Linda Timmons
Linda Timmons, President and CEO

National Charity Day

Linda with long-time Mosaic donor Shirley Splittgerber.

Some of my earliest memories of philanthropy come from my parents. I vividly remember their insistence that I gave not just money, but my time and my talents.

My Dad, a Lutheran pastor, and my mom, a nurse, were serious but cheerful philanthropists.

They believed if you’ve been given something, it was your responsibility to make the world a better place.

It’s a model that my husband Randy and I have happily passed on to our children, Chris and Meagan.

One of the common misconceptions that I hear about philanthropy is that you have to be able to give a lot of money to make a difference, but this simply isn’t true.

Every gift, just like every person, is important.

In my role as CEO of Mosaic, which provides services for more than 3,700 people with intellectual disabilities in the United States, I’ve been honored with the chance to meet with hundreds of people who believed our mission was worthy of donating their time and money to.

It’s a truly humbling experience to hear the stories of the men and women who give to Mosaic because they believe the people we support have gifts that the world needs.

I know that each person I meet, including every person Mosaic supports, can make the world a better place by giving. Always remember that your gifts matter to the organizations you support, especially in these uncertain times.

Together, we can make the world a better place!

Linda Timmons is the president and CEO of Mosaic, which provides services for people with intellectual disabilities in 10 states and internationally. This post originally appeared on the #GivingTuesday blog celebrating women who give.

Recommended Stories

The Right People, Supports and Environment Are Life-Changing
March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Taking Charge of Her Life, Althea Excels