Philanthropy is Something We All Can Do Throughout this State

How does one become involved in philanthropy? Who designates someone a philanthropist?

I see philanthropy as quite simply the desire and willingness to help others. We don’t have to have a certain net worth or popularity to want to help those that are in need. We just have to a willingness to share of (1) our time, (2) our talents, or (3) our resources. Not all of the above, just one of the above. So when we think about it, it doesn’t take much for us to become involved in philanthropy.

With all that in mind, as human beings we all likely have a desire to be philanthropists. Regardless of our situation, we can all make a huge difference and give back to the community.

When I used to think of philanthropists, I immediately would think of people like Oprah or Bill Gates. I would think of people that have billions of dollars to donate and help the world. Obviously I was nowhere near being able to give like that, but when I retired, I did have time to offer to the cause. It started simple, just spending a few hours to help a local cause. Then it became contagious, the more I gave, the more I felt amazing. Also, the more I gave, the more I wanted others to feel what I was feeling. Helping humankind is a feeling that cannot be replicated. The satisfaction of helping someone in need is a sensation that is unlikely anything I’ve ever felt before.

Another misrepresentation of philanthropy is that it had to involve helping the poor in some other country. This country would usually be somewhere that we hadn’t even been before. For me personally, I don’t get the same level of satisfaction helping those that are not where I am. Some people like to help those in other countries and that is great too, but I like to help those in the community where I live. It is shocking how much poverty and people in need we have here in Cottonwood Heights. We have so many people that need our help and most of the time, they don’t know how to ask for it.

I am encouraged about the future - 2018 is going to be a special year. A year that is better than any prior year. This is going to be a year where we can give of our time, talents, and resources to make our community a better place. This state still has a lot of need and I am confident that we can improve the environment together and that collectively we can make SLC a better place.

Ryan Van Wagenen is a Cottonwood Heights native and the author of the thoughts included in this article. Ryan enjoys discussing additional philanthropic opportunities within this great state. If you have any ideas or thoughts that you would like to discuss, please contact Ryan directly.