This year has forced people to take a close look at home and abroad and search their souls to reassess their values and the values of the organizations with which they affiliate.

Despite threats of terrorism for everyone, and the reality of destitution for some, we are still better off than the great majority of people beyond our borders. If the threat of terrorism is new to us, it is all too familiar to much of the world.

This month, we met with the leaders of Kansas City's generation-spanning philanthropic community. Among the subjects discussed was, that as a people, we should "tithe" or give back a percentage of our earnings to support the needs of our com-munity. Said Bob Miller, "We give this much--ideally more--to make sure that we are well received at the pearly gates."

In this meeting, there was also some grumbling among those in attendance about a study done by United Way. The study showed that some 50 percent of America's businesses do not encourage United Way to solicit corporate dollars.

We understand the point of using statistics as a benchmark, but to be fair, individuals among these corporations do give. Many of them "tithe" as Bob Miller suggests. The reality is that charity still begins at home, and by far, the largest sum of philanthropic giving is, and will likely always be, from individuals.

We salute those individual Kansas Citians who do so much to serve the needs of the people of our community--not just our "power elite," but the ordinary person who always has a dollar for the Salvation Army bucket, the mom who opens up her home for the less loved kids in the neighborhood, or the senior citizen who make sure that her peers down the street aren't forgotten. We all have the potential for heroism, and we celebrate those who quietly fulfill that potential.

The December Philanthropy edition is perhaps our most challenging issue to produce, however, we believe it is the most important. There are so many noble causes that need assistance, but regrettably, we continue to see a diminishing number of both people giving and gifts being made.

Our organization believes that communicating the need of noble non-profit organizations will improve the chances of recruiting support. For this reason, we dedicate Ingram's December edition each year to the subject of philanthropy. We likewise dedicate four articles each other month that recognize a worthy not-for-profit, a good corporate citizen and several exceptional individuals who do above and beyond the call of duty in our community.

In the early 90s, our organization launched an ambitious and well-received cause marketing campaign and editorial plan to cover the subject of philanthropy. We're pleased to have helped inspire colleagues throughout North America to do the same. Today, nearly one-hundred regional business and lifestyle publications from the Caribbean to Alaska have followed this philanthropic model. We encourage our media colleagues throughout the region to integrate philanthropic coverage as well. Even they will share in the fruits of that effort.

In this year's philanthropy edition, we also explore the issues and opportunities in KC's urban core. We remain hopeful for a healthy future for KC's downtown and the communities that comprise our urban core. We encourage individuals and organizations alike to invest in the heart of this great community. It will take the effort and investment of many working in synch to accomplish the goals we are establishing for our future.

Helzberg Diamond CEO Jeff Comment states it well in his new book, Santa's Gift, (a must read this holiday season): "We all need one another to make a difference in the world. By adding my small contributions to the work of hundreds of others, things are done, the lives of others improve, and as a bonus, my own life is enriched."

Jeff's message is similar to our own. The small but spunky staff at Ingram's wishes each of you and yours a joyous and healthy holiday season, and a happy New Year to come.

With warm holiday wishes, I am

Sincerely,

Michelle Sweeney