William and Chandra Vandry Fairway Village Austin Christmas project

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Fairway Village Christmas event, and the art of philanthropy

Fairway Village blessed little children

13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

– Jesus Blesses the Children ( Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17 )

December 14, 2014 was a day of hope, philanthropy, and a small way to give back to those not out of sympathy, but an opportunity to serve your community. My wife Chandra and I have always held the philosophy of being there for those who need you. We have funded so many out of pocket projects that we believe in. Fairway village is an East Side Austin apartment complex. The Fairway area has families and children that deserve a chance just like the rest of the world. Last year my wife and I were asked to sponsor the Montopolis area children with Christmas gifts. We usually provide more than gifts. Children have every day needs such as food, clothing, toothpaste, toothbrushes, gloves, blankets, scarfs, hats and others.

Chandra and I look at needs first. Toys are a gift for children to play with, to have fun with, and to have their own set of play sets. All children need those, but going back to the other needs first. My wife packed almost 100 bags of personal items, and mixed candy, chocolates, and little toys. Officer Rodriguez patrols the area, and along with well intended community, there are times when needs are there and goals are to meet them. Chandra and I discussed with Officer Rodriguez plans not just for an event, but a meaningful event for children with a purpose. We were able to find sponsors, and many of my generous community that helped to support this event. Time warner news covered a story. KVUE news interviewed Chandra and I, and asked me why we do this. I explained to him, that serving your community is the greatest reward itself.

KXAN interviewed me and asked me how long have I been doing this? There is a word philanthropy, which means “love of humanity” in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing and enhancing. People at times feel or interpret philanthropy as multi millionaires giving a donation. No, that can be part of it, but does not give philanthropy its true definition. I write articles on nutrition, health, and my wife and I developed the product St. Jude’s Miracle oilTM for athletes who have sprains, strains, pain or whatever. Those all have the basis of philanthropy that essentially motivates and engineers our goals. My father was in the military as a child. I told KXAN reporter that growing up as a child in the military, it was very common to have 20 soldiers over for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. I thought from a child that was a normal process of duty and responsibility in life. I told him very few understand true giving is a self induced obligation to pick up a person. Chandra and I work with many projects, from those who need food, to the legally blind, to Military Veterans. We believe in this art of philanthropy. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New year!

Professor William Vandry

Absorb and think