The Gift of Philanthropy

The Gift of Philanthropy: Join Us

See below.

June 13, 2014
Deanna and I were married on June 14, 1964. Due to family scheduling conflicts, we’ll celebrate our anniversary a week later, on June 22 with our church, family and close friends. It’ll be quite a time, especially for me. Back in High School girls didn’t talk much with me; let alone date me. Finally, I married the prettiest girl around, and she stuck it out through thick and thin.

50 years later we have neither the need nor the room for more things, but some folks like special ways to commemorate the day. Instead of gifts for us, we would rather make a gift to you.

We like the Native American birthday giving custom. Their celebrants give to others; rather than receive; as a gesture of gratitude for another year. 

However, like us I’m sure you have more than you need, so how can we adapt that custom and honor you with a gift?

I know; THE GIFT OF PHILANTHROPY!

Our tiny “philanthropic” endeavors go in various ways. There’s Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), Interfaith Housing Services (IHS) and NAMI; to name the top three outside of our church. IHS is a local non-profit which I led in its establishment 24 years ago; and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is an information and education provider regarding mental illness. NAMI advocates with government on behalf mental health consumers; teaches consumers and families on self-advocacy and other topics unique to their crises; and they do support groups. KMMC is a Christian Men’s Chorus with nearly 300 members. We have two or three free concerts each year at which we receive free-will offering donations, all of which goes to worldwide poverty and hunger relief. Our mission statement is “We sing that others may live.”

Right now, I’m pushing hardest for NAMI, where goals were only 80% met in a recent fundraiser.

Our gift to you works like this. Everyone can do small philanthropy, and “small” adds up to “large” if you enlist others. For our anniversary, we will make contributions to NAMI, and IHS, and we invite others to join in with small gifts of any amount to “our” charities ($1, $10, $100; whatever), or to their own charities. 

Deep Government cuts aggravate the need, and charities desperately need help; great or small. Mental health providers have lost hundreds of thousands each and some services have been lost. Home rehab funding has also become elusive, so that IHS can’t do as much. They now provide low-income rentals, as well as weatherization across SW Kansas. I help through occasional “in-kind” giving; handling a project or working with others.

The need won’t go away. At least 1 in 4 people in the USA still suffer mental health crises each year and need professional intervention. Many low income elderly still deplete their savings and watch their homes fall to disrepair. 

So please, join us in philanthropy. Remember, "small" can quickly become "big." 

As “our day” approaches do something extra for someone or some cause in your own area. If you wish to join us by contributing to one of our charities, look below to find the details.

Naturally, you aren't obligated, and we won’t shun you. You may just want to pray. God will bless you, for that as well.

Serving in faith,

Jack and Deanna Mace

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To join our philanthropy FOR IHS  (https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithHousingServices)

• Take/send your philanthropy directly, IHS, 1326 E Ave A, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Be sure to reference your gift to “Jack & Deanna Mace philanthropy.”

• Alternatively, you can just send in a check. We don’t really need the recognition.

To join our philanthropy for KMMC (https://ksmenschorus.org/)

• Send it directly to Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus (KMMC), 15800 W Dutch Ave, Moundridge, KS 67107. Write “Jack & Deanna Mace philanthropy” on the memo line.