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| Click on the image to meet the 10 award winners. |
What do many people do when they receive the gift of prolonged life?
They use that extra time to help others.
Service is at the heart of the Bakken Invitation--hosted by Medtronic.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read about the 10 Honorees for 2014. They are recipients of medical technologies. And they are using their extended life to help others.
To read about all 10 Honorees who demonstrate the concept of "Live On. Give On," see THIS PAGE.
I am inspired by all of the recipients, but I would like to highlight the work of the most senior recipient for 2014.
A life-long volunteer, Rajnikant used his $20,000 prize money to support Sleeping Children Around the World.
This charity provides mattresses, pillows and sheets for children so that they can have the physical, emotional and intellectual benefits of a deep, restful sleep.
Rajnikant makes this observation:
"Helping others will satisfy your own soul, too."
We can follow Rajnikant's example by serving others in our own communities. For example, we can volunteer at local schools, donate money to food banks, or preserve stories for older adults.
My own passion project is to serve as a witness to the lives of older adults who are house bound. Not all older adults have mobility problems, but a significant percentage do. Some are aging in place in his or her home. Some are living in a formal setting (like an assisted living facility or a nursing home).
Since 2011, I have focused on developing friendships with people who are decades older than I am. It's a win-win situation. I learn a great deal about history and about developing a strong character. They get a chance to pass on their legacy to another person through storytelling.
Sometimes I record their stories in print or online. Like Bakken Invitation, I strongly believe in the power of storytelling. My first career as an English teacher saturated me in stories by famous people. Now I am more interested in the stories everyday people have to relay.
Readers of my blog had the opportunity to win $100 to benefit his or her own community. THANK YOU TO ALL 19 PARTICIPANTS!
Terms and Conditions
- Entered by Tuesday, December 30, 2014.
- Must be 18 years old and a resident of the US to enter.
- Use of the prize is up to the winner, but it must benefit his or her community.
- Left a comment below about a local organization that you might support if you win the VISA card.
- One entry per reader (but you can comment as much as you would like!)