The Seattle Star Newspaper, October 2, 1923, Page 13

THE Community Fund Editorial Page SEATTI TUESDAY, Pund Plan le Fedy and Logical By D. BE. SKINNER nity Fund Executive Committee rate form of analyzing tions and allotting equitably as possible the ommunity, This plan or weak agencies as well as e, effort and annoyance by instead of fifty, support and unites creeds in a common a cory ember organ paign jen of and vement believe our character-building an. Why not prevent de- deformed bodies? at we keep our penitentiaries Dependency breeds cies help people to the need for that agencies be led the 5 formed ct decrease plan provides for giving direct rT ccounting system shows in this way and the he agency to which he ted to the full extent of 1 found to be the one fair, nancing the welfare work of “You Have With You Always” By EDWIN J. BROWN, Mayor of Seattle Involuntary poverty, resulting from involuntary idle- ness, is a condition over which many good citizens have no control. The destinies of men and women are guided by environment créated by so- ciety as a whole. The yery name—Community Fund—car- ries the thought of service; a fund from which all the needy in the community may be kept from actual want. It also carries the thought that those in the community who have been blessed with a surplus of this world’s goods may con- tribute their free-will offering for the benefit of those who have been less favored; and under the operation of G: Community Fund eyery person in the community may participate in the Christian work of serving others by giving what he ca The idea of a Community Fund is one that makes an instant appeal! to all business men because it enables them to make their donations in a lump sum, instead of being solicited every day by associations of whose honesty and sincerity they may be doubtful but yet are unable to in- vestigate them because of lack of time and opportunity to do so. The Community Fund also creates an organization of contributors in which every member and society is per- mitted to give according to the dictates of his own con- science andefree will, so that our duty and the privilege of caring for the unfortunate, of whom Jesus said, “you have with you always,”,is not placed entirely upon the shoulders of our most generous citizens, but is shared equally. A Wonderful Saving of Time and Energy By RT. REV. EDWARD J. O'DEA, Bishop of Seattle ‘ I cannot too highly retommend the Community Fund as the most expeditious, complete and economical method of providing for the charitable and philan- thropic institutions of Seattle. It reaches the majority of contributors and thereby re- the faithful few of the heavier burden nas in the past been imposed upon It achieves the best results in the Mm shortest time, and a wonder|ul saving of energy on the part of those who formerly \ndertook to solicit the necessary funds. AS far as the Catholic charitable institutions are con- cerned, I am most pleased to state that they have received the most courteous and wholehearted assistance from the Community Fund, and are most willing to co-operate in making it a success. I sincerely hope that the amount of money received this year from the united drive will provide liberally for all charitable and philanthropic agencies of Seattle. How Community Fund Operates By PARK WEED WILLIS, M Iministered is the best method of various charities and philanthrople city. Perhaps one of the most im the fact that the Community Fund in. advance and must have & y ization, and in this how exactly what they intend to In the budget certain duplica. ad can gradually be eliminated. the Fund may prefer to give to ns. ‘This is made possible by allow ibscription to any particular or- that when he designates a certain jount fy deducted from the budget, let the ame mount to that Inatitutfon Fund, the member agency is under will, in that case, automatically be needa of the institution will be just The Ci firfancing ing any individua ganization. If th amount to an*institution that hitn remember that independently of the pledge. to report deducted from the ‘or the tht. much, seduced. The Community Fund is a co-operative, co-ordinating plan to give the ¥ worth-while charities and philaathropie agencies an opportunity to do better work, and atthe same time to eliminate as far ax possible those that are not effiole f is no need, if he g' Commun: int or for which there For Every Citizen in Accordance With His Means By W. M. SHORT, President Washington State Federation of Labor fam glad plans perte: to learn that the organization iw again completed and ted for subseribing the Community Fund, The Community Fund his without question, thoroughly established itwelf as the mont economical and effielent method by whieh funds can be raised and equitably distributed in caring in the moat effective way for tho needs of those who must be given the help of all those capable of rendering it The economy f in former the yarious relief, dr brought an. equitable wholly neglected in The plan has also democratized the solicitation of help for the needy by appealing to every eltizen in ncéordince with his eans to ald in the humanitarian work, and by no doing removed the stigma of charity fon) thit humanitarian. problem, Tho Community Fund his been brought as near perfection as cireum: stances will permit and whould be given the hearty support of the en- 9 romununity. J wish It every succes, Community Fund in both the plin has brought enormous and money of those who called on to ald in launched, and has ether partially. or time were frequently constantly who we that whare to many former year MEET OTS I STAR OCTOB THEIR HOPE _ il i TYG. Why I Changed My Opinion of the Community Fund By REV. 4. RALPH MAGEE, Pastor First Methodist Church As I was originally absolutely opposed to the Community Fund, It may be of interest to know the reasons for my confidence in it now First; I believe that every citizen whould participate in the claims upon the community for both preven tive and relief work. Our social order creates much of the need which arises. Then society should pay the bill, not Just a few who are convenient to reach by agency canyassers. The Fund opens th reach the whole community, About 23,000 subscribed last year. There should be nearer 100,000. It should i also be plain that prevent social lapse ix better than to relieve after one has fallen. Second: Those who have contact with social workers know tho dif: ficulty of finding those who can combine a social worker's instinct and good detail business. Also, the overla in social work is serious, especially as a community becomes older. The Community Fund offers a check against poor business, as tho best business brains of th: stuily {n detail the work of these agenct iso on expenditures. They also exact of‘each agency an acty ctloning board of direc: tors. The Community Fund discourages overlapping and seeks more co-operation between agencies. Tho confidential exchange feature of the Fund alone is argument for its existence. Any agency can phone, bir unlisted wire, and ascertain what is being done by other agencies for definite familiew and vicinities. This helps dispense with duptica. tion of service and makes it harder for the professional mendicant Third: The time saved. to the agencies by not having to canvass for funds and the time saved to people canvassed by being vinited by the Community Fund representative rather than separate representatives, is a valuable saving of time and energy, both of which are valuable. way to The Best Giving Is Intelligent Giving By REV. HONOR L. WILHELM, Pastor Ballard Presbyterian Chureh I am in hearty oooperation with any movement which will reduce to a minimum the imposition upon the public of illegitimate mondi cancy; | favor the Intelligent appropriation of charity for the allevia tion of need and suffering, as well as the care and training of our unfortunate young. This will place the burden of care upon the people who are able and willing to give, ard will suggest that ways and means be devised to accure funds from those interests which cause poverty and which profit from tho conditions which encourage profligacy and unfortunate habits of life among our people Personally 1 have always supported the Community Fund and yet I realize that it ig the poor that haye largely helped the poor and made the movement the success It ix, It 1s good business now to dig deep and put this year’s budget over, and do it quickly, conserving time and energy for upbuilding and progressive movements in all other lines of human endeavor. ‘The great blessing is not in getting but in giving; best intolligent giving, and it brings the best rewards, giving Is Are You Aware? —that you can give to the Community Fund as a whole or can specify the particular charities or inatitutfons that you wish to receive your money? that when you specify a preference you 1 reaches its destination, for you will recely each charity you name? that you may give a lump sum, or through the year, In any way you prefer? —that each member inatitution 1s pledged to report all independent gifts to the Community Fund, so when you give direct to any one of them the fund Is notified and deductions are made accordingly from the amount required from the fund? that each member of the fund ts required to keep a careful record of all money received, how expended, how much goes for salaries, y be certain your gift receipts direct from ote that the fund ts Nonsectarian, embraces all races and creeds, but every application for assistance must be proved down to the last dollar before ® commission of hard-headed business men such ns you might select to handle your own affaire? that the fund Is really a great bank upon whieh the various members are permitted (o draw only to make up needed deficits, for many of the Institutions are very nearly self-supporting? that the Community Fund is conducted upon a budget basis, like the United States government, but that this budget provides only for maintenance expenses—no allowances boing made, for enlarge ment or permanent Improveent of existing inutitutions? that the Hund does not take the “humanity” out of giving, but allows greater opportunity than ever for its expression? A Barometer of Civic Spirit By DR. HENKY SUZZALIA, President University of Washington The success of the Seattle Community Fund is an excellent barometer of the civic spirit of Seattle. If the community supports it continuously, as it has done the last two years, we shall know that we have a community which believes in an economical and efficient administra- tion of its community enterprises. If we lag in the third year of the fund, we may well doubt our strength of spirit. The Giver May Still. Visit the Poor and Needy By ©. ©, ROSEWATER, Tablisher Seattle Post-Intelligencer 1 have had an opportunity to abserve the Community Fund plan cline the problems of charity in other cities. By those cities which have tried it, it is universally recommended as he only practical plan. It does away with the very irge unwarranted expense in raising funds for in- dividual institutions, It spreads the burden oyer many nore firm& and individuals than when, funds are so: licited promiscuously. It permits a supervision of charitable institutions by business men and effects economies In the spending of money. ha It provides adequate funds for the different char. itiey #0 that they do not have to exert their energies in raising money instesd of devoting thelr time to work at hond, It makes a more equitabis division of funds, in accordance with the needs of institu- tions rather n in proportion to their ability to ralse funds or the energy devoted to this purpose It often avoids duplication of effort on the part of well meaning institutions, where one institution will do the work better than two, I have heard the argument that the Fund takes away the pleasure { the giver. The Community Fund does nothing to prevent anyone from visiting and helping the poor and needy either in or out of charitable institutions. It does, however, assure assistance to those who need help far more completely than haphazard giving, I Believe * ,* By CARL E, CROSON, President Seattle School Board I believe in the principle of the Community I believe in it for the reason that the necessary charity and benevo- lent work of the community should be the work of the community and not a few philanthropic indi- viduals upon whom the burden would rest rather heavily, I believe in it for munity should be benevolent work 1 belleye in it for the reason that well-directed and , wellmanaged charity and relief work can be better handled under a board having general charge of such work and with a comprehensive knowledge of what should be done much better than by detached boards who ace only the problem of the individual institution or enterprise ‘ the reason that the taught to care for entire charity com and Cutting Out the Waste in Charity and Welfare The old way of conducting charity and welfare took from 26% to 40% of the giver's money, The Community Fund distributes its dollars at a cost of only 2%%, ‘Think what this means for those that need! Bach of the Community Fund member organizations must not only have its budget approved and allowed for the year, but month by month report in detail its disbursements in accord ance with that All expenditures ave undyr the careful supervision pmmunity Mund trustees, who are among the leaders of Seattle busy business men gladly giving their time 966 days in the year for thelr fellow men and the humane advancement of the city in which they live. By eliminating every item but absolutely necessary clerical and Office expenses, those trustees have reduced the “cost of giving” to perhaps the lowest in the United States (PAID ADVERTISEMENT) PAGE 138 WELFARE Charity Unstained iy MKS. O. I LAMSON Chairman Washington Stat rw Branch man's Party thought were spent meant » often ds, I short time Pur protects and re Fund onomically ment int them enting ntelligent ods in all promises sing the poverty, for amunity. ater that for expendit erin m pain and n our ec phila can be ropy thereby ey spent direct relief fr tian of te nd the campaign's gre bind themsel sums that prevention and f However, 1 benefit Through the hed to » pool thelr re nd happiness. The Community Fund ¢ r n becomes ut force for civie and soliderity of emphasizing the n ground of bur li good citizens re gardless of nex and « igreement It te us all that the cari is not the burden of w but the solemn responsil within our boundaries Sickness, misery, misfortun hover over one home hover over all homes, a ‘ and prevention is @ community” responsibility that cannot be shirked by any thoughtful citizen. Therefore 1 badge of good citizenship. I like to feet that Seattle is @ where od neighboring” 4 the ceaseless activities and bre med unity cattle large comm: race need realize as nev that giving to the fund is a of friendiiness—of hospitality, practiced ev by everyone through 1d channels of the Community Fund, attle, t n of the Northwes Let our it cares and it shares, Do You Really Understand the Community Fund? By W. T. PROSSER If every man, woman 1 child knew the Community Fund from the inside the §775,000 capital for Seattle's Welfare Bank would be oversubscribed in one day. . That's the difficulty—to make you and you and you see and know! The Community Fund is the generous free-will offering of the successful, prosperous and strong to those who have not basked in the smile of fortune; to tiny bables cast into the world like frail crafts upon @ rocky shore; to those who face the eventide of life with strength and courage sorely spent Yes. an offering in sympathy and with the good sportsmanship of human brothers—for who knows when the wind will turn with you and me? What wouldn't we then give for the kindly help of a friendly hand, the inspiring touch of human fellowship? Fitty institutions, each specializing in some phase of welfare or of charity, make good use of every dollar you can spare. Not in the old, wasteful way, when: only a part of each dollar reached the goal you intended, but all marshaled together like a well-trained army, intel ligently efficient—doing twice the work of the old dollars. Under the Community Fund plan Seattle's bill for welfare and charity is cut in half—with greater benefit to the recipients, greatly reduced tax In time and effort on the part of the workers, far less trespass upon the time of a busy public, and a greatly strengthened morale among the trained men and women who labor among the needy, afflicted and distressed. Seattle, too, looks upon theo Community Fund with modern eyes, for the fund embraces far more than charity—its main purpose is con- structive welfare. Why wait for the need of charity? Well-directed welfare eliminates the need of charity. Welfare.treats symptoms before disease develops. Your doilars may not only make possible the charity of the Master, but provide the welfare that is so closely akin. ‘ Thus will Seattle keep its unique distinction as the slumless city, the city of happy homes, good citizenship. ; Concentration of Time and Energy By NATHAN ECKSTEIN, Pres, Schwabacher Bros, & Co,, Inc, The Community Fund plan of supporting our charitable and welfare organizations enables welfare workers to give their entire time to their true work, the managing of their organizations, in- stead of forcing them to spend their time in raising the money required for the support of their institu: tions, The Community Fund reduces to one drive the fifty separate drives for funds conducted heretofore. It enables the small giver to‘ contribute towards the support of all welfare and charitable organizations within the Community Fund if he so desires, insteatl of supporting only one or a small number, as heretofore; at the same time it gives every subscriber the privilege of subscribing only to his particular fayorite organization if he so desire Subscribers to the Community Fund are furthering the present get- together movement which is so necessary and of which so much is expected in our city Subscribers to the Community Fund have the satisfaction of know- ing that they are helping public welfare and charitable organizations covering every public need. i, The success of the Community Fund will be notice to the world that Seattle is discharging its duty of taking care of all her needy and suf- fering who have any claim on the public. lure of the Community Fund, which T believe is impossible, would mean that we have not yet learned the lesson of taking care of our neighbor wpen in need and that we do not yet fully appreciate the great satisfaction and pleasure which comes from helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Think It Over By ROBERT W. BOYCE, The Seattle Times You may build monuments to perpetuate your glory— You may build marble halls to herald wide your fame— You may use steel! and stone to tell your lifetime story— You may do that, and more, in honor of your name, But the days you'll be remembered are not many— All you're sure of Is your epitaph, on stone, And that will cost your heirs a useless penny, For you must face eternity alone, Your death may cause a day or two of sorrow— Some one may sity a word or two that’s kind, Rut they'll forget upon the dawn of 4 tomorrow, And in @ week or two you will have passed from minds So, instead of trying to tell the unborn ages What you were while here a little while, Write a kindly line upon the present pages And help the poor and needy with a smile, What may be suid when you have passed the portal Will bring You neither happiness nor gall, But the kindly act you do for some poor mortal While living, will react upon us alls