Page 22 - NVNA Call to Grace 2020

The State of Philanthropy: A Roundtable Discussion
In early February 2020, six influential decision makers in the region gathered for a candid discussion on philanthropic giving and how being in a position to make a difference inspires them.
Q: All of you as business leaders in the region are asked to support so many charitable causes. What drives your decision? Do you all commit to a philosophy?
MC: I have worked hard and been very fortunate with my success, and
I think most leaders in the business community have my reaction: “This is my responsibility to give back.” There is always a feeling of, “How can I reach the most people?”
JL: And, “How can I make the biggest impact with my philanthropic dollar?”
JD: It is all about the impact; I agree with Jeff.
PG: It absolutely is a heavy weight.
MC: Saying “no” is part of the charitable decision.
over $10 million because of the belief in the mission. Aligning those key elements personally allows me to make a larger impact.
JD: We want to support our employee’s causes and then look at the region. It is about making the market we serve better whether that is via the arts or healthcare. Our stakeholders are the community, and we take that approach seriously.
Jeff Lynch
Phyllis Godwin
PG: You can save a portion of the world, but you can’t save the whole world. And I look at the mission, which
I am sure we all do every day. For me, personally, I am more effective when I can be part of the mission on many levels. Belief in the mission is so critical. I have been on non-profit boards and campaigns that have driven in
The roundtable conversation included (top left to bottom right) Patrick Renna, CFO, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Michelle Cully, Chair, NVNA and Hospice Board of Trustees and President and CEO of Xpressman Trucking & Courier, Renee McInnes, CEO, NVNA and Hospice, Phyllis Godwin, Chairman and CEO, Granite City Electric Supply, Jim Dunphy, President, South Shore Bank, and Jeff Lynch, President, Enterprise Equipment.
20 Call to Grace | 2020 | NVNA.org