Sparking Joy through Giving

During the pandemic, like many others, I have found a bit more time for Netflix. My husband and I rarely ever agree on television shows that pique both of our interests, but to my surprise we recently found a mutual love of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” a show that became famous for helping people organize and declutter their homes. Throughout the show, Marie Kondo is found utilizing her signature slogan — Does this particular item “spark joy?” 

I’ve begun to ask this question not only in relation to my giant stack of T-shirts, but in my daily life as well. “Does doing X spark joy for me?” While my list has become smaller over the past year, giving my time, talents and treasure in support of others has remained an especially joyful experience for me.

As a passionate advancement professional, I appreciate teaching others the joy of giving back. I’d defend that giving is also one of the most important things that we can continually do for ourselves and for those around us. To those reluctant to give, who feel the timing is wrong for a variety of reasons, I ask only this: what if there exists no magic time in our lives when the stars will align and we’ll suddenly be ready to give back?

At Shorecrest I’ve had many conversations with families who feel they are too busy to volunteer, or as young parents are too financially squeezed to donate. I’ve been there too. But what if - as time goes on - we all come to learn that there are constraints on our time and money at every stage of life? What harm would it do for us to commit to giving what we can, when we can — knowing what the joyful end result will be regardless of how much we are able to personally contribute. We all have the ability to directly impact others and derive a personal sense of connection and fulfillment in doing so.

Henry A. Rosso, the founder of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, said, “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.”

I think about this philosophy when approaching my own work — whether I’m training parent volunteers or soliciting the support of the community, I always try to use those conversations as a way to teach others “the joy of giving." This approach has also helped me gain confidence by understanding that I’m offering opportunities for others to spark joy in their own lives by investing in something they are already personally passionate about. We are all a part of the Shorecrest community because we believe in responsibility, respect, integrity, knowledge and compassion and seek to instill these Core Values into our students and children. 

These same shared values have guided our School’s robust tradition of participation in philanthropic giving efforts. In previous years, Shorecrest has taken pride in the 100%  participation of Trustees and faculty / staff. It’s no coincidence why this group gives back to our institution time and time again; they know the joy that comes with giving back to the school community they serve. By giving their time, talents and treasures they gain a more intimate knowledge of the institution and see firsthand how every gift adds up to a larger impact on students and their families each day.

I want our community members to make informed choices — especially ones that spark joy in their lives and the lives of others. I return to my original question, “What harm would it do for us to commit to giving what we can, when we can—knowing what the joyful end result will be?” The joy of giving is an incomparable feeling, and for that reason I hope you consider making a gift to the Shorecrest Fund today.

Visit www.shorecrest.org/give to experience the joy of giving for yourself. I encourage you to consider participating in one of our upcoming Giving Days.