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.