Diana R. Sieger is the president of the Grand Rapids Commmunity Foundation. For more information, visit Diana's President's pages or view her biography.
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- 06/30/08 - Deja vu all over again!
- 06/23/08 - "Cushy" - "retiring" - hardly!
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President's Point of View: 'Tis the Season?
December 17, 2006
I was decidedly NOT in the holiday mood until the past couple of days. Well - I am getting there. This has been quite a year! We have made significant strides at the Foundation and I’m very proud and pleased about that - kudos to the fabulous staff and a tremendous board of trustees! This past year saw my sister and I consumed by the “aging parent” syndrome and we now join the legions of middle aged “kids” wringing their hands as they describe their experiences - great conversation starters. My mom is 86 years old and moved into a lovely apartment in an Assisted Living facility in suburban Detroit. Our journey is similar to many people across the country so I won’t get into the challenges we faced this year.
I find myself making more charitable contributions and stuffing more money into the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles throughout the Grand Rapids and metro Detroit areas. My favorite bell ringers thus far were the Grand Rapids Fire Department fire fighters stationed outside of Macy’s at Woodland Mall (a.k.a. Marshall Field’s and Hudson’s). They were so taken by the young women swarming them - thoroughly enjoying themselves. I happened to be in the way dropping in some money into the kettle and one of the fire fighters was backed up right into me! Not a problem - they just continued flirting with the young ladies! It was pretty funny though!
I finally decorated my home - not as lavishly as I have done in previous years but it is beautiful nonetheless. So now am I in the holiday mood? Sure - but three thoughts dominate my mind this Sunday morning:
1) The rebellion is on! Is it the “holiday season” or the “Christmas season”? It is now politically incorrect to say Happy Holidays! If you don’t say “Merry Christmas” then people are off to the races with their assumptions!
2) Gift giving is beyond out of control - I think the advent of gift cards has upped the ante in terms of dollar outlay. Whew - take a break and realize that a hug may be much more important!
3) Nonprofits need funding support throughout the year not just during these last few weeks of the year. I would hope that the “holiday” spirit is felt all the year - that the generosity continues!
I wish everyone peace, compassion and love in their lives!
