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From: Jack Karnick
As a social impact fundraising professional I have worked diligently to advocate for many humanitarian and societal causes. As the Regional Representative/Major Gift Officer for Channel One Regional Food Bank, I present opportunities for people to change lives by financially supporting our mission of feeding people. Monetary donations to Channel One Regional Food Bank helped provide over eight million pounds of food to food shelves throughout Southeastern Minnesota, including Winona Volunteer Services, in 2012. That food changed the lives of 85,000+ Minnesotans. With the overwhelming and growing demand to philanthropically help provide basic life necessities for our friends and neighbors in need, I find it appalling that donations are being solicited to pay for an exuberant and blatantly self-indulgent Christmas light display in [someone’s] yard, as reported in the December 2nd issue of [another newspaper]. If the intent is to “give” pleasure through this display, give, not solicit, is the operative word. If those responsible can’t afford to give it, the display should be reduced or unplugged. There are many more pressing social issues that need philanthropic support than an energy-gulping electric light display. Warm you hearts this Christmas: volunteer, advocate for, or donate to any cause that impacts lives and truly helps people in need. May God bless the givers and Merry Christmas!
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