A
LOOK
BACK
Forty two years. That’s how long this thing called ‘Help Give Hope’ has been around. I was a self-absorbed 27 year old sitting at the bar at J. Parrino’s restaurant in 1981, and a ‘Share Your Christmas’ ad (Div. of Family Services) came on the TV and I thought “why not?’ I wrangled together a group of my friends along with my business partners Jim Crumpley and Joe Kremer and the rest, as they say, is history.
I take no great credit for where it stands today…that was more by accident & luck than vision. If it wasn’t for the love, faith and support of a few very dear friends, who bought in to my crazy idea to help kids-in-need, it would have likely died on the vine long ago. They simply would not let the collective idea of HGH fail. My friends didn’t know it at the time (heck, I probably didn’t realize it either), but they are what kept me going. If someone believes in you so much they will give you two of their greatest possessions, time & money, it ignites your passion as well as your cause! It’s an awesome feeling of responsibility. I loved and respected these people and no way I was letting them down! And you know what? Almost every single one of those friends are still a big part of HGH today!!
It was important to me and others close to the charity, that we remain ‘under the radar’. My Dad, the greatest earthly man I ever knew, taught me early on and reminded me often as HGH was growing, to always be humble. Never expect or need a pat on the back or seek public recognition. And always, ALWAYS deeply appreciate and give thanks for the generosity of others. I am so grateful to say my Father's philosophy and purpose has remained the core value of HGH and all our employees even after four decades.
Looking back, I see God’s hand all over HGH…at least for me. It brought a greater purpose into my life at a time when, as noted, I thought of only myself. It taught me how incredibly blessed I was. I had no plans to get married or even want children of my own until HGH became a big part of my life. In other words, it helped me ‘grow up’. As such, have spent the past 31+ years married to my beautiful wife Phyllis and we have two incredible daughters, Mackenzie and Mikayla. Personally speaking, my decision 12 years ago to follow Christ has only deepened my appreciation of the value and importance of HGH. Matthew 19:14 – Jesus said “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”.
We have grown considerably the past few decades with much of that success the result of the leadership and passion of our Executive Director, Murray Beairsto as well as our amazing staff of Michael Brady, Sandy Zurfluh and Brad Gilbert. Because of the incredible generosity of our HGH family, we have a beautiful home base, great staff, an ever growing footprint across SW Missouri, an amazing volunteer army, financial stability, and purpose. And what better time to reflect on all these wonderful blessings than during the holiday season.
I wish I could envision a time when the need for charities like HGH were no longer required but, sadly, that won't happen in my lifetime and probably not yours. I dream that in some iteration, HGH will still exist in another 42 years…with the same purpose and values. I could think of no greater legacy for all those ‘friends’ that made HGH possible.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! May you have health, safety, peace, love and joy during this wonderful time of year. And never, ever forget those less fortunate.
Wade
