 When people hear the word “philanthropy” they think of wealthy individuals or families, who support worthwhile causes like the arts and education. What most people don’t realize, however, is that anyone who gives of their time and/or their resources is a philanthropist. Philanthropy can be broadly defined as love for mankind. It is derived from the Latin words “philos”, which means lover and “anthropos”, which means mankind. A person who carries out philanthropy is called a philanthropist. Philanthropy is an act of charity, assisting someone, giving to someone or a cause; and doing good. Philanthropy is not simply helping someone you know; philanthropy is also helping someone you do not know. There are many ways that you can be philanthropic. For example, giving food to a local or national food bank, reading to children at the local elementary school, volunteering at the hospital, or donating money to a philanthropic organization. To be philanthropic, you must give of yourself without requiring something in return.
The main purpose of philanthropy is to improve the well being of mankind. Philanthropy is important because it supports a wide variety of projects and endeavors at the local and/ or the national level. These projects and endeavors play a very important role in our society, because we directly benefit from philanthropies by the use of libraries, schools, performing arts centers, museums, and, yes, even our hospital. These entities are supported by the generosity of philanthropists.
Our historic roots can take us back thousands of years, where you can see philanthropic fundraising. In Rome, citizens raised money to build huge ampi-theaters. They raised the money to provide feasts and have Olympic-style games in those ampi-theaters. Religious fundraising is visible in all sectors of religions. For example, raising funds to build places of worship and to care for the poor. Specifically in America, fundraising is shown throughout our history. During wars, Americans promoted campaigns, sponsored events designed to raise a specific amount of money to be used towards an immediate concern. Today, foundations raise money to assist organizations in doing what took place years ago…. build buildings, purchasing much needed books or technology, food for various organizations, etc… the list goes on and on.
The importance of philanthropic fundraising provides money to improve the quality of life for many people. It allows organizations to operate that otherwise would not be able to exist. Fundraising ensures that not-for-profit organizations will continue to exist in the United States and make it a more diversified and humanitarian place to live. In 1997 alone, Americans gave $143.46 billion dollars to philanthropic causes (Giving USA, 1998).
The question is this, if people are so generous in their giving, why do we need fundraising? The reason why fundraisers are necessary stems from the reason why people give. The number one reason people give is because they are asked. With adult donors, fundraisers are often those who ask for the gift. Without fundraisers asking people to donate money to worthy causes, many social services, arts, educational agencies, even our hospital would not be able to provide their services and support.
In October, 2008, Kingfisher Regional Hospital formed Kingfisher Medical Foundation (KMF). The mission of this particular organization is to provide resources to Kingfisher Regional Hospital for the advancement of health in the communities it serves. In 2006, the patrons of the city of Kingfisher passed a sales tax extension of the current sales tax by an 80% approval for building a new state of the art facility to be located south of Kingfisher. This new hospital will benefit not just the patrons of the city of Kingfisher, but it benefits all of our surrounding communities. A benefit everyone will receive. People value life. Whether you live in Kingfisher or in a surrounding community, people want to make a lasting difference to this community. Over the past year, you’ve witnessed the progression of our communities’ new facility. This new state of the art facility will be completed in several months. Kingfisher Medical Foundation was formed to assist in this extraordinary endeavor. This one factor is that philanthropic support allows Kingfisher Regional Hospital to provide more services and offer additional state of the art technology for you and your loved ones. This past December, the “Lights of Love” ceremony raised over $6,000 for the hospital. This allowed KMF to buy a new vital signs monitor for the hospital. In the foundation itself, there are several opportunities that exist for you. Join the foundation as an annual member, participate in several of its fundraising activities, endow a fund in your name for a specific purpose or honor a loved one by a naming opportunity: name new equipment, or name a new hospital room, or even name a suite. Any opportunity exists for you. Helen Keller said this, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Together we can make a difference, we can value a life. For more information about opportunities in the Kingfisher Medical Foundation, where the gift that keeps on giving, please contact, Angie Ulsaker, Foundation Director, at 405.375.7260. |