. Over the years, his contribution to the college scholarships fund has totalled more than $ 1 million. That’s 9% of the total scholarships afforded by SFA since it started- and Jack only began his participation in year 7 (1993).
Jack plays a big part. But, wonderfully, TC graduates also come back to help with the telethon. (The other big event besides the gala.) Not just the ‘average Joe’ among the current students and previous graduates, but the ones who have “seemingly” made it. Folks like Chip Esten (who plays Deacon Claybourn of Nashville) and Dermot Mulroney (star of 70 films- including my favorite, The Thing Called Love), among many other folks.
The funds SFA offers are often the difference between a student getting a chance to attend college or not.
All because of folks like Jack Taylor- and you and me.
