Hello, everyone. I am Kevin Horgan, one of the board members of vetlanta. Thank you for being here.
Two topics, if I may.
It’s the Christmas season and everybody is giving and being told to do so. So, I have some caveats about just that.
First, our vendors, all are veteran 501c3 or vet owned businesses.
And each one… the Vetlanta board has a long-standing relationship – some personal—and all have been vetted. All are great people.
Now I do get asked often by folks if I would be interested in assisting in the formation of a passion, an idea, whether to start their own 501c3, or charity, or foundation, or whatever.
I tend to look at these things practically, if not a little cynically.
I suggest to people that they find an organization that matches their values, their geography, their tempo, their personal chemistry. work with them, volunteer, learn the ropes. help make that group stronger. develop some practical credibility.
We all know that there are over 50,000 veteran 501c3 organizations today. Not all of them are very good. Ours are excellent.
There are easy tests. go to Charity Navigator, itself a 501c3, and look up the organization in question. I think the criteria is $1million in assets and a couple years running. Charity Navigator uses a 4-star system and they are unemotional about the score.
That is a good start. Then Google your teams’ Form 990. If it is 2 years old they must have one, for it is an IRS form and public information. It is only two pages and easy to review. The Form 990 will show revenue versus expenses and cash on hand. Note that salaries and office chairs are expenses, not client services.
As for ratios, to be fair, if 80% of the revenues go to clients and client services, you have chosen wisely. For example, United Way is around 84% and Tunnel 2 Towers is a remarkable 95%. That is good company.
Each organization starts out as a desire, a desire to remember or help. To do something… and sometimes our desires are greater than our ability. But that is nothing that perseverance can’t overcome.
So, desire meets minds, at the kitchen table, first. It morphs into a charity, then a business, then, sadly, it might become a racket.
I have a small test of the groups I give money to, to measure their need, sincerity, and yes, appreciation. I am a small player, $250 to $500 depending on the relationship. I can’t give to all groups, but my wife and I spread it around if we can.
The test? Is the gift acknowledged, personally? Do I get an email, or a form letter? Or nothing at all? One group here sends me a handwritten note. I like that a lot. It’s a dying art, and this old dog loves dead art.
At any rate, do your homework.
Can you believe that Christmas is in three weeks? I would like to address the reason for the season now. VETLANTA is apolitical, but we are not irreligious.
A child’s birth is the reason. The miracle of birth. And 2000 years later we subordinate ourselves to His teaching, His purpose, and His will.
One question for us all, regardless of your faith tradition… What would you do differently if you knew this was your last Christmas?
Anything different? Anyone you’d include? Who would you hug first? Or last?
Who might you reconcile with? Who would you forgive? Who do you want to forgive you?
Some of us may know someone, someone who we know that this is his or her last Christmas. We will hurt ourselves hugging them, in our own fashion.
Maybe it’s time to treat everyone like it is our last Christmas. And hug ‘em harder than hell.
Here’s praying that the birthday of our Savior, a Jewish carpenter, is one that we will all continue to celebrate for many many years into the future.
God bless America. Drive safe. Merry Christmas and 2025 is gonna be great.
Thank you!
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