Most creatures are inherently selfish. Dominate a territory and repel invaders. Reshape the environment to your benefit. Eat what you kill. Survival of the fittest. Scan the news, read about history or watch a nature show and the motivation to come out on top, often at a great cost to others, is pervasive.
So why do we give, especially when there is no direct or visible benefit to us? Studies show that we get an endorphin rush and our brain’s mesolimbic pathway (the reward center) is stimulated by being altruistic. It makes us happy and gives us meaning. We tend to live longer. Giving builds relationships and enhances our communities. It can also provide us with a way to make sense of a tragedy and carry on the legacy of a lost loved one.
In this issue, we explore two local couples who have become philanthropists. Our first feature, “Back to School,” tells the story of John and Joyce Wanda, who came to the United States from Uganda. They brought with them just a few belongings and a strong belief in the value of an education. Motivated, in part, by the positive experience their children had in Arlington Public Schools—especially Arlington Traditional School—they launched REACH For Uganda, a nonprofit which, decades later, has transformed the lives of thousands in their home country through education.
Our second feature, “After Braylon,” follows Rose Kehoe and Kris Meade, who lost their 17-year-old son to a drunk driver last November. Sharing their grief, the community rallied to support them, including by donating to two scholarship funds in their son’s name. (One is housed locally at the Arlington Community Foundation; the other resides at the University of Michigan, which is the family’s alma mater.) Although I haven’t asked them, it may be safe to assume that Rose and Kris didn’t set out to become philanthropists in this way. But as their friend, and knowing the depth of their kindness, I believe it is a role they have already embraced.
Giving is very personal. We contribute money and donate our time to causes we care about. If charitable giving is a part of your annual plan, I applaud you. There are so many worthy causes. If giving locally hasn’t been on your radar, please review our Guide to Giving on p. 58. It includes more than 30 wonderful local nonprofit organizations that are working to house the unsheltered, feed the hungry, provide healthcare for those who can’t afford it and support those escaping domestic violence (to name just a few causes). You may find an organization and mission in our guide that resonates with you.
I hope you find our November/December issue to be interesting, informative and enjoyable. As you may know, the magazine comes out six times a year, so if you miss us between issues, please visit ArlingtonMagazine.com. We publish new stories daily, including some that are only available on the site. If you would like our content pushed to you, sign up for our email newsletters and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
We love hearing from you. Send your suggestions and feedback to me at greg.hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. Letters to the editor should be directed to jenny.sullivan@arlingtonmagazine.com. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Greg Hamilton, Publisher