written by Shelley O’Brien, Executive Director of the Johnson County Library Foundation
I’ve been fundraising for a couple of years. I’ve seen lots of fundraising events and trends come and go. But one comment that always comes up is the philanthropic rich person of the moment.
“We need Taylor and Travis! They should give to Library Lets Loose.”
“Why can’t you ask Makenzie Scott to support our library?”
There is this fantasy of the philanthropic wealthy person who is on Instagram or on the cover of US Weekly who is going to come to save the day. In reality, it almost never happens.
And yes, I know Travis Kelce has a home in Leawood, just minutes away from our Leawood Pioneer Branch. And yes, if I run into him at Trader Joe’s, I promise I will tell him about our amazing public libraries. I will take selfies, I promise.
But who really makes a difference by giving to the Johnson County Library Foundation?
You do.
You are the donor who sends a donation to the Johnson County Library every year.
You are the library supporter who buys two tickets to Library Lets Loose every year.
You are the employee who asks their boss to make a bigger gift to the library this year.
You are the library patron who leaves the library foundation in your will or trust.
Why?
Because the Johnson County Library means a lot to you. You love to drop by and browse the new books section. You remember when your kids were little and loved story time at the library. You see people every day who access computers and meeting rooms to get jobs and make our community better.
We don’t need Oprah to support the Johnson County Library. We need you.
Thank you for all your support now and in the future. Johnson County Library Foundation is a great place to invest in our community and in lifelong learning for everyone.