Guiding Vision

Living here in Tornado Alley, especially in a town that still has strong memories of a twister in the ’70’s, I can certainly relate to the fear of tornadoes. Every spring school children go through tornado drills just like others across the country do fire drills. Though I’ve been through some bad storms, including 90 mph wind and rain last year, I pray to never be through an actual tornado.

Residents in San Angelo, Texas did go through such a tragedy in early April. While there were no deaths or injuries there was commercial and residential property damage. The tornado ripped through the distribution center of R.G. Barry Corporation, maker of Dearfoams shoes. But instead of sending the 180,000 pairs to a landfill, the company decided to give them to Shoes for Orphan Soles instead.

Shoes for Orphan soles is a program of Buckner International, a well known Dallas based charity that helps orphan children worldwide. There’s more on the story on Dallas Morning News and on the Shoes for Orphan Soles website.

So now thousands of children will get new shoes! All because a company had a vision that their loss could be a gain for someone else (thousands of deserving someone else’s).

Perhaps this new project is one reason Oprah decided not to renew The Big Give TV show…

Yesterday “The Oprah Winfrey Show” presented the O Ambassadors program, a joint project of Oprah’s Angel Network and Free The Children. It aims to connect young people in North America with people around the world to create lasting change. This school based program provides a curriculum for local educators who lead their student club in activities that raise funds for development projects and increase awareness of global issues. (more…)

Oprah Winfrey’s show The Big Give hit the air waves this spring encouraging giving in a reality show format. While it was moderately popular (but far from being a hit) and ABC says they’d go for a second season, they announced last week that they would not renew the show at Oprah’s request. (more…)

Since I first proposed the topic of the blog writing contest which Jim is running over at Top School Fundraisers, I’ve been pondering who out of all my K-12 and college teachers I’d consider to be my favorites. My mind first went to the kind, patient elementary school teachers who I recall fondly. But after reading Angela’s post about her math teacher, one person jumped out as being one of the absolute best. And that was my high school math teacher, Mr. Bennett.

First off I will say I am by no means a math wiz and math was probably my least favorite subject! But somehow he was able to explain the ides to me in a way that I could understand. If the class didn’t quite get how to work a math problem he kept answering our questions, rephrasing things and doing “just one more problem” until we did get it. He never wanted to leave anyone behind.

When I got to college I realized just how lucky I had been to have Mr. Bennett as a math teacher. Even with a study partner and trying my best I had to drop college algebra since I was squeaking by with a low C. The next semester my new teacher seemed to have a similar knack as Mr. Bennett and I actually got an A. Though I was thankful that as an art major that was the only required math course!

Of course it wasn’t his skill with numbers that impressed me the most. It was his character and personality. He infused his trademark humor into class and his hilarious presentations on awards day were legendary.  He simply exuded an optimistic view of life.

When not in the classroom Norman Bennett spent his free time in front of a camera or on stage. He performed in local theatre but has had many small speaking roles in major films. In a recent interview for a Sherman TV Station he admits that he tends to be typecast (basically playing himself) but he doesn’t seem to mind.

When I heard he’d retired a couple of years after I graduated I knew he wasn’t likely to sit still too long. One day my mother-in-law phoned us up and said to turn on the TV, Mr. Bennett was on Wheel of Fortune! Not too long ago we rented the film Infamous and there he was again.  Even after all this time, Mr. Bennett is still teaching by example — you’re never too young, too old, too anything to enjoy life as the blessed adventure it can be.

Cross posting this notice about a blog writing contest… the last day to enter is this Saturday!

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation week, which is May 4 to May 10, the Top School Fundraisers blog is sponsoring a writing contest on the topic “My Favorite Teacher.” Just write a post on your blog inspired by this topic and you’ll be eligible for the contest.

First prize is $50, second and third are $25 each. Winners will be decided by a poll so anyone can cast their vote to determine the best entry.

>> Click here to find out more about this contest

Last day to get your post up and enter is Saturday May 3rd.