Lesly Annen's blog

Last week, I was visiting with a friend as we quickly walked our girls into school. She had to run to a meeting, Ten-4-Him. I wondered what it was and went on with my busy day not giving it another thought until we spoke again. Later that morning she called me about another project we were working on and she told me about Ten-4-Him.  10 minutes – 10 people – 10 months – 10 dollars.
 

Yesterday was a historic day for the Dallas Women’s Foundation with the announcement of our $1 million testimonial gift for the construction of the Letot Girls’ Residential Treatment Center and the November results of the Adolescent Girls in the Texas Sex Trade study. These announcements were made possible because of the incredible vision and support the Dallas Women’s Foundation’s Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Trea C. Yip and our donors.

When you think of major moments in women’s history, certain events come to mind: the famous 1848 suffrage convention in Seneca Falls, the appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor to be the first female on the U.S. Supreme Court.  It is possible someday historians will look back at Dallas, Texas as a place where women’s philanthropy gained national attention.
 

With the terrible tragedy in Haiti, it is often hard to see beyond the immediate devastation. But as a student of philanthropy, I find myself full of great hope. It is in the early weeks of any natural disaster or incredible tragedy that the American people exhibit such great compassion and care for others. People inherently want to do something to help. Stories of heroism, simple acts of kindness and miracles emerge from the despair. Opportunities for participatory philanthropy are abundant. This is true philanthropy at its core, to increase the well-being of humankind.
 

Philanthropy is defined as the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations. By aligning your giving with your values, philanthropy becomes strategic, personal and inspirational.