Right to Play, Beckie Scott, and giving back
It is not often that you can say that you have simultaneously been in the presence of all of the most dedicated and generous people you have ever met. A few weeks ago I had just that opportunity. On February 2 Gus, Kristina, Karl, and I all had the privilege to attend a Right to Play fundraiser organized by the Madison Winter Fest.
Right to Play, for those unfamiliar, is the leading sport-for-development organization, which uses sport and play to improve the lives of some of the world’s most impoverished children. Programs currently operating in 23 countries use specially designed curriculums impart social skills, safety and health practices, as well as a whole set of values aimed at spawning social change in communities.
The event was attended by representatives of CXC, the American Birkebeiner, the Winter Fest, members of the Madison nordic ski community, as well as others. One very special guest happened to my all-time ski hero and an ambassador of Right to Play, Beckie Scott.
At the event Beckie spoke about her career and how after her great success at the Olympic games she felt a responsibility to use her position to make a difference for others. She described all the support she received from others on her way to Olympic gold, and how she believed that she should in turn play a similar role for others. She found her opportunity to do so in the Right to Play organization, which she became involved with and subsequently became an employee of.
Another special guest was Don Becker of Becker Law in Madison, a man who is endlessly giving of his time and money in order to support local and now international efforts in a variety of areas. Don was so enthusiastic to support Right to Play that he pledged to match all funds raised up to $10 thousand.
Don Becker hands off a check for $10,000 to Beckie Scott of Right to Play.
The evening was highly inspiring between the presentation by Beckie and the demonstrated generosity of the guests. Those in attendance took advantage of the live auction portion of the event to open wide their pocket books in the name of Right to Play.
Auctioneer Dennis Kruse of the American Birkebeiner entices bidders with a one-of-a-kind Right to Play/Beckie Scott banner.
A few aspects that most impressed me during the course of the evening were the idea of using privilege of position to make a difference for others, as well as the lasting impact that development of the mind can have. Among Don, Beckie, and all the others involved in the event, there was no shortage of examples of those who wanted to share their good fortune among others. It struck me that a person such as myself need neither win a gold medal or be financially well off in order to do the same. Also, I really liked the idea that unlike many other humanitarian organizations that focus on providing material and physical services to those in need, which, of course, are valuable and much-needed, Right to Play provides for children a service that will serve them the rest of their lives, namely, the development of their minds. It is along the lines of giving a person a fish versus teaching that person how to fish. Even when a child is grown, the skills they learned through Right to Play will continue to benefit them and their community. It might seem silly to worry about the ability of starving children to play, but as Beckie said, Right to Play provides children with the gift of humanity, something that is as essential to people as food or water.
Will Gus and Cook be at the Seeley Hills Classic? Anyone else?