We Are A Giving People

Karen and Jay share thoughts on the generosity of Americans and how our ‘giving’ is a core part of our national character.

Americans are the most generous people in the world. Study after study has shown that we as Americans more giving of our money and our time than the people of any other country. And interestingly, it doesn’t even matter whether it’s Americans who are wealthy or those with fewer resources. On a percentage basis, Americans are generous ‘givers’ across the board. And, this doesn’t just apply to individual Americans, it’s also true of us as a nation. In times of need, America is always the first to lend a generous hand to people all across the globe. Our generosity is one of our most enduring and admirable characteristics.

Over the last few weeks, the world’s collective attention has been centered on the crisis in Ukraine. We’ve seen first-hand what the tragedy of war looks like, but we’ve also seen immense moments of charity that help restore our hope that good will always triumph over evil. Here in the U.S., individuals and organizations from all over the country have done an incredible job to mobilize and send food, water, and clothing to those in need due to the conflict, continuing the American tradition of benevolence. In times like these, it often goes under reported just how giving our nation is. However, the World Giving Index which measures charitable giving around the world, has for the last 15 years ranked the United States as the most giving nation in the world, and not just by a little, but by a few hundred billion dollars compared to the next country.

Yet since the inception of the United States, giving has been part of our collective narrative. Though injustice and inequality do exist, our ability to give charitably has been a great equalizer that helps us inch a little bit closer to the country. The great business magnate John D. Rockefeller eloquently stated, as Americans, “We think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.” A man who would give away over half of his estimated wealth to charity, his generosity serves as a demonstration of just how important and powerful giving can be.

Yet, you don’t have to be a wealthy person to give back. If we cannot give with our wallets, we can give with our time. In last week's Sunshine Report, we discussed the importance of mentorship. Giving your time to nurture a young person in your life can be one way of giving back. Or volunteering at a local community center, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. There are endless ways to be charitable. And research says where there is giving and charity, there is typically a stronger community as we ourselves build resiliency and our connection to others, while also reaffirming a sense of self. So, as we navigate these uncertain times, consider how you can make a difference. No matter how big or small the act, the important thing is the fact you simply did it.

Read The Full Report

New Hampshire 'Firsts'

Would You Like to Adopt a Highway?

Positive Profile of the Week: Bob Baines

This week we are delighted to highlight a leading citizen of our largest city, who has undoubtedly touched and helped shape so many lives in a positive way, former Manchester Mayor Bob Baines. Over the years, Bob has given much to the Queen City and New Hampshire. He grew up in Manchester and has never really strayed far from it. And it’s clear several things are important to him – family, education, music, and politics.

Back in 1968, he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education and his first job was as a music teacher in a Hudson, NH high school before becoming its assistant principal. Bob married his wife, Maureen in 1974 and in 1976 earned a master’s in school administration. All this laid the foundation for an exciting and rewarding career that followed.

He has held a variety of positions in education most notably as principal of West High School from 1980 to 1999 during which time he was awarded NH Principal of the Year. 1999 was a transition year for him as he was elected mayor of Manchester – eventually for three terms. While mayor, he was instrumental in helping get the baseball stadium built and bringing the Double AA Fisher Cats to town. Since then, Delta Dental stadium has become a premier regional hub for events of all types.

Bob was more recently a Director with STEAM Ahead NH which is a collaboration between the Manchester School District, the University System of NH, Manchester Community College, and the business community. A unique feature includes the enrichment of the core program with the arts.

Since 2019 he’s been on the NH Community College System’s Board of Trustees representing the Public Sector and is currently the Vice Chair.

It was back in 2001 that Bob Baines started serving blarney and breakfast at what is now known as the ‘Bob Baines Blarney Breakfast.’ For 20 years it was one of the more popular events in Manchester raising $1.5 million for local nonprofit organizations. He even provided some of the music singing the crowd favorite “MacNamara’s Band.” The NH Police Association’s Pipes and Drums would contribute to the festive mood while touching the heartstrings of all. With music being such a key element of this event, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Bob was a member of the 39th Army Band from 1970 – 76.

One of the more memorable moments of the breakfast was when the Shirley Brulotte Community Service Award (in memory of his sister) was given out. This Fund supports the work of the International Institute of New England – an organization that is playing a key role in helping refugees and immigrants so that they can also begin to participate in New Hampshire’s growth and prosperity. Hopefully, we’ll see this crowd-pleasing event back at the DoubleTree soon!

He continues to remain involved in Manchester and NH. In 2018, Governor Sununu appointed him to serve on the Site Evaluation Committee which was established by the legislature for the review, approval, monitoring, and enforcement of compliance in planning, siting, construction, and operation of energy facilities.

A few years ago, he and other like-minded business and education people started ‘Manchester Proud’ where he currently serves as President on the Champions Council. The organization uses a community-based approach and has evolved into a movement focused on building a stronger Manchester through the excellence of its public schools.

While still active, his legacy is also being carried on by his children. Both of his daughters Christina and Catherine are teachers and while his son Tim Baines stepped briefly into local politics, he is now focusing on his business ventures in Manchester – including the popular Mint Bistro and Elm House of Pizza.

We’d like to thank Bob for his years of service to Manchester and NH and would hope that others will pick up the torch and be so inspired to help serve their fellow citizens and state! Well done, Bob, so grateful for all you do!

Quotes of the Week

“As Americans, we think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.”

John D. Rockefeller

Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us