Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Paying it forward

I believe every once in awhile you ought to give back to some aspect of life that has had an impact on you. We can't always repay the specific people who helped us along the way to grow, achieve and become better human beings, but we can always pay forward by helping others who are just beginning their journey.

Discovering the sport of running (track, cross country and road racing) taught me a lot about people, life and a little about myself and shaped me into who I am today. I hope that's mostly good, but I'm blessed to still be a part of that world and to see my kids, their friends and even people I don't know benefit from the camaraderie, the challenges and the rewards it brings.

My kids' high school, Yellow Springs, is trying to raise money to resurface and improve their track. The total estimated cost is $60,000. This school, belonging to the smallest division in Ohio (DIII), has won numerous individual and team state championships in track and cross country, thanks to the very involved coaches (shout out to John Gudgel and Vince Peters!) and community support for the program.

I will be donating the profits from my Kindle sales on March 30th to the fundraising efforts. It may not be enough to top the coffers, but every little bit helps.

Think of something that matters to you. Pay it forward. Make a difference in someone else's life today.

All the best,
Gemi

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's brilliant, well done, you! I'm doing the same (as I think you know from Twitter today) and donating proceeds to the Autistic Society during April.

You're so right; we have to give something back at some point. We are very fortunate to be able to do this.

Best of luck with sales.
CJ xx

N. Gemini Sasson said...

Another excellent cause, CJ. I know a lot of authors recently have been contributing to relief funds for Japan in various ways. And some of my dog friends have been donating to rescue funds for pets in Japan, as many did after Hurricane Katrina. One reason I'd like to be filthy rich is so I could help others even more, but whatever we can afford and whatever has meaning to us is all good.

N. Gemini Sasson said...

A good day. Sending the school a check for $136. Thanks to all the readers out there!