In praise of philanthropy

One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”

– John F. Kennedy

Two years ago my youngest granddaughter was standing on the side of a pontoon boat as it neared the dock. Waves caused the boat to bounce and she fell over the side, disappearing as the boat closed over her and banged hard against the wooden dock.

As she was wearing a life jacket and had had beginning swim lessons at the YMCA she knew to kick and head upwards. She came up under the rocking, darkened boat. Within seconds my daughter, her mother, jumped in, swam under and grabbed her. My two year old granddaughter...