The philanthropic spirit

Statistics alone do not capture the spirit, personal involvement, and concern that attend these gifts. “The philanthropic spirit is not always about money; it involves time, energy and a level of commitment and follow-through,” says Sandra Bongiopic, executive director of the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity in Tangipahoa Parish. Bongiopic says this spirit is epitomized in Hammond resident and Habitat board member Randall Lejeune. The organization’s current president-elect, Lejeune works with six committees: family selection, family support, construction, site selection, fundraising and church relations. “Randall has a strong sense of gratitude for the many blessings he himself has received and, desiring to give back, does so joyously.”

Through the work of Habitat volunteers, the family dynamic is totally changed. The process involves more than concrete and wood. It’s about building hope in the community and establishing a new direction for families—one in which more of the children can finish high school and attend college.

A philanthropic environment

A growing need in the healthcare industry has created the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. The 50-year-old hospital recently formed the foundation board to develop philanthropic support for the growing investments required to keep healthcare options on the leading edge. The initiative was not just about raising money; the goal was to create a philanthropic environment based on teamwork, interaction and strategic orientation. The process of establishing the foundation involved many people, including staff, volunteers and community leaders.

A community-owned facility, St. Tammany Parish Hospital was built by northshore residents—not by a corporation, but by a group of concerned citizens with a common purpose. This pride of ownership is well-founded and deserved. “Contrary to popular belief, St. Tammany Parish Hospital receives no public funds from St. Tammany Parish or the state of Louisiana. The hospital is financed primarily through revenues generated by patient services and related activities,” says Jennifer Rice, foundation board member. “The foundation has been created to enhance funding through private philanthropy, and the board is here to make sure the foundation’s efforts are successful.”

The St. Tammany Hospital Foundation began with a goal of $2.5 million, and got off to a great start, raising more than $110,000 in the first-ever employee campaign. The Hospital Guild added over $10,000 in gifts in a campaign of its own last summer. These initial drives helped fund the acquisition of the first stereotactic breast biopsy unit in western St. Tammany Parish.

A total of 1,221 donors contributed $551,037 in 2003, a banner first year for the foundation. A number of patients and their families made significant gifts, often expressing appreciation for the work of hospital staff, or to acknowledge the efforts of individual physicians. The board members upheld their leadership roles by pledging more than $150,000 in individual commitments. These contributions, in addition to generous corporate donations, help the hospital to continue mission-driven community programs for St. Tammany residents, such as hospice care, the community wellness center, the Parenting Center and more.

Chris Keller, president of Resource Bank, says his bank “is proud to be a community partner with St. Tammany Parish Hospital. The hospital’s ability to grow with the community and be a leader in modern technology is instrumental in improving services, as well as improving the economy in our region.”

A supportive community

Patricia Westmoreland, executive director of the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, is a passionate philanthropist. For more than 20 years she has provided hands-on administrative and fundraising efforts for the Tangipahoa organization. Says Westmoreland, “Through our agreement with North Oaks Health System, the foundation makes it possible for any individual in Tangipahoa Parish to receive hospice care, regardless of ability to pay for those services.” The all-volunteer organization is a success because of the benevolence of medical and business professionals, as well as concerned civic organizations and caring individuals. The 2004 annual spring gala event had the support of more than 110 sponsors and throngs of attendees. The event is a great example of partying for a good cause.

Dedicated volunteers

It is important to find issues and opportunities that compel us to give. For Norman Hardy of Slidell, it was a chance meeting with Diane Baham of the St. Tammany Association of Retarded Citizens that began a 20-year philanthropic cooperation. “My first involvement was with the Thanksgiving feast, where we served 20 clients. Last year there were over 200 in attendance! Dedicating myself to STARC makes my heart feel good!”

Though the financial gifts he has been blessed to share with the STARC program over the years are important, it is Hardy’s heartfelt dedication to its cause that comes through when he talks. He currently serves as vice president of the RVSP board, which funds the organization’s purchases and programs. STARC has offered services, training and support opportunities for area citizens since 1972, enabling them to become contributing members of society. Programs include early intervention for infants, educational resources for children and residential homes, job training and supported employment for adults.

Why give?

The motivations for giving are varied. Some philanthropy choices follow family or religious traditions. Some people respond to an issue that has touched their lives, or to one that reaches out to those less fortunate. Others join a group formed around a common purpose.

Still others contribute because they want to be associated with an organization or mission that is recognized for good works in the community. A desire to give something back can be a very compelling reason. For many, treating their gift like a good investment gives them great satisfaction; they trust their favorite charity or cause to use their gifts well.

While many generous contributors wish to remain anonymous, there are those who receive wide recognition for their good deeds. For any giver, there is a strong desire that the gift have an impact that makes a difference.

As Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”