Everyday Heroes (Times 2)

I got a similar feeling a few years later when I was on a delayed flight, waiting in my seat to allow quick deplaning for fellow passengers who had too-close-for-comfort connections to make. Amid the nervous jostling and impatient “excuse me’s” came Marcelo Iniarra, a global fundraising consultant and fabulous speaker, who undoubtedly has led and inspired countless nonprofit fundraisers to raise billions of dollars for their causes. The people who paid him no mind as he made his way off the plane had no idea of the changes that he’s helped make in the world.

As we close out 2014 and head into what is considered the warmest, kindest, most spiritual and “giving-est” time of the year, I leave you with these thoughts. Not all heroes wear capes, and we have no idea what the person in line ahead of us does or is capable of making happen. Your donors are heroes. Remember that, and treat them as such. Engage with them, give thanks to them and for them. Figure out what you need to do to unlock their inner hero, and do it.

And so are you. Remember that, too, when the day-to-day of what you do feels overwhelming. Or disappointing. When it breaks your heart. Or your back. What you do matters. Thank you for doing it. Merry Christmas, Blessed Solstice and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.