Letter to Our Readers: Believe Project continues
I saw this coming even before we started publishing short stories on the front page on Dec. 3.
The stories — in the words of readers like you — have told of how you would help out someone in need if we sent you a hundred bucks.
I knew before we mailed out the first $100 bill that you wouldn't let it end after the one month we promised we'd participate.
The Believe Project is the brainchild of a suburban businesswoman and philanthropist whose life's ambition is to imbue in others the joy of giving of oneself.
She knows full well what it's like to just get by, having been a single mom waiting tables not that many years ago.
So she has been working anonymously, through the Daily Herald, to look through the stories you've been sending us and select those to whom we'll send a $100 bill from her — no questions asked.
I knew we'd be continuing this beyond Dec. 31 because I've seen time and again over my 30 years here as a reporter and editor that when we publish a story about a person or family in need, people open up their hearts and their wallets. Almost without fail.
I learned early on in my career that one of a community newspaper's greatest strengths is its ability to put together people who need a hand with those who have the desire and wherewithal to help. It's the most enjoyable part of my job.
Not long after we started publishing these pieces, our anonymous benefactor was so moved by the number of compelling stories that were rolling in that she pledged to at least double the number of recipients from the original month's worth that we'd discussed, whether we published their stories or not.
Not long after we started publishing, we also heard from a man from Arlington Heights, who anonymously donated $800 to the cause. Just before Christmas, a well known suburban business mogul wrote us a check for $2,500.
And on Tuesday we received a $3,100 check from a Huntley man who wants to keep it going for another month.
We're overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm you've shown for this project. As is the woman who started this all. Upon hearing of the latest reader contributions, she said, “There is always space in the Universe for people to help others. I am honored people are joining me on this crusade of helping one another.”
There clearly is no reason to stop now.
While many of the stories you'll see in January have a Christmassy feel to them — since the winners were picked well in advance of the holidays — I figured you'd like to read them just the same.
We will continue to publish these stories throughout January and February at the very least.
We'll do it until the money runs out.
And if I know you, dear readers, that won't be for a good long while.
• Jim Baumann is Managing Editor of the Daily Herald. Friend him on Facebook by keywording Jim Baumann Daily Herald.
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For more, see all our stories on the Believe Project at <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/topics/Believe-Project/">dailyherald.com/topics/Believe-Project/</a>