When I heard recently that two 20-something cops didn’t recognize Bob Dylan, I knew the generation gap had become a giant crevasse.
Then I read about Don Hewitt’s death last week. Who’s Don Hewitt? Well, he was even older than Bob Dylan. He produced the history-changing Nixon-Kennedy television debate, he almost single-handedly invented TV news, and by founding CBS’ “60 Minutes” he led us head-long down that slippery slope that turned news into entertainment.
So, if you don’t know who Don is, you should. His legacy lives on every second of every day in our media-frenzied society.
Long-lived legacies play a central role in philanthropy, too. If you’re a fundraiser (of any generation) in Minnesota, you ought to know about the founders of some of the largest foundations in our state. For instance,
- Otto Bremer, an energetic German immigrant whose concern for rural Minnesota lives on today.
- Jay and Rose Phillips, a couple committed to charity and social justice during their lifetimes and beyond.
- Louis W. Hill, the inspired founder of the Northwest Area Foundation.
Harvey Ordung, farmer and philanthropist, left half of his $9.3 million estate to nonprofits in Rock County.
Oh, and who’s Harvey? That would be Harvey Ordung, the modest, simple-living, bachelor farmer who bequeathed almost $3 million to the Luverne, Minn., Dollars for Scholars organization. Through a life well-lived and a charitable spirit, Harvey opened up a world of educational opportunity for future generations of kids in his community.
Nobody recognized Harvey as a great philanthropist. But it’s not too late to remember him and others. Yesterday’s trendsetters had crystal clear visions for the future. Maybe looking back on their legacies will teach us how to narrow the generation gap and create a better world for ourselves and others.
Join the Conversation: Who’s your favorite philanthropist who was forgotten by time? Who from today’s generation should be recognized for their current charity and vision for the future?
- Wendy Wehr, MCF V.P. of communications and information services
