I attended the Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter’s Dancing Stars Gala on Saturday night. As a member of the Board, I am sure I am somewhat biased, but this organization does great work. The Gala showcases members of the community who volunteer to work with a professional dancer and participate in a dance contest at the event. The dancer must also raise money for the organization. This year, the dancers alone raised more than $80,000.00! Looking around the room Saturday night, I was struck by the number of individuals and companies that volunteer their time and services and give selflessly to a great cause.
Because we believe that charity starts at home, our firm is committed to community service and charitable giving. In 2015, our firm made donations to a variety of organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, ARCA, APS Education Foundation and art programs, and the Senior Citizens Law Office. We volunteer our time also. Our attorneys sit on a number of Boards and are committed to pro bono representation of low-income and disabled clients whose needs cannot be met by the traditional legal service agencies.
Philanthropy, charity, volunteerism—call it what you will, but the act of giving to others is rewarding. Whether it is giving a buck to the homeless man at the intersection you pass through every day or leaving a charitable donation in your will, giving helps us express our thankfulness for what we have been given. Our willingness to help those who need it makes our community a better place and maybe it helps us to feel better about ourselves. As Maya Angelou said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Feeling down? Go forth and give!