As we head into a New Year it seems like perfect timing! After 12+ years since I created and launched My Neighbor in Need, I am happy to announce that the merger with Saint Vincent De Paul (SVDP) has been completed. Starting tomorrow, the management and operational control of the organization is in the talented hands of an amazing group of caring individuals at SVDP. I would like to thank their entire staff for their years of support and assistance in fulfilling hundreds of need requests. I would also like to send a You Rock award to June Kavulla and Deb Kottel for their leadership and dedication to the greater good.
As I reflect back on this amazing journey I think about how we got to where we are right now. I remember the original press conference on March 20, 2012 where a member of the media asked me how many people I thought that My Neighbor in Need might be able each year. I thought about it and replied “maybe 200.” Well as all of you know I greatly under estimated the amount of support we would receive. The concept of anonymous giving grew deep roots and I am proud to say that thanks to the thousands of donors, as 2024 ends we have completed 18,305 need requests and My Student in Need has complete 4,447 need requests. Simply amazing!
I also want to thank former President of Montana Farmers Union, Alan Merrill for his vision to take a chance on an unproven idea and web-based system to connect those in need with those who would be willing to help. Make no mistake, without Alan’s support My Neighbor in Need would have never come to fruition. Alan, I hope you celebrate each and every need fulfillment because you were a part of it.
In addition, I want to thank Bob Norbie for his mentoring and guidance. Bob was the very first person to see the finished product and the advice that he provided me was the difference in being hugely successful or simply another website. Thank you Bob!
I would also like to thank Pattie Johnson who, for almost a decade, provided kind and compassionate service to anyone in need who put their trust in My Neighbor in Need. I am thrilled that Pattie is remaining with My Neighbor in Need and will continue to be a beacon of hope in the office.
Most importantly I want to thank my wife Karen Schaefer. Since day one she has not only provided great insights and motivation, but most importantly a calming influence on the days where it seemed that the we were facing unforeseen battles such as Covid. In addition, I want to thank her for editing each and every story that appeared in the Great Falls Tribune.
Speaking of the Great Falls Tribune… Thank you goes out to the Great Falls Tribune for partnering with us and agreeing to print our weekly story. Over 650 stories appeared in the Tribune over the 12+ years and I am thrilled that the weekly column will continue. The Great Falls Tribune was there from day one and continues to partner with us each week as we bring awareness of those in need right in our backyard. Thank you Grady!
There is another business that took a chance and jumped into the pool with us from day one. Thank you to Staradio for years of support. A super-duper high-five to Troy Mellinger who every week for years hosted the My Neighbor in Need – Need of the Week radio show. In addition, Troy (the unofficial voice of Great Falls) served as the Board President for My Neighbor in Need. Thank you so much Troy!
It takes a lot of caring individuals to serve on any type of a board but to be on a board that sees people’s needs on a daily basis, well that impacts your soul. My Neighbor in Need was blessed to have many kind and great individuals serve on our board throughout my tenure. I would especially like to thank our current board members Troy Mellinger; Andrea Mikulecky; Beth Duke; Bill Harp and Dr. Mark Rittenhouse. Now that the merger is completed they once again are free to seek other opportunities of good.
Finally, I want to personally thank all of you! For years you have been receiving emails from me regarding both My Neighbor in Need and My Student in Need. You were not simply selected to receive these emails but rather; my history with you told me that you are a “Good Deed Doer.” So on behalf of everyone who answered the call for help to those anonymous donors who to this day are the only ones who know that they fulfilled a need request, to anyone who read our weekly story or heard our radio show, thank you!
As for me, well all of you know that my DNA is not wired for retirement so I am sure you will not find me asleep on the couch. Who knows what adventure will reach out and grab my interests but I am sure our paths will cross again. Until then I will you a wonderful and joyous New Year.
Be Well,
Dave
Author: Staff
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