Volume Number One: Spring 1999, pge 1

This newsletter is my way of saying, "Thanks, for everything you have done. For what you have given to me, and, most importantly, for those gifts you have granted others." Some of you might be saying to yourselves right now: "What gifts have we given to Michele? We don't even know her." But I know you, and I know – just as everyone else does – when I have received a valuable gift. Let me tell you why. Years ago, I had moved to Vermont, a beautiful place that has a not-so-lovely reputation for rejecting outsiders. Especially for big-city outsiders such as this Chicago woman. But I was to find out that, like most stereotypes, this just wasn't true.

One day I helped Alice, the local postmaster and owner of the general store, gather the sap for syrup when no one else could – even though I didn't have a clue how to do it. Another time I helped a man who had thrown out his back bring in his firewood. These weren't big deal things; just neighborly things that neighbors can and should do. But that summer I snapped my ankle really bad; broke it in four places. For two weeks, I was laid up and couldn't move. And not a day, an hour or a minute was I alone. The neighbors chipped in and helped me out with my meals, get the mail, run errands. I guess it's true that the more you give, the more you receive. Goodness begets goodness. So what did you give me, without your even knowing it? What favor could I possibly be returning? Well, I've worked with and within non-profits and community-based organizations for a long time. From them I have learned about selflessness, caring, dedication and hard work. From them I have had my belief in virtue and goodness renewed and resurrected, in a world where sometimes you can be lead to believe that they no longer exist. Gifts that rekindle your faith are the most powerful of gifts. But as long as I have worked with non-profits, I know I can never meet them all – you all. But I do know this: That there are people out there like you who are giving and giving, every day, every week, all year long. I don't have to know you personally, but I know that you're there. And by your ceaseless efforts, you have given me and millions of Americans a lift. So, this newsletter is only a modest repayment, to those I know and to those I don't. I hope you'll find in here some tips and ideas from Michele and Company  that are useful. These are yours to keep or to pass along to your friends. What moves me is a spirit that I should do something in return, for what has been given to me. If it's helpful along the way, it is only an extra blessing, for you and for me.

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Volume Number One, Spring 1999 pge 1   continued on pge 2

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