Archived // Philanthropist Spotlight

Marion Anderson
The True Mother of Philanthropy
By: Mimi Makabi

 
As she continues her lifelong commitment to humanitarian work and philanthropy, Marion Anderson will also inspire future generations to give of their time, talent and treasure. In her final thoughts, she shared, “I just had major surgery and I do understand now when people say, ‘live each day as if it is your last’. I think we all need to know how important that is.I just hope that I have the good health and strength to continue doing what I’m doing.”
 
At the end, Marion Anderson is not only an incredible philanthropist and humanitarian—she is truly a woman of strength. She is a woman who shows courage in the midst of her fear. She is a woman that gives the best of herself to everyone. She is a woman that realizes that sometimes life’s obstacles can also be unexpected blessings and capitalizes on them. She is a woman that can handle anything life throws at her—all with a warm smile and incredible grace. She is a woman that personifies the virtue of: hope, love, mercy, faith, charity, truth, and fortitude. She is a living example of all these virtues with a heart that is so deep and pure—you only wish it could be contagious. I know all this by simply being in her presence.
There is no doubt that Marion Anderson is ‘The True Mother of Philanthropy’—she is an extraordinary woman we all need to emulate.

Mike McGalliard: Making It Count

Jenny Jones

Tim Noonan