IS IT REALLY BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE? As we approach the holidays, Bob examines whether it truly is better to give.

A few weeks ago Shamrock represented the 8th Annual Our Lady of the Wayside 2012 Starlight Guardian Humanitarian Award Luncheon, which celebrates Those Who Embrace The Spirit of Giving. I was honored to be the host of the event which included 700 guests. We raised $100,000 in ten minutes at the luncheon.

Our Lady of the Wayside is a non-profit residential service provider for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Shamrock became involved with this wonderful home years ago when my brother-in-law, Dale Masino, told us about his brother, who was among the first residents to live at Our Lady of the Wayside.

Since that time, Shamrock has become deeply involved with raising funds for this, and other worthwhile organization. It is also among the community charities we endeavor to help with our hearts, our hands and our checkbooks.

Greater Cleveland has always been known to open its heart to people in need in our communities. But now, more than ever, I see an increased spirit of giving. I see people who are more conscious of the haves vs. the have nots, and I see a genuine willingness to share and enhance the quality of life with our friends and neighbors who have times of need.

One of the wonderful benefits of working with Our Lady of the Wayside is that we actually have a chance to see improvement in the lives of people we help. Less than 50 years ago families had little help with special needs children. Today, thankfully, there are so many organizations that provide financial and emotional assistance, along with education advantages and outreach programs to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

ONE LAST THING...  

It's not just individuals in Greater Cleveland who benefit from the joy of giving. More and more today businesses reap rewards beyond the satisfaction of helping neighbors in need. Now it's considered a measure of success for companies to be socially responsible. So, as we give, we also receive. We receive high marks as good corporate citizens from the community, which, in turn, makes us a more valuable partner with other businesses who wish to work with us. This holiday season, as we give, we will get so much in return.