Philanthropy and Community

In looking back over my years of community service, I have been able to see and realize the importance of philanthropy—the giving of one’s time, talent or wealth.

Because of my involvement with philanthropy, I’ve been able…

• To see children rescued from the despair of drug abuse and prostitution and given a chance at reformation and entrance back into mainstream society.
• To see the interaction of government, business, and the philanthropic community working with a local organization to bring major sporting events to our community, and to understand the magnitude of that work and it’s economic impact.
• To understand the networking effect of donors and local national communities to build social capital by underwriting local not-for-profit organizations, thereby improving the quality of life in our communities.

But my greatest appreciation has been to retrospectively look at my life and realize the impact of philanthropy.

I must pay homage to two philanthropists, William Shinnick and John McIntire of Zanesville, Ohio, who shared their wealth by establishing foundations that award educational grants to students of need, to pursue a college education. It was by way of that legacy, along with parental guidance and community role models, that I had the opportunity to pursue a dream and climb the ladder of success.

An excerpt of a speech given by Greater New Orleans Foundation’s former board chair Dr. Myron Moorehead when he was awarded the prestigious Weiss Award by the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice. Dr. Moorehead was recognized for his outstanding civic and humanitarian contributions to the community.