In case you weren’t aware, today is National Philanthropy Day.
 

Chances are that you haven’t heard of it, but it’s never too late to start celebrating– especially when the day puts a proverbial spotlight on kindness and generosity. What exactly is philanthropy?
 

Well, according to Mirriam-Webster dictionary, philanthropy is the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people. True to its name, National Philanthropy Day is dedicated to celebrating the charitable work of anyone and everyone who works to make a difference or impact their community positively. Of course, most of us probably associate “philanthropy,” with names like Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates, Walt Disney, Johns Hopkins, and other renowned celebrities.
 

But honestly, each of us can be a philanthropist in our way. National Philanthropy Day encourages us to put that word, “philanthropy,” into action, and to recognize the change that philanthropy has brought to our communities. After all, you don’t have to be rich or famous to donate a little time to bettering the general public!
 

Well, there’s no need to donate hundreds or thousands of dollars; in fact, one of the best ways to participate could be to do something small for someone in need. Does a friend need a picker-upper after a long day? Perhaps a particular club on campus needs help staffing an event? There are a number of activities that you may be able to partake in. Kindness always opens doors to endless possibilities — maybe you’ll make a new friend. Maybe you’ll catch a lucky break. Who knows?
 

In the meantime, we can congratulate the two honorees of the 2016 Outstanding Philanthropists Award given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals: the Thompson Family and Alan Siegel. Both have created the Thompson Family Foundation through which more than $85 million has been donated to ensure that the historical Park Avenue Armory of New York City would be restored to its former glory. It now serves as a cultural center supporting performing and visual arts, as well as a venue through which students of the NY public school system may participate in arts education events.
 

Furthermore, the Foundation has provided several additional grants including a $25 million donation to the Central Park Conservancy; $1 million to The Equity Project Charter School; $15 million to Columbia University Medical Center in order to study the causes of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy; and $1 million to the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning. In total, the Foundation has provided over 80 charitable organizations with more than $145 million, allowing for the betterment of the lives of those in the New York Area.
 

The second honoree is Archer Hadley of Austin High School, who has raised over $100,000 for disability access and awareness.
 

Archer has grown up with cerebral palsy and, for this reason, requires the use of a wheelchair for easy transportation. Frustrated after by being caught out in the rain since he could open the door on his own, Archer thought of an idea.
 

He decided to create a campaign to raise enough money to install automatic power doors at his school. From the campaign, Archer raised $87,000, far more than he had initially planned. As a result, the school was able to install five power doors, a new wheelchair-access ramp and a roof over the main doors to protect students from rain.
 

Archer proceeded to campaign at other schools and has thus far installed 17 power doors within over four schools. Remarkably, in total, he has been able to raise more than $112,000 as well as $142,000 in in-kind gifts. Archer adds that his campaign isn’t just about raising money; it’s also about raising awareness.
 

Additionally, in hopes of helping others to deeply understand the challenges that people with disabilities face daily, Archer began the Wheelchair Challenge. In the challenge, It has had more than 1,400 students and volunteers spending a single day in a wheelchair, with hopes that this experience would deepen understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities must face on the daily. For his efforts, he was honored at the White House. Here’s a short video by Austin High that showcases Archer’s journey and vision, and can be seen at this link:
 

Now, Archer is currently working on creating a new foundation called, “Archer’s Challenge,” and organizing another Wheelchair Challenge in the city of Austin — which will put 470 people, including media personalities, University of Texas administration and students, state legislators, school district officials and corporate leaders– in wheelchairs. He hopes to increase awareness and funding for the Rosedale School, who provide services to youth and adults suffering from disabilities.
 

I hope these stories encourage you to realize we always have the chance to offer kindness and to use our passions to create great, positive change. National Philanthropy Day!
 

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