It’s Giving Tuesday, a way to reclaim this season and infuse it with true giving. #GivingTuesday does just that by generating conversations about how you can help, give smarter, and put personal philanthropy back into the giving season. How perfect then, that today’s post comes from Emily Kobza, our Director of Development & Business Engagement.
I took my son to his very first Kalamazoo Holiday Parade a few weekends ago. To be honest, I had never been to this parade before so I wasn’t sure what to expect other than a marching band or two and the giant balloons that had been advertised. While my expectations for the marching bands and the giant balloons were more than met, I ended up being surprised by something I didn’t expect – local educators on parade.
There were band teachers, scout troop leaders, dance teachers, football and cheerleading coaches, and school bus drivers. There were color guard coaches, preschool teachers, and gymnastics coaches. There were advisors of student clubs, choir teachers, and swim club coaches. And they were all there on a Saturday morning walking with their students, supporting and encouraging them.
In this season where we pause to give thanks and reflect on our blessings, I am very grateful for the many, many men and women in our community who are helping young people to learn and grow every day. Some of them have chosen this as a profession. Others are volunteering. All of them are helping to ensure that our kids can fulfill their promise. Thank you to all of you.
And to the Kalamazoo Husky Club – I think you were my son’s favorite part of the parade.
Tags: Emily Kobza, Giving Tuesday, Kalamazoo Holiday Parade, Kalamazoo Husky Club, thankful for educators
