A Master Philanthropist - Paul Newman Tribute

There are role models in life and then there are people you can follow in their footsteps.  When working as the Director of Development for the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, one of my most exciting moments was to meet Paul Newman.  I was excited not to meet a world-famous actor, but rather a world-famous philanthropist.

Mr. Newman was a member of Phi Kappa Tau and because of his leadership, Phi Kappa Tau adopted the Hole in the Wall Camps as the national philanthropy.  These remarkable camps provide opportunities for children battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses to attend summer camp and have a normal experience yet still receive state-of-the-art medical care.  I heard yesterday during an interview with Newman's best friend for 50+ years, AE Hotchner, that with the development of Newman's Own, more than $330 million has been contributed to various charities.

I had the privilege of volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek in Florida several times.  I visited the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut and had the honor to attend both the ground breaking and the grand opening of the Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina.  With the support of Phi Kappa Tau's Foundation Board of Directors, I established a scholarship program for brothers who would work or volunteer their time to serve as counselors and activity specialists at one of the camps.  I think the proudest moment of my career was learning that because of PKT's commitment to the camps, it quickly became the number one source of male volunteers, a need that was in great demand.

There were countless precious moments that the camps provided these young men.  To say that it was life changing is not an understatement.  These Phi Tau's went to camp as boys but returned as men, forever impacted by the experiences they had working with children.  To know that I played a role in getting that program firmly established is one of the highlights of my career and certainly a legacy I am indeed proud to have left the Fraternity I loved as if I were a member of it myself.

I met Paul Newman on several occasions.  He was a shy man and not one for special accolades.  He told me how proud he was of the brothers who came to camp and was genuinely touched that Phi Tau was so involved with the camps he founded.

He was an incredible philanthropist.  He gave because it was the right thing to do, not because he was getting anything in return.  He embodied generosity, creativity, dedication and hard work.  He made a difference for thousands of children and equally as many volunteers and staff members.  I am forever grateful to have met him and to have been a part of the Hole in the Wall Camp experience.

This video was made by Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity as a tribute to one of their most distinguished alumni, Paul Newman, upon his death.  I am blessed to have been associated with PKT and treasure the moments that I was part of the staff.  Hoo Rah, my brothers!

My Fav Charities

It's December 31, 2009.  What better date to relaunch the Electric Philanthropy blog?  If you are still making last minute choices on charities to support, I thought I would suggest some remarkable organizations for your consideration.

Best Friends
The Best Friends Animal Society is quite possibly the most remarkable organization working on behalf of animals today. They accept all kinds of animals: injured, abused, neglected, abandoned, elderly and those needing special care and treat every one of them like a long-lost pet.  Their direct mail program is second to none (and believe me, I've seen just about every kind of direct mail package known to man) with each story more compelling than the next.  I can't say enough about them and they deserve every single penny they receive.

The Children's Miracle Network
Ok, so I may be slightly biased about CMN because I work at a children's hospital, but even if I didn't work at Dayton Children's, I'd still think this is a remarkable charity.  CMN supports 170 non-profit pediatric hospitals.  The best thing they do is ensure that money raised locally benefits the local pediatric hospital.  This organization is committed to bringing the best healthcare possible to children in the US, Canada and now parts of Europe.  No one wants to think of sick or injured children and with the state of pediatric healthcare reimbursements, these hospitals desperately need every bit of support they can get.

The Hole in the Wall Camps
Paul Newman founded the Hole in the Wall Camps to give children battling chronic and life threatening illnesses a normal summer camp experience.  To say these camps are magical is an understatement.  I have volunteered several times at Camp Boggy Creek in Florida and have visited the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut and the Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina.  I will do anything I can to help support all of the others, including the Flying Horse Farms Camp that will open in Mount Gilead, Ohio in the near future.  These camps allow kids to soar in every way, all the while ensuring they receive state-of-the-art medical care at the same time.  Remarkable.

Donors Choose
Brilliant concept here and I still believe one of the most unique charitable organizations in existence today. Teachers list their needs, donors pick where they want to help. It's the best possible kind of donor-directed support. 

There are thousands of worthy charities out there.  What matters most is you finding what matters most to you.  I have my personal reasons for always supporting the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation  Tri Sigma has helped sculpt the person I am today.  But that's a more personal individual choice, like supporting a church, University or civic organization. The suggestions for this blog are more broad-based.   I'll keep listing organizations I believe are doing remarkable things. I'd like to hear from you...who do you recommend and why?