This week the Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon, where various businesses and individuals were recognized for their contribution to our town. It was a lovely affair with more people in attendance than previous years, which is a testament to the Chamber and the growing popularity of the event.
Among this year’s recipients was the Greenwich Sentinel, winning the Malcolm S. Pray Excellence in Business Award. We are proud of this recognition of our work in the community. In presenting the award, Sabrina Raquet, Malcolm’s daughter, said: “Since its launch, it has received tremendous support from throughout town; from the religious community, nonprofit and business communities to individuals it has become a resource for all to turn to.” Thank you, Sabrina, for that kind endorsement.
In accepting the award, Greenwich Sentinel owner Beth Barhydt related how Malcolm Pray had been an early mentor and supporter of hers, always asking, “What can I do to help?” Now that the paper is strong and growing, one of Ms. Barhydt’s greatest joys is being able to ask organizations, businesses and neighbors how the paper can support them. “What can I do to help?”
Offers of help are not strictly charity or compassion. It is less tangible than that. It is about the fabric of our citizenry; in a community, people need to help one another to succeed. Not everyone is an expert at everything, but everyone has talents. By tapping into one another’s talents and experiences, we are able to build or create something greater than we would be able to do alone. That makes a community strong, vibrant and diverse.
Everything good in Greenwich begins with “What can I do to help?” We are extremely fortunate in that this question gets asked over and over again throughout town. We are an active and compassionate town. If there is an organization that needs to raise funds, there are people like Joe Kaliko who will raise the funds. If someone has fallen on hard times and needs help to keep food on the table, Neighbor to Neighbor is there to help. If there is an identified need in town, chances are very good there is someone there, asking what they can do to help.
Sam Levenson, the American humorist, said: “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm; as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.” Helping others brings joy to one’s life. You have to work pretty hard to be unhappy about helping another person. You may not recognized the opportunity for what it is at first, but by the time you are done and see how your help has made a difference you will have a sense of satisfaction for that effort. Aesop said: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
“What can I do to help?” is what Chuck Hilton said when the September 11th memorial in Cos Cob needed a design. It’s what Rudy’s says when we need transportation. It is what Wendy Blumenthal and Lori Jackson say often on behalf of the United Way. It is what Jenny Byxbee says daily on behalf of our youth. It is what first responders Carlos Franco, James Anderson, Craig Staffeldt and Whitney Welch every time they are called. And it is what Beth Barhydt says.
What do you say? We hear stories about people solely focused on wealth that die penniless and alone. We hear other stories about people who scour dumpsters for food but consider themselves rich and fulfilled because of what they do for others. When you see someone or something is in need, what will you say? “What can I do to help?”
