By Rose S. Prinzi

Christmas has become so commercial.  Even before Halloween is over and before we have had a chance to think about Thanksgiving, it seems as though we are exposed to the Christmas giving whirlwind which has become traditional of the festive season.  What has happened to the true meaning of the holiday and the real spirit of Christmas giving?

Not too long ago in the early 1990’s, one local family addressed this growing dilemma and chose to simplify Christmas. The children were grown and no one really needed anything.  When the adults required something, they went out and bought it.  At first, the adults tried exchanging names.  That worked, but it wasn’t really very satisfactory. 

Then, some of the grandchildren came up with a wonderful idea.  Why not pool the money used for gifts and give it to someone needy, or to a worthy cause, or to a favorite charity?  As their minds worked on this project, more ideas were born and finally everyone agreed.  Each year, one of the grown-up grandchildren hosted Christmas Eve.  The family in charge would decide what charity would be the recipient for that year.  This worked pretty well. 

The first year the Rescue Mission was the recipient since that was the grandfather’s favorite charity.  Other charities were selected in the ensuing years, and finally the decision was made to create a fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. 

This idea really suited the intent of the family the best, since the money placed in the fund would remain there forever, be invested and grow.  Each year, family members and friends could make a contribution to the fund at Christmas time ; and the earnings would be granted to whatever “good cause” the family agreed upon.  During the year, if the family wanted to make memorials, the money would be placed in the family fund with the bereaved being notified that a gift had been made to the Community Foundation. 

To put the frosting on the cake, everyone agreed that it would be wonderful to memorialize the grandparents; so, in 1995, the David and Lillian Anderson Family Fund was established.

Today, the children of David and Lillian Anderson who are:  Burton Anderson, Sydney Anderson, Delores Sullivan-Anderson and Donna Smith and their children, continue this tradition of timeless giving, maintaining the true spirit of the Christmas season.

This concept of family philanthropy is too special not to share.  It gives one a warm feeling to know that there are people in our community who want to share a part of their well-being and good fortune with those of lesser means.  We extend our appreciation to the Anderson Family for allowing us to share their story with you.

You don’t need to start a fund at the Foundation to make a gift to an organization in the name of a special person. The Foundation houses over 500 funds for local non-profit organizations and churches.  We most likely have a fund that would match those interests of individuals on your gift list. ..And we can fit every budget.  Donations as small as $1 are accepted, so even the youngest child can begin the practice of philanthropy. 

For more information about making a contribution to the Foundation as a gift in memory or in honor or support of a local organization, call 661-3390 or go online at www.crcfonline.org.