Here's to a Healthy Future

Ingram's annual Philanthropy edition is, in our opinion, the most important issue we publish each year. It communicates not only the successes in our community, but also the continuing needs. It would be wonderful to see how much impact we could collectively yield if our readers would discipline themselves to gift a small percentage of their annual revenue and their intellectual capital as well.

It has been a challenging few years for most everyone, and we all welcome signs of the return of a healthy and fruitful economy. As always, confidence follows slowly on the heels of the numbers, but it follows nonetheless.

At Ingram's we work in an area of Downtown that one might call "challenged." The transient population that we see here is much larger than when we occupied the office 7 years ago. Homelessness is a reality that is unfortunately alive and well throughout the Kansas City area and regrettably has seen a banner year in 2003.

Those who reside above the street view are encouraged to drive along 12th street near McGee by the Downtown Public Library or between 8th and 10th east of the Downtown Loop viaduct to get a real perspective for the numbers of homeless people who camp out each night or fill the halls at area shelters. Some sleep in the doorway of our building so it's easy to feel and share this concern first hand.

There's so much more we can, and must do, to help the homeless and others in need throughout our community. What we don't necessarily realize is that while the economy has challenged each of us, it had a disproportionately severe impact on the non-profits and foundations. In the last three years, portfolios at area foundations and charitable trusts had been eroding approximately 15 percent a year, and in most cases their gifts and grants have diminished even more.

This holiday season please take a close look at the street level to see the challenges the not-for-profit community is facing. Please dig deep into your heart and into your pockets to help. They truly need our support.

Ingram's annual Philanthropy edition is, in our opinion, the most important issue we publish each year. It communicates not only the successes in our community, but also the continuing needs. It would be wonderful to see just how much impact we could collectively yield if our readers would discipline themselves to gift a small percentage of their annual revenue and perhaps of their intellectual capital as well. We know how hard it is to run a business with an ambitious mission.

We know how challenging and discouraging it can be. That is why we are all the more heartened when we see our peers contribute so much of their own time, effort and treasure to the noble causes in our community.

This year we hope the business community at large will come down to the street level and take a close look at what needs to be done. We are confident they will roll up their sleeves, loosen their wallets and give until it hurts. Only with the support of many good Kansas Citians can we continue to sustain the hope and vigor of a community so well known for its giving "spirit".

We wish you and your family the very best this holiday season and for many fruitful years to come.

Our seasons best,

Michelle & Joe Sweeney Ingram's Publishers