The Joy of Giving - You Get More Than You Give!
A few weeks ago a good friend of mine, Mike Genoshe, who's son Timothy attends the Stratford School in San Francisco, told me that the class needed to get some books for their classroom. I immediately suggested that I would like to make a donation so that the class could have those books. The school graciously accepted my offer and went ahead and purchased the books. The teacher, principal and the students expressed much gratitude. I decided to pay them a visit as they wanted to express their gratitude to me personally. Great moments like this is what living is all about. I thought I was the one giving. I was in for a surprise.
With the San Francisco Stratford Schools Principal, Katy Delorio
Showing up with Peeps and Egg Coloring Kits
My idea was to show up with additional gifts. I chose to surprise them as I brought Peeps (we all know those delicious sugar covered marsh-mellow chicks) and egg coloring kits for all the kids. What a reception it was. They were excited to get these items and I was able to share a few moments with them.
Here I am in the middle of these great kids, all of whom created thank you cards. What a moment. Peeps, egg coloring kits and thank you cards in hand.
Well they surprised me too. Every kid individually created a personalized thank you card. To say this was an emotional experience is to downplay it. I cannot express what it felt like to have these third graders each come up to me with their thank you cards and tell me their names. It was memorable.
The location of the Stratford School in San Francisco
Stratford School is located at 301 De Montfort Avenue in San Francisco.
The school's mission statement:
Our mission is to inspire students to achieve an excellent academic education by offering a challenging curriculum focused on core subjects, creating a safe and disciplined school environment conducive to learning, and motivating students through high expectations.
The School's website: The Sratford Schools
The joy of giving is that one receives so much more than is given. It was a memorable event that will keep giving. The kids love the books. It reminds me why I do what I do as a real estate agent. My mission statement includes making an impact in the community. Helping kids have access to books that inspire them is just one great way to do so...and I was the one who got the greatest gift...amazing!
Frank Castaldini - Leading San Francisco Realtor and Trusted Advisor
Serving great neighborhoods in San Francisco including, Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, the Castro, the Mission, Glen Park, Potrero Hill, Sunnyside, Ingleside Terraces and beyond.
Good Moring Frank, this brings a tear to my eye on how easy it can be to just give and the joy it brings. Great job Frank!
A little giving can bring a lot of joy. Great Decision.
Hi Frank: I couldn't agree more! Many years ago when my son was an 8th grader I made a donation so that his yearbook class could buy a camera. I received a photo of the class that they'd matted and framed - on the surrounding mat was a hand written note from every student. It still hangs in my office and is one of my most treasured possessions. Thanks very much for your story. Linda
Well done, you! And what a life lesson you taught all those kids, and on so many levels.
What a nice post to see first thing in the morning :) Thanks for sharing the story and the importance of giving to others.
I have ben thinking of doing it for years, seems like to I need to do it, thanks for the blog
We all can do a little and probably save the world but in reaity it looks bigger than us so we don't .
Good for you! When I do something for someone else, I'm always sure that I feel even better afterwards than they must. Thanks for the inspiration to find more ways to give.
Gretchen
Hi Frank... great job and it is so true that the giver really enjoys it, possibly more than the recipient. Kudos!
I'm sure the kids loved it. I can (still, LOL) remember back to the time we had guests in our classrooms. We really listened to their every word. And that was so nice of your to make the contribution to the classroom.
Frank, Giving definitely feels better than getting. The local Girl Scouts are out in full cookie selling force outside the local Wal-marts and grocery stores. We're cookied out, so each time just give them a buck or two to add to their total. The kids totally light up :)
Great job Frank,
I believe this post will inspire more thoughtful giving.
It has inspired myself to give in a different way!
The circle is complete when the surprised giver is suddenly the receiver!
Frank- you are absolutely right... it is a true Joy to Give and look what you get in return. I love that you took the time to visit the school and that you even brought more gifts. It takes a lot of thought to be thoughtful and that you were.
Giving is always returned a thousand folds.
Way to go Frank! Giving is the greatest gift to ourselves. I volunteer as the PE coach at my daughter's school. Whenever the day gets tough, nothing brings things back into focus better than the simplicity of a child's smile. Have a wonderful day!
This is so awesome! That was such a wonderful gesture on your part - seeing the picture of the cards brought tears to my eyes.
Frank:
Wonderful that you help this school with an important purchase. It feels so good when you give and all the joy you received must have made you feel really good.
What a beautiful story Frank. It's so wonderful that you took the time to give something to these kids! - and you clearly had a positive impact on their lives. And they took the time to express their gratitude to you...it's a lesson for everyone.
Amazing story for the givers and receivers. I'm always in awe of how good I feel when I give. These kids will be the ones who will think nothing of paying it forward.
What a wonderful story! Thank you for helping these children and yes, you certainly were the winner here!
Frank, Great post and a good thing you did. It always feels better to give than to receive.
God Bless you for your compassion and community service. There is no better feeling than seeing your donation bring joy and happiness to others.
Frank: one act of thoughtfulness and kindness can inspire everyone of those kids to copy your example.
Frank,
It's important to go out of your way to find these kinds of opportunities.
This is quite inspirational.
Brian
Hi Frank, what a heart warming story. And since Signature Brands is in Ocala/Marion County I will approach them for donations.
I read your post because of your title. . . :) Thanks for your story and your community service
It is so true... it is better to give than to receive. It is much more fulfilling.
What a fantastic story! You do definitely get back more than you give. You made a mark on this school! Way to pay it forward!
Frank,
So true and thanks for the reminder. For those who aren't in a position to help with cash many schools and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organizations welcome professionals to help tutor younger children who may have home based challenges in receiving help with their home work. Spend a few hours with third graders and see if that doesn't put things in perspective in your life!
Frank,
Thanks for the great story and inspiration.
Well done!
Good job. Learning to read is the foundation of success.
You are so cool; besides being such a good friend!
This has been our mantra for years -
"You get because you give - as long as you are not giving to get"
Joy