The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
President George H.W. Bush encouraged charitable giving and heartfelt volunteerism — and recognized fine examples of both — during his presidency. He liked to talk about these American occurrences as “points of light.”
Apply President Bush’s metaphorical “points of light” to Terre Haute in the past week, and the flash would be blinding.
There does not seem to be an end to the generosity of this community and its people. The charitable spirit has been on spectacular display in recent days.
• Last Thursday, as the statue of beloved local poet Max Ehrmann was unveiled, we learned that it took $80,000 in monetary donations and $60,000 in in-kind contributions to make the new plaza featuring Ehrmann possible at the corner of Seventh and Wabash in downtown Terre Haute.
A large cross-section of people, organizations and institutions rallied to the cause of erecting a permanent memorial to one of our favorite sons. And it came about during the worst economic crisis since the 1930s.
• On Friday, it was revealed that Don Moffitt, a city native who left to earn his business fortune in California, has once again made remarkable donations to his hometown. The retired president and board chair of CNF Inc. says he is simply paying back his hometown for all it gave him.
And what a payback it is: More than $450,000 to be shared by the new Terre Haute Children’s Museum ($250,000), the Vigo County Education Foundation ($100,000), and the Noon Optimist Clothe-a-Child program ($100,000), and other specialized donations around the community.
Moffitt’s personal allegiance to his hometown is humbling, and the community owes him a debt gratitude, even though he probably would insist it is not necessary.
• During September, Terre Haute’s International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is donating $1 per customer for 21 days to 21 different local charitable causes, including the Children’s Museum, Light House Mission and Catholic Charities.
The idea was the brainchild of local businessman Scott Womack of Womack Restaurants, in celebration of the company’s 20th year. The company started in Terre Haute and now consists of 12 restaurants throughout the region. Womack said this is another way he can repay the community for helping launch his success.
There are other fine examples of recent community spirit, including this week’s grand reopening of Deborah’s House to help homeless single mothers and their children. All shine a glowing light on the many ways people find to help their town become a better place by enhancing the quality of life for all.
