"Give til it hurts"

I have a number of charities that I donate both money and time to on a regular basis. For the past 3 years, my single biggest cash donation has been that I am one of the sponsors of a local radio station's school supply give-a-way each August. My contribution is $5000, which provides 250 backpacks filled with various supplies.

As some of you may know from my other threads, as recently as few days ago, I was in the red for the year. In the past few days, I have moved back into the black, but the check that I wrote this week still is greater than my BJ win total for the year. As I was making my donation, this "give til it hurts" phrase popped into my head. Lol. Although in fairness, I am not giving til it hurts. Regardless of where my results for the year end up, I have been very fortunate the past few years of my AP career. Far more fortunate and successful than I ever dreamed when I quit my job 10 and a half years ago to pursue a card counting AP career. But, it made me feel extra good to give til it hurt (not really) this year. :)

I did kind of the same thing, except it was physical more than monitary. For about 5 years I volunteered for my kids Little League. I would work all day, then served on the Board of Directors, was the Chief Umpire for the League and District, went to all the kids practices and games and the last year I coached as well.

I would have continued even with no kids in the League but we moved out of town. It was a great time and great feeling knowing I made a difference in kids lives. I remember Little League was a blast when I was a kid, but had no idea how much it took to make it all happen because everything always went like clockwork and a good time was had by all. That was my goal in volunteering. Have this kids have a great time. Escape the troubles of school and home. And all the while, thinking it all happens like magic. :)


ZCore13

anytime you give out of savings, it hurts. Sounds like you did this time.

My wife and I have been doing this for many years and the pleasure has been all ours. It is such a big part of our lives that neither one of us could ever imagine not doing it. The easy part for us is writing the checks. We insist on anonymity but still receive beautiful thank you letters periodically that are more gratifying than can be put into words.

We also give of our time and that can sometimes be difficult because of the situations that so many are in through no fault of their own. My wife has a soft spot for children, as I think most of us do, and I have one for veterans. To anyone who hasn't done volunteer work, please give it some thought. It is very rewarding I promise you.

Quote: kewlj

I have a number of charities that I donate both money and time to on a regular basis. For the past 3 years, my single biggest cash donation has been that I am one of the sponsors of a local radio station's school supply give-a-way each August.

Very nice, very generous. It is almost United Way time at work, so you have inspired me to up my donation a bit.

This year I upped my donation to planned parenthood to 5k, and it is money very well spent. I must say, hey hey.