Life is for giving

Four Richmonders show the way

by Paul Spicer

Tis the season of spending. Wild-eyed shoppers, focused on gift lists, scurry past bell-ringing do-gooders. While some drop donations in strategically placed red kettle pots, others are choosing instead to give of themselves

Whether it’s the gift of a dime or the donation of time, some boomers are finding the true meaning of the holidays. BOOMERLife spoke with a select few who represent the capacity to give back - with little, if anything, expected in return.

Maureen Neal

“My grandmother introduced me to the idea of giving at an early age,” explains Maureen Neal. “She would say, ‘go out and tell all the good that you know, because you never know where the good is going to go.’” As director of development and external affairs for The Daily Planet, a provider of services to Greater Richmond’s homeless population, Neal has a hand in bolstering a wide array of programs for the homeless and urban poor through its Health Care Clinic for the Homeless, Project Strive and Safe Haven.

A gander at Neal’s day planner this holiday is a glimpse into the heart of River City — board meetings, strategic planning committees and fundraising events. All serve to breathe life back into the community. But her day doesn’t end at five. Round two has her circulating between volunteer gigs with Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives, Especially for Non-Profit Organizations, The Ellen Shaw de Paredes Research Foundation and 1708 Gallery.

With Christmas commerce at its peak, Neal tries to pass along to her children the giving spirit her grandmother instilled in her. “You get back so much more than you give. If [people] can identify with something that they care about or are passionate about … and they get involved with it, then they’re going to be the beneficiaries. Not only do they help the organization by giving of themselves, their time and their talent … ultimately it makes you a well-rounded, empathic and better human being.”

Rick Tatnall

Whether it’s during the holiday months or an all-year endeavor, “you have to plan to give”, says Rick Tatnall, a community activist in River City. You may spot him this season wheeling around town in a cheerfully painted van, messages of peace emblazoned on its sidewalls.

Embedded in practically every issue that touches the capital city, Tatnall operates the not-for-profit Citizens Against Crime. He created the Richmond Community Garden Collective and leads Richmond Twinning (a sister-city-like plan to partner with other Richmond's of the world). To discourage “decorating” the city, Tatnall invites graffiti artists into his warehouse to show off their skills in a controlled environment.

How does he muster the energy for such super deeds? “From a management standpoint, if you don’t plan to give back, you won’t … because you don’t factor it into your operations, in terms of money and time. Instead, sit down and say, ‘I’m going to do this’ and then do it.” For his part, Tatnall has created “Slam the Brakes,” his overall personal strategy to give back to the community in a grand fashion by attempting to connect scores of volunteers throughout the region in a partnering effort to produce manpower and funding for non-profits in need of help. “The baby boomer generation can change the world - and they will,” says Tatnall. “They have the money, the time, the expertise - and a lot of years ahead of them. So, if they want to effect change, they can.”

Charlyne Meinhard

Charlyne Meinhard likes results. As founder of Next Level Consulting, she works with senior managers to stop “the brain drain in their workforce.” Passionate about keeping knowledge from walking out the door as experienced employees retire, Meinhard specializes in succession planning, leadership development and knowledge transfer.

Though her projects often involve large-scale change with big-time corporate players, Meinhard finds inspiration volunteering with initiatives like the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Program — she designed its training strategy. She also provides free one-on-one consulting for female entrepreneurs. “Because I've dealt with so many different employee situations over the years as an executive coach, I’m able to give them my perspective on the situation,” explains Meinhard.

While many are caught up in seasonal shopping stress, Meinhard finds meaning year round serving as a management advisor to the directors of several non-profit organizations, including Needle’s Eye Ministries, an organization of business execs who work to build a spiritual connection between marketplace and matters of faith. “I feel that giving back is not just for Christmas time, or Thanksgiving, or just during the holidays. For me, it’s the ability to share what your talent is — your gift — as the need arises … and you find yourself in those situations throughout the year,” she says. “It’s about always sharing what you have with others, no matter the time of year.”

Wayne Swatlowski

In his clown costume, Wayne Swatlowski might not be easily recognized at first glance. Look closely, though, and you’ll see a smile that doesn’t ease up, even after his gigs — holiday parties, children’s parades, neighborhood shindigs. Swatlowski clowns around on his off hours. By day, he staffs a 400-plus volunteer base at ElderHomes, a non-profit organization that improves housing and living conditions for the elderly.

As its volunteer program manager, Swatlowski daily encourages others to give back and hears the many reasons why Richmonders volunteer all through the year, not just at Christmas. “I’m seeing more and more baby boomers, especially in the corporate and for-profit sector, becoming more involved. The folks I see enjoy and value the opportunity for immediate results … as well as the chance to be exposed to the needs within our area that they oftentimes don’t come in contact with ….”

Over the winter months, Swatlowski volunteers with Artists in Residence and its annual holiday soiree. The festive community fundraiser includes visits from Santa, children's games and hot cocoa, as well as the sale of local crafts. In addition, he helps Chesterfield Alternatives Inc., which provides housing for people with developmental disabilities. “I just like being involved,” he says.

In our midst, such boomers set a standard. The best holiday gift need not be measured monetarily. Long-term commitment counts. Boomers are ideally positioned to make a joyful difference. After all, we’re only as good as we give this holiday season.

Paul Spicer is a Richmond-based freelance writer, columnist and published author. His most recent book, British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel and Taste, debuts soon. When not writing, Paul serves as a marketing and media consultant.