A Thanksgiving Message

By Bob Kasieta, Board President

We head into the annual time of reflection, celebration, and gratitude. This year, we have much to be thankful for. The pandemic has receded. BPNN came through it stronger than ever. That is a credit to the wise leadership that preceded me, a supportive community, and most of all, you. Whether you made a financial contribution, volunteered one time, or devoted weeks or months to our cause, you matter in our battle against poverty. You cared enough to share your talent, time, and treasure to make this community better. That is so very special. Joined to the efforts of others, you changed our world.  

Please take time this holiday season to reflect on that. Give yourself a little credit in a world that too often gives too little recognition. Know that you are appreciated. Together, our volunteer force will do even more in the months and years to come. Our work is far from done. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you, for all you do and will yet do, for caring, for making a difference, for literally shaping the history of this community. Bobby Kennedy expressed it best in a speech in South Africa in 1966:

 “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” 

Bob