"Why I Give to the Massage Therapy Foundation"
Posted: November 14th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: massage | Tags: inspiration | No Comments »As you may know, Andrew Biel, LMT, presidnt and owner of Books of Discovery, was recently awarded the Massage Therapy Foundation / Performance Health Humanitarian award. You can read more about him receiving the award here. In honor of National Philanthropy Day, we asked Mr. Biel why he chooses to support the Massage Therapy Foundation year after year. His response is below.
People ask why Books of Discovery donates to the Massage Therapy Foundation. Well, let me tell you a story. When I was a kid I recall my mother writing a donation check for the local Fire and Rescue Teams. Since my parents were having financial spats, I asked her why she had donated.
She said, “When times are good, we give. And when times are bad, we give.” I didn’t quite understand, so she elaborated. “Right now, times are tough. So we’re not giving as much as before. But we’re still giving.”
“But we’ve never had an accident or a fire. So why should we give at all?” (I was young.)
“Well, knock on wood, I hope we never do need their help. But our neighbors might. Being in a community means helping and supporting each other however possible, whether that be with money, time or expertise. In good times and bad.”
Years later, when MTF board member Diana Thompson called to explain the Foundation’s mission and projects, I suspect that my mother’s words were being dusted off in my mind. When Diana asked if Books of Discovery would consider donating, it was like karma and fate and common sense all wrapped up into one big no-brainer burrito. “Of course, we’ll donate.”
And we’ve continued. Every month we write a check to the Foundation. In good times and bad. But the MTF needs more than just money. Sure, money helps, but time, expertise and a number of other things are equally important.
My mother didn’t know how to shoot a fire hose or defibrillate a patient. So she gave money and let other people volunteer for those tasks. We’ve all got something to give, and I would encourage you to consider what you could bring to the Foundation.
Previous MTF/PHI Humanitarian Award winners include Angie Patrick (2010) and Robert and Kathie King (2009).
Watch the presentation of the Humanitarian Award to Andrew Biel by Marshall Dahneke:
