The spirit of giving endures

Friday, November 20, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | By David Setzer

For the Salisbury Post

The celebration Tuesday evening of the Salisbury Community Foundation's 65 years of "Inspiring Philanthropy" was indeed inspiring and a remarkable exposition of the spirit of giving and love of community that makes Salisbury-Rowan a wonderful place to live. It was also a tribute to the extraordinary leadership and foresight by perceptive and caring citizens. Many of those remarkable and selfless folks are no longer with us, but their families continue to build on their legacy, to our mutual benefit.

The numbers tell the tale, as the saying goes. The fact that more than $200 million has flowed through the foundation in the past 65 years to causes and organizations large and small in Salisbury-Rowan is nothing short of incredible. And another $100 million has flowed to worthy causes nationwide. On the local level, I know that during my tenure as a member of the administration at Catawba College, the Salisbury Community Foundation was a critical source of support for the college as it faced needs that were beyond its budget, but necessary to its future. The foundation was a bulwark against adversity and its generosity was deeply appreciated.

The highlight of the celebration evening was a special video tribute to that spirit of philanthropy found in Salisbury and manifested in the lives of persons whose names are found all around the town, gracing buildings, streets, programs, scholarships, awards and, hopefully, our collective memories for years to come. It was an appreciation to those families who have made philanthropy an essential part of their lives, who lead by example, inspiring the next generations to follow in their unique footsteps.

The Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation, a relative newcomer to the scene in Salisbury, was pleased to be a supporting partner in the production of the video, which we trust will have a long life and be seen far and wide for the story it tells and the life lessons it relates. It is also relevant that the excellent video was produced by Salisbury's own Miller Davis Agency.

Philanthropy should not be taken for granted. It is an action of the heart and mind and comes from that special place from which our better instincts spring. As the saying goes, we should be and are "eternally grateful."

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David Setzer is executive director of the Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation.