I could tell you this story is about good luck and leave it at that. Or, I could describe it as an example of altruism, which it is also about. Or, maybe I’d tell the tale to highlight friendship, joy, a Chicago newspaper columnist, a water softener company, or opportunity. Perhaps even love.
In truth, all of these factors played an essential part in the lives of myself and eight of my best friends, who made a promise when nearing the end of our time at Chicago’s Mather High School in the 1960s. We agreed to do something that wouldn’t happen until 37 years passed.
I still find it rather hard to believe.
Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson asked me to tell this story as the 29th Episode in their series, Sharing the Heart of the Matter: They called it Accidental Philanthropists, and here it is. I hope you enjoy Episode 29: Accidental Philanthropists with Dr. Gerald Stein.
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The Wikipedia Commons photo by Larry D. Moore is called Lady Luck Casino. It was taken in 1983 in Las Vegas.
I love this story for all the elements you mention above, Dr. Stein. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of telling you and Vicki the story. It was great fun!
It WAS a delight…and I’m still struck by the impact you had by reaching out to Bob Greene. Wonderful, wonderful! 😊 And it might be the one and only time the slogan “Hey, Culligan Man” is uttered in one of our podcasts. Love it!
Thanks, Vicki. It should also be said that, but for the second Tribune article years later, Culligan received no public relations advantage by giving us what turned out to be the seed money for the Zeolite Scholarship Fund. They simply wanted to do some good in the world.
Such an important point. Altruism. Good for goodness sake. 😉
Hi Gerry, I haven’t read this yet but I wanted to say hi. It’s been a crazy week I’m switching to a new anti depressant and I have to wean off the old whi
I hope it is helpful. I also hope you take a look at the last one and an old photo of Sam you will find there. Feel better!
Such actions are never the lead story in the news, but the accumulation is such acts of kindness make the world a better place than we sometimes think it is.
Interesting mix of components to this story in your teaser here Dr. Stein! I will pop over to the podcast later to find out what it all means 🙂
Thanks, Deb. I will be interested in your reaction. Everything that could work out did work out, starting with a bunch of friends who hit a target (with unexpected help) — one we never intended to shoot for.