Give to Live

Philanthropy is the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow, where selfless acts weave a tapestry of compassion, creating a legacy of positive impact that transcends the boundaries of time and transforms the essence of human existence.

I had the great pleasure of attending a performance by Kristen Chenoweth with the Nashville Symphony recently. The show was fantastic, what a talent! However, what I might remember the most about the evening is the following… With the sidewalks icy, I told my wife I’d get the car from the garage and come back to pick her up. On my walk to get the car, I spotted a $20 bill right there in front of me—my lucky day. Although I had not noticed, there was a gentleman walking beside me. He indeed said, ‘Lucky you.’ Just then, he spotted another $20 bill and picked it up. After we looked around for more treasure, he noted how happy he was to have found the money. And, pardon the assumption, he did look like he could use the money. So, I told him I was fortunate not to need the money and gave him my $20. It felt good.

It is said that the happiest people are those who give the most. Currey Ingram is replete with long-time friends of the school. More so than most schools, we have many long-ago former parents still involved, engaged, and giving back to the school. As is rather apparent from a quick observation of our campus and program, we’ve had many big ideas and the support for them to match. Currently, we are working on the Ingenuity Design Exploration and Application (IDEA) Center, another potential transformational enhancement to our facility and program.

We are on the verge of the “public phase” of fundraising for the IDEA Center. Although any parent who is a dedicated reader of the Mustang Message, listener of the Currey Ingram Conversation podcast, or attendee of any number of school events, will know that I have not exactly been reluctant to share my thoughts about the IDEA Center.

The IDEA Center is not just a building; it is a manifestation of the belief that an evolving educational experience that keeps up with the realities of our society and culture is the key to unlocking the potential within every student. If you would like to know more about this exciting initiative, I would be thrilled to share it with you. However, the value of giving and the main idea of this Message is that the best giving is the giving that aligns with your heart and soul. That, for example, could be a gift to endowment for financial aid or ensuring that any student, regardless of financial background, has the opportunity to thrive in an environment tailored to their learning differences. Our days are finite, and perhaps the most important thing that will remain after we are gone is our legacy: our impact on family and friends and the broader community.?

Parents should know that the Board of Trust is all in and has determined that the IDEA Center is a brilliant mission-aligned strategic step for Currey Ingram. A reality of non-profit organizations is that the donor cycle really never ends because the healthiest non-profits are always contemplating and striving to be the best versions of themselves. The intersection of mission, vision, and substance is the heart of our commitment to excellence. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." The enthusiasm that fuels our initiatives, like the IDEA Center, stems from a shared passion, from the Board on down, for creating a transformative learning environment for every student.

The notion of give to live comes from a book on philanthropy written by Douglas Lawson some years ago and has always stayed with me. The act of giving not only enriches the lives of others but creates a lasting legacy that transcends time.?

As always, I extend my deepest gratitude to the very supportive current and former parents of our amazing school. Your commitment to the school's mission and your trust in the school are essential to the vibrant community we cherish. Together, we are shaping futures and leaving an indelible mark on the world.