La Casa Norte and More Than Ever Education Fund

Sol,

Good morning. After yesterday’s meeting, I wanted to sit down and form, in writing, my thoughts about the More Than Ever Education Fund/La Casa Norte relationship. 

I could not be any more pleased, think of any better match, know of any other of my relationships to be as strong and meaningful, or be any more supportive of a cause that is such an important one to me.

I wanted to again reaffirm how grateful I am to be part of the La Casa Norte family! And I DO mean family! I always feel so welcome when I arrive at one of the LCN facilities or at a LCN function. I have made many friendships over the years with staff and fellow donors and enjoy them each time I am greeted by a smiling face and a hug. Sol, our friendship continues to grow over time and I look forward to its becoming stronger in professional as well a personal ways. “Let’s go out for Cuban!” Working with Jessica, Angela, Lorena, Emily, Katie, Alejandro, Marco, and so many others is always fun, meaningful, easy, and supportive. 

I so admire the work you have done and do on behalf of LCN and am in awe of the number of families and youth confronting homelessness which your work has touched and the number lives improved you have been part of. I know that it takes a team and that you have not done this alone, but the director of any organization affects each person in that organization and each person who received that organization’s support. Your direction has been done in a way that each person feels more committed, more involved, and more responsible in meeting LCN’s mission as well as giving the families and youth with whom we work a great feeling of success, comfort, security, acceptance, and support !

In many ways you and LCN have made my job easy. While I know I have put a lot of effort into the success of the MTE Education Fund, it also seems like all I have to do is “show up” and wave to the crowd! I certainly could not have done all we have done by myself and knowing that LCN and you and your staff are behind me is very comforting and very gratifying!

Gregory and I have been long time friends of LCN and done much for LCN over the years but our most current efforts (kiddingly) have NOT met our expectations if only because we NEVER expected to be able to do such good for so many so easily so quickly … and, again, while Gregory and I continue to “show up,” you guys work so hard to make it all possible. We are grateful.

I want to reiterate that in whatever ways you see fit to use the funds we have raised, I will agree. I do not profess to be an expert but part of my giving to you and La Casa Norte is making myself available with  my education background, my experience with youth and the kind of work LCN does, and in my “Holy Krap I Can’t Believe I’m 72 Years Old” wisdom as well as “Hohoho, have a candy cane!" I am grateful to be part of the “Youth in College” program and "More Than Ever Education Fund" resource team. I find my creative self, my educational self, and my personal self stimulated because of being a part of the time and it gives me purpose in my life.

Just one minor apology, “Willy Nilly” was a totally inaccurate term to use. And I again want to make sure you correct it to read, “A work in progress,” “Fine tuning,”  “Thinking on one’s feet,” “Running to keep up with the need,” etc. I have already learned so much from you and look forward to learning more about this thing called “Charitable Organization” and "Fund Raising!” 

I look forward to many years of close collaboration before we have to begin giving out the Michael A. Horvich Scholarship Fund and/or the Michael A. Horvich Leadership Award! I look forward to the “ship coming in” and seeing what good we can do with that!

Fondly as well as with love,

Michael (and Gregory)

Hunan Star

There is a little hole in the all Chinese carry out place on the way home between Gregory at Lieberman and the condo. When I leave Gregory, I call from the car and my order is ready to pick up as I pass.

The place is clean but old, gently used, and not too attractive. Overgrown plants in odd assortments of ceramic Chinese pots line the counter edge and part of the shelves in the windows.

While there are three stools at each window shelf, I've never seen anyone eating there. Same for the table with four chairs tucked into a corner.

Today a Black man was sitting at the table. Amy, the owner / order taker / cashier delivered to him, reaching over the cash register; a plastic fork, napkin, and paper plate loaded with fried rice.

In this atmosphere of neglect, necessity, and crowdedness the man bowed his head and mumbled a prayer over his food before he began eating.

It caused me to stop for a minute to think about how often I gobble down a meal or a snack; an order of fried rice; and don't give a thought of thanks for how the meal got to me.

The sky, the clouds, the sun, the rain, the earth, the farm.

The people involved in growing the food, processing the food, packaging the food, selling the food, and transporting the food to market.

The restaurant owners who purchased the food, prepared the food, cooked the food, and served the food.

Now bring to the table the suffering, sorrow, joy, and happiness of all those people involved. Think of them getting up every day, going to work, finishing a day, and going home to their families.

Think of all the trials and tribulations, positive and negative, of what these people go through at work,  at home, in their lives, in their homes, with their families, with their health.

What a lot I have to be grateful for and what a lot of people have been involved in providing my sustenance. I should stop and think of them and thank them more often.

Like the Black man did for a few moments when he bowed his head and prayed over his fried rice.