Trying Times
As I reflect back to previous December issues, I recall the difficulties we’ve encountered producing a magazine in what is known in our trade as an “off month.” So, too, historically, are January and February.
Not this coming year. Next month, we kick off the year with Ingram’s 35th Anniversary Collector’s Edition which, we’re confident, will be the richest and most interesting in this publication’s storied history.
We will not let the slow months or a slow economy deter us, and we’re counting on you, our patrons, to help make this possible.
Looking back at our annual Philanthropy
edition I’ve noticed a recurrence of certain
challenges and a wide variety of responses
to those challenges.In 2000 NASDAQ crashed. In 2001, the
economy started tanking, a phenomenon
aggravated by the events of September 11
and the failing economy that preceded it.
Some charitable organizations refocused
and plowed forward. Others, regrettably,
were unable to overcome those challenges
and didn’t survive.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the F-5 tornado that destroyed Greensburg, Kan., in 2007 put enormous stress on charitable organizations, particularly national non-profits like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
These experiences, as it turnd out, helped make the good organizations even better.
This upcoming year, however, may challenge these organizations
in ways that they have not been tested in years.
I was heartened by the resolve they showed in this month’s
Philanthropy Industry Outlook, which you’ll find starting
on Page 45.
Doing Good in Bad Times
Two decades ago I often volunteered to plow the snow off parking lots for a number of area non-profits. I remember an incident just before Christmas in the mid 1980s when a homeless man gained access into a semi trailer at the Salvation Army. The man started a fire to stay warm in freezing temperatures. Not a great idea. The trailer and all its contents were destroyed. Fortunately, the guy made it out safely.
Several of us helped remove the trailer and its remains but first recruited the media to get the word out. Within one short week, we were able to fill three trailers of clothing and goods. Another great example of what we all know as the “Kansas City Spirit.”
If there’s a silver lining to the economic
storm, it is the continued willingness
of Kansas Citians to help out.
A number of capital
campaigns, including
a lofty $40 million United
Way campaign,
have met or exceeded
their ambitious goals.
The Salvation Army
has done a terrific job
raising capital and serving
more needy causes.
Harvesters has received
and distributed more
food than ever and is
significantly ahead of
its goal. Unfortunately
in many cases, however,
demand is outpacing
supply.
Although we’re witnessing an unprecedented near paralysis in the capital markets, area citizens and charities are more active than ever in doing good and doing it well.
Some say that challenging experiences like this make us stronger. I am among those who firmly believe that. I am confident we will stand strong and unified against the various storms, manmade and natural.
In this time of thanksgiving and on
behalf of our family at Ingram’s magazine,
we wish you and your families a
wonderful holiday season and a happy
and healthy new year to come.
Joe Sweeney
Editor-In-Chief & Publisher
Sweeney@IngramsOnLine.com