Really nice "gib-bak" story

Mar 4, 2010 10:44 am US/Central Frugal Woman Leaves $7M To Lake Forest CollegeLAKE FOREST, Ill.

Grace Groner lived a frugal life in a one-bedroom home in north suburban Lake Forest.
But when she died at age 100 in January, her attorney informed Lake Forest College that Groner — known for buying clothes from rummage sales and walking instead of buying a car — had left her alma mater $7 million.
When the attorney told the school how much her donation would be, the college president said "Oh, my God."

The millions came from a $180 stock purchase Groner made in 1935. She bought specially-issued stock in Abbott Laboratories, where she worked as a secretary for 43 years, and never sold it, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The money Groner donated will be used for a foundation to fund student internships and study-abroad programs. The money should bring the school more than $300,000 a year.

By the time Groner was 12, both of her parents had died. She and her twin sister were raised by friends of their parents, who paid for them to attend Lake Forest College. Groner graduated in 1931 and worked for 43 years as a secretary at Abbott Laboratories.

"She did not have the (material) needs that other people have," said her attorney, William Marlatt. "She could have lived in any house in Lake Forest but she chose not to. ... She enjoyed other people, and every friend she had was a friend for who she was. They weren't friends for what she had."

Groner never married and had no children. At home, the Chicago Tribune reporter John Keilman wrote, Groner lived with just "a few plain pieces of furniture, , some mismatched dishes and a hulking TV set that appeared left over from the Johnson administration."

But Groner traveled after she retired and volunteered at the First Presbyterian Church. She gave anonymous gifts to needy local residents and donated $180,000 to Lake Forest College for a scholarship program.

"She was very sensitive to people not having a whole lot," said Pastor Kent Kinney of First Presbyterian Church. "Grace would see those people, would know them, and she would make gifts."

The college also is to receive Groner's small home. It is be called "Grace's Cottage" and become living quarters for women who receive scholarships.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=18467088

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Frugal.100.year.2.1536989.html

Corruption

"corruption" according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is an impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle

Shaffi Mather, in TED.com, speaks about "A New Way to Fight Corruption" (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/shaffi_mather_a_new_way_to_fight_corruption.html)

http://www.one.org/otr/blog/2007/10/02/fighting-corruption/

http://www.transparency.org/publications/gcr (global corruption reports can be found at this website)
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It hurts everyone whose life, livelihood or happiness depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Visit to Fresno

When I learned that GMA will be in Fresno, I volunteered to usher because I wanted to show support to my roots. I do feel that I am giving back by volunteering.
Yes, it is an opportunity to meet 'her'.
It is sad that the Fil-Am Association in Fresno was not present to show support.

Road from Manila to Lucena (and back)

When I was in college at the University of Santo Tomas (1978-1983), I took the BLTB (Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Co.) from Lucena (my hometown) to Manila. Not everyday (I lived with the Jugueta's), but almost everytime I had to. Sometimes, I'd get a ride from friends' car. This trip took 1 1/2 hours in a car or 2 hours in a commuter bus. In 2004, I drove same route and took me 5 hours in tight @#!$%^traffic. And I thought...., more than 20 years since, exponential population and traffic increase, and no road improvement? widening? (I guess this comes from experience driving the interstate/highway in US)
I'd be more than glad to give-back in some way, to get involved in discussing, campaigning, promoting, brainstorming, fundraising, whatever could help to plan and realize a better road....

my shoulder

I hurt my shoulder in Sept 2007...in a bouncehouse. Who ever thought an adult would get hurt in a bouncehouse? Well, I did.
My primary care physician sent me to a physical therapist (Jimenez Physical Therapy). And today, I feel fortunate to have been sent to Jimenez PT. My shoulder feels better. The orthopaedic surgeon said that PT may heal my shoulder. On my last day during my first series (I'm on my second series now), Mike Jimenez said that I can pick either a shirt or hat to take home (giving-back since I brought him business).
I think that that is great. He made me well and he still gives me a freebee :)

Note: I will "give back" by spreading the word that he is a good PT.

I think "giving back" could be a chain reaction, perpetual chain reaction.

To give back

I like the idea of giving back. I admire people who give back.

I think if everyone would give back in any way they can, it will make a tremendous difference. Giving back can be very powerful.

I feel that I should give back to the community where I live (Fresno CA), to the church (Holy Spirit and St Anthony), to the industry that I work in (engineering), and of course to my place of birth, and my parents' too (Quezon Province, Philippines).