Oh, the smell of diversity!
I love being at airports and in touristy cities around the world. The diversity of language, culture and views on life fascinate me and I love to just sit and watch. I love the smells of open markets (mostly) where the different spices fragrant the stalls as you walk by. I love to listen to different languages and
make out where people came from. I think growing up in Germany, that was so much part of our lives
that I forgot how much I missed it.
I was at an event Saturday that brought funders and non-profits together and it felt like that same kind of diversity. I loved to listen the various funders and why they are funding certain areas. But more than that I loved speaking with the non-profits and hearing about their vision and mission. It was like being at
the United Nations. Amazing ideas and plans on making Merced a better place. I loved that there was no
competition, but there was an openness to partner. There was no fear of not having enough money to make an impact (I know, yes, it is always there) but at this event, it was about working together,
partnering and celebrating the amazing work of non-profits and funders. I am thankful to have been
invited to this and look forward to working together.
As I was walking around, I saw a young couple standing outside the room where we were meeting and I
wanted to help them. They had come to Merced from Fresno just for the day and loved the downtown and all the things happening, and when I told them about the event, they were impressed and mentioned they would love to see something like this in Fresno. I had to smile, for too long we have
been looking up to Fresno to learn from them, but Merced is moving up!
THANK YOU! Thank you to the funders who help non-profits fulfill their vision and dreams. Thank you to the many non-profits who are changing our landscape in Merced. Thank you to the community members who support the non-profit world.
I love the smell of diversity and collaboration.