I've been eating less chicken these days.
But Friday, I had a chicken luncheon for a good cause. It was National Philanthropy Day, and the Madison Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized seven individuals and organizations that have given their time, money and expertise to make the community strong.
Honored at the celebration were Terry & Mary Kelly, Dianne Chistensen, Scott Haumerson of Wegner CPAs, Don Becker of Becker Law Offices, Aleta Barmore, and Kathleen Woit of the Madison Community Foundation.
A room at the Overture Center was packed with about six hundred people, all of whom are active in some form of giving back to their community.
As I ate my chicken, I thought about how much civic capacity there is in this town. A lot of cities struggle as businesses and individuals who once had a strong connection move away or pass on.
Not here. It's not just about the money these folks give. It's their active involvement in the good stewardship of the philanthropic resources we have, it's the time they give to their board work, and very often, it's direct work with the people served by the organizations they support.
The chicken wasn't bad, but I left feeling good for a lot more than a decent lunch.
Have a good weekend.
