"One of the most important lessons I've learned is that life changing gifts can be small."
I have to admit - I came to this book with a bit of skepticism. I assumed it would be a vanity book, a book meant to showcase just how wonderful the author is, a book meant to create a carefully coiffed image rather than to inform or enlighten. I am delighted to share that I could not have been more mistaken!
Carrie Morgridge is a woman with a mission - a mission to inspire all of us to increase our own giving: time, money, skills, whatever we can share to help our community. She quickly won me over with her warm manner and the very unselfconscious way she shares her story - and the stories of those she has inspired and been inspired by.
She starts with the apocryphal tale of a young boy walking along the beach, and noticing hundreds of beached starfish. He makes his way over and picks up starfish, tossing it back into the water. He steps the the next, and the next, and the next. His mother gently scolds him that he is wasting his time and energy - there are too many starfish and his little effort doesn't matter.
He wisely replies, "it matters to this one". He knew he could not save all, but he could save some.
And he did. A simple and elegant lesson.
Morgridge shares intimate glimpses, personal anecdotes of small and large gifts she has made - and the impact these gifts had immediately... and then longer-term. I enjoyed how she circles back, showing - rather than telling - the multiplier impacts.
And while she obviously shares her love for her personal charitable giving agenda (mainly re children and STEM education) the steps she shares for creating truly impactful giving are effective even if your agenda is quite different. She shares her experiences with selecting organizations to support - and what to be mindful of. And the book's Appendix has a very useful Giving Checklist that helps to narrow down a focus for your own giving.
"Nothing makes me happier and gives me more fulfillment that knowing I've been able to give someone a hand up - to throw one more starfish back into the sea."
Carrie Morgridge is a Vice-President with the Morgridge Family Foundation, a private foundation that makes investments that transform communities through education, conservation, the arts and health and wellness.
Every Gift Matters is published by Green Leaf Books Press. It can be purchased for $19.95 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other fine booksellers.
Non-Fiction, Charity/Philanthropy; Teen/Adult
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trace Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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