Ted Williams and Jeffrey Hillman dominated headlines. In fact, I’d wager they were the two biggest homelessness stories of 2011 and 2012, respectively. TV, newspapers and radio stations across the country celebrated them. But now years beyond these headlines, only one of these two men has had a happy ending.
You remember Ted Williams. He’s the “man with the golden voice.” A passerby captured a stirring video of Williams on a street corner that instantly became Facebook share-candy. Williams’ rich baritone voice delighted millions of hearts. We learned he used to be a top-ranking DJ in Columbus before a crack cocaine addiction led him to a life on the streets for over seventeen years. Two days after his YouTube discovery, Williams was chatting it up with Matt Lauer on the Today Show and on his way to stardom.
A few months later, a different passerby captured an equally powerful moment. The picture showed New York City police officer, Larry Deprimo, fitting Jeffrey Hillman with a pair of brand new Sketchers winter boots. DePrimo saw Hillman hunched on the ground, cold and barefoot. He responded heroically and America latched on.
Police officer, Larry DePrimo, gives shoes to Jeffrey Hillman (source: NPR / NYPD)
The stories share much in common. At the time of their fame, both Williams and Hillman panhandled to make a living. Both dealt with serious substance abuse problems. Both were Army veterans. Both were born in New York City in 1957. And both made headlines because of an encounter with a Good Samaritan.
But today, their stories could not be more different. Shortly after Hillman’s barefoot meeting with the police officer, reporters discovered he was shoeless again. And Hillman wasn’t happy about his celebrity-status. “I was put on YouTube, I was put on everything without permission. What do I get?” he asked. “I want a piece of the pie.”
More recently, CBS News uncovered Hillman wasn’t actually homeless or shoeless. And the New York Post spotted him carrying a wad of cash after panhandling from the streets of Midtown Manhattan with a sign saying, “HOMELESS.” Hillman still goes shoeless—it’s better for panhandling business—despite owning thirty pairs of shoes.
Hillman’s fortunes have quickly changed. The police chief lamented the NYPD has many “people who try to scam us.” Recent articles and interrogating videos indicate today’s sentiment: Hillman has lost any public goodwill he once had. From an object of national compassion to a gutless con man in less than a year.
Today’s news about Ted Williams could not be more different. Last weekend his speaking tour took him to Wilmington, Ohio, where he shared inspirational stories from his memoir, A Golden Voice. His award-winning book is subtitled “How Faith, Hard Work, and Humility Brought Me from the Streets to Salvation.” In it, he shares his journey with God, his battles with addictions and his current work.
Ted Williams (source: Google Images)
When he’s not speaking about his book, Williams works for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and other companies doing audio voiceovers. Oh, and when he’s not working or sharing his inspiring story, he is volunteering at homeless shelters or donating money through his charitable foundation.
The sentimentality chasm between Hillman and Williams grows farther apart with each passing day. Hillman approaches near villain status, while Williams is a certifiable rags-to-riches success story. These are complex situations. And it’s easy to armchair quarterback the reasons why Williams made it and Hillman hasn’t. How should aspiring Good Samaritans respond?
We can start by mourning for the pain both of these men experienced, some past and some present. And, we can seek to elevate the gifts and skills of the vulnerable. We met Williams because of his abilities. We met Hillman because of his desperation. In it all, we can keep the “ultimate Samaritan’s” advice to love our neighbors boldly, while acting “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
I probably have an unhealthy Moleskine affection.
I grew up sketching and making to-do lists. So when I stumbled across the Moleskine display at a Barnes & Noble in 2006, the chemistry was instantaneous. This wasn’t a cheap Mead Five Star notebook. It wasn’t a fancy art sketchpad unfit for business meetings. Oh no. This was a Moleskine–the legendary notebook.
After paying ten dollars, I pulled out the trifold insert housed within the back cover. It disclosed the historical aficionados of Moleskines–Picasso, Hemingway, and van Gogh. And if this notebook worked for them, it certainly should work for me. I’ve tried a few different varieties and sizes over the years, but my favorite is the squared large notebook. I rarely need graph paper grid, but I like to think I need it. If graphing isn’t your thing, however, have no fear. If you are looking for a journal to catalogue your favorite films or you are a Hobbit-loving fan of Middle Earth, there is a Moleskine for you.
Moleskine: The Legendary Notebook
Since that day, I’ve not even glanced at another notebook. Why would I? The Moleskine is everything a notebook should be. If you’ve never unwrapped one of these French jotters, let me recount what separates Molekines from everything else.
Moleskines fold flat. It’s a simple quality, but it makes all the difference. Moleskine’s flat-folding nature makes writing on its crisp pages work better than any other pad. I’ve not yet found a comparable competitor.
Moleskines withstand stand the rigor of life. I envision the Moleskine factory filled with French artists hand-weaving these pads while drinking lattes, accompanied by traveling minstrels floating through the factory. That might not be true, but whatever wizardry they use, Moleskines are well-built. My only complaint is with the binding quality. Mine typically accompany me to every meeting and church service for 2-3 years, jostling along inside bags and resting on coffee shop tables all the while. And the binding typically weakens at the end of the tenure. So they aren’t perfect, but they are darn close.
Moleskines make things stick. Research suggests we remember more when we write than when we type. And suggests the process of writing is a healthy cognitive exercise. This is why I prefer the Moleskine to Evernote, which is certainly the coolest of electronic note taking tools. Paper and pens trump stylus and screens. Every time.
Moleskines fit any setting. Like a classy pair of jeans, Moleskines work in business meetings and in social settings. They are fancy enough for an important presentation or casual enough for coffee with an old friend. There’s never a bad place to Moleskine.
This might come across like an advertisement. And I guess it is. But Moleskine isn’t giving me anything for writing these niceties—apart from an exceptional product I’ve purchased. The same is true for Southwest, Costco, Western Union and the other companies serving their customers, like me, with laudable care and craftsmanship. Moleskines aren’t for everyone. And my glowing endorsement might not mean much. But if you’re between notebooks or you are suffering from iPad fatigue, take a Moleskine for a calligraphic spin.
My wife lived in Tanzania for a few months in college. While there, Alli visited a village recovering from decades of misguided missionaries. In the 70s and 80s, these missionaries introduced the American agenda for progress. They imported their vision for all areas of life—schooling, attire and even “proper food”—were outlined specifically in their blueprint.
Unfortunately, eradicating grubs from the diet topped their to-do list.
A staple in this village’s diet, the missionaries felt this primitive food source should not exist in sophisticated societies. What they didn’t realize was how vital those grubs were as a source of protein and nutrients. After disease, lethargy and malnutrition surged in the coming decades, nutrition experts discovered the problem—they lacked the protein and nutrients to survive. Years after ridding this Tanzanian village of grubs, they were reintroduced back into the diet.
Alli shared this story with me a few years ago. And I always viewed it as a classic example of When Helping Hurts. I always felt pity toward the people living in the Tanzanian village. I mourned how well-intended missionaries negatively affected the village. I became wary of replicating these missionaries. Of being the “hero” who actually made things worse.
But recently I realized: Though I was wary of becoming the missionary, I needed to also be wary of becoming the Tanzanian.
During Colorado summers, there is no better feeling than carving up a pristine singletrack mountain bike trail. Alli and I love to ride together and recently explored some new terrain on Colorado’s Western Slope, just outside of the town of Palisade.
When we arrived at the trailhead, we picked the easiest trail to start because it was our first ride of the season. As we rode up-and-down the rolling hills and pedaled up rock-faced ledges, I started noticing signs beside the trail. The signs provided tips and suggestions for how to mountain bike with excellence.
Colorado Mountain Bike Trail
Descending down a series of switchback turns, I saw a sign with clear instructions: Get off your seat. I stopped to read more. The sign described how riders poised on their feet, rather than sitting on the seat, are better prepared to handle the bumps and swales. As I descended, I put the advice to work and rose from my seated position into a standing position.
Without question, I immediately adjusted to the suggested pose. The sign me to do so, after all.
But as I reflected on my sign-obedience, I began to wonder: Who put these signs here? Is the advice directed toward professional mountain bike racers or amateurs like me? Is there actual science backing up these recommendations? Did some random neighbor kid pound these signs in the ground?
In this case, the sign’s advice was universal and true. But I’ve noticed in my own work, I quickly defer to experts or leading institutions because of their credentials alone. The Harvard Business Review becomes law. It’s as if the experts and consultants always voicethe right suggestions. I stand in a ready position if their signs say I should.
I remember meeting with an experienced fundraiser a few years ago. In short, he recommended I “put a number” on everyone I met. From his storied background, he built a system of ranking people by the size of the donation they could make. And for a season, I believed it. He was the expert. I deferred to his academic credentials and industry notoriety without regard for what was right. I ignored the itchiness I felt when he coached me to put charitable bounties on people.
Without question, following slimy fundraising experts is a much different issue than the Tanzanians experiencing malnutrition from abandoning grubs. But in both cases, the “expert” was wrong. We need to give and listen to advice gently, trusting no authority as right, apart from the One who always is. And sometimes that will mean we keep eating grubs, even when the experts say we shouldn’t.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with a friend-of-a-friend who just started her first fundraising job. Because I’ve now been in a fundraising role for over five years, I have meetings and calls with new fundraisers often. Sometimes they’re new fundraisers joining the HOPE International team. Other times they are joining other organizations. Every time, it surprises me. Because I never thought I would last in a fundraising role. Even more surprising, I never thought I would truly enjoy the work. But I’ve lasted and I’ve grown in my enjoyment with each passing year.
Before I continue, I’d like to offer a word on “fundraising” as a descriptor: I don’t like the term. It fails to capture the entirety of what the job is about. And, it creates an unhealthy dichotomy between giver and receiver: I ask and you give. When done right, we both give and we both receive through the experience. But, since each nonprofit seems to pick their own descriptor (development at HOPE, advancement at many universities, catalyst at hipster agencies, etc.), I’ve chosen to use “fundraising” to keep things simple.
And if you’re in fundraising, please don’t shy away from the descriptor. When we get overly kitschy describing our work, many times people are left more confused about our jobs than they were before. When you say you “mobilize resources towards cause advancement” …what exactly do you mean? Candor goes a long way. Trust me on this one. Nobody is going to run away from you when they hear you are a fundraiser.
So, what are the must-read resources on fundraising?
The Spirituality of Fundraisingby Henri Nouwen. This is foundational material for Christians in donor relations. It sets the right tone and affirms the “heart and soul” of the job. Or at least of the job-done-well.
“Fundraising is a subject we seldom think about from a spiritual perspective. We may think of fundraising as a necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things… From the perspective of the gospel, fundraising is not a response to a crisis. Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission. Vision and mission are so central to the life of God’s people that without vision we perish and without mission we lose our way.” – Henri Nouwen
To Sell is Humanby Daniel Pink. When I first heard Daniel Pink on a radio interview about this book, I knew he was onto something. His insights into the industry of sales undermined the faulty assumptions many hold and cast a hopeful way forward to think about this craft. While there are some differences between fundraising and sales, Pink does an exceptional job of building bridges between the two. Because in practice, the two are not much different. And, as he says in the book, almost all of us are in “sales” in some way or another. Entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, and fundraisers all sell, even if they wouldn’t describe it that way. The phrase he uses is “moving others.” The slick salesman caricature with an “always be closing” approach is both dated and off-putting. Pink’s robust social science research articulates the new reality for workers engaged in moving others.
“Selling in all its dimensions–whether pushing Buicks on a car lot or pitching ideas in a meeting–has changed more in the last ten years than it did over the previous hundred. Most of what we think we understand about selling is constructed atop a foundation of assumptions that has crumbled.” – Daniel Pink
Generous Giving,Mission Increase Foundation, and National Christian Foundation: I love the good folks at these three organizations. Generous Giving, simply, is “committed to spreading the biblical message of generosity among those entrusted with much.” They encourage and mobilize Christian givers around the world, but they are also mobilize Christian fundraisers. They tell great stories of generosity. They host retreats and conferences celebrating generosity. And they take joy in encouraging fundraisers as well. The same is true with MIF, an organization committed to helping fundraisers raise funds well. National Christian Foundationis also a great resource for fundraisers. With chapters across the country–and the third-largest donor advised fund in the world–NCF should be a trusted partner to all fundraisers. They are equal parts encouraging and practical, equipping fundraisers and givers with the tools to live more generously and intentionally.
There are other books I like on the subject. Revolution in Generosityis a great textbook I use often. Made to Stickis my favorite marketing book (with fundraising implications). But I’m sure I’ve missed a number of great resources. If you’re in this line of work: What resource can you not live without?
A few weeks ago, I sat down with a friend-of-a-friend who just started her first fundraising job. Because I’ve now been in a fundraising role for over five years, I have meetings and calls with new fundraisers often. Sometimes they’re new fundraisers joining the HOPE International team. Other times they are joining other organizations. Every time, it surprises me. Because I never thought I would last in a fundraising role. Even more surprising, I never thought I would truly enjoy the work. But I’ve lasted and I’ve grown in my enjoyment with each passing year.
Before I continue, I’d like to offer a word on “fundraising” as a descriptor: I don’t like the term. It fails to capture the entirety of what the job is about. And, it creates an unhealthy dichotomy between giver and receiver: I ask and you give. When done right, we both give and we both receive through the experience. But, since each nonprofit seems to pick their own descriptor (development at HOPE, advancement at many universities, catalyst at hipster agencies, etc.), I’ve chosen to use “fundraising” to keep things simple.
And if you’re in fundraising, please don’t shy away from the descriptor. When we get overly kitschy describing our work, many times people are left more confused about our jobs than they were before. When you say you “mobilize resources towards cause advancement” …what exactly do you mean? Candor goes a long way. Trust me on this one. Nobody is going to run away from you when they hear you are a fundraiser.
So, what are the must-read resources on fundraising?
The Spirituality of Fundraisingby Henri Nouwen. This is foundational material for Christians in donor relations. It sets the right tone and affirms the “heart and soul” of the job. Or at least of the job-done-well.
“Fundraising is a subject we seldom think about from a spiritual perspective. We may think of fundraising as a necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things… From the perspective of the gospel, fundraising is not a response to a crisis. Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission. Vision and mission are so central to the life of God’s people that without vision we perish and without mission we lose our way.” – Henri Nouwen
To Sell is Humanby Daniel Pink. When I first heard Daniel Pink on a radio interview about this book, I knew he was onto something. His insights into the industry of sales undermined the faulty assumptions many hold and cast a hopeful way forward to think about this craft. While there are some differences between fundraising and sales, Pink does an exceptional job of building bridges between the two. Because in practice, the two are not much different. And, as he says in the book, almost all of us are in “sales” in some way or another. Entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, and fundraisers all sell, even if they wouldn’t describe it that way. The phrase he uses is “moving others.” The slick salesman caricature with an “always be closing” approach is both dated and off-putting. Pink’s robust social science research articulates the new reality for workers engaged in moving others.
“Selling in all its dimensions–whether pushing Buicks on a car lot or pitching ideas in a meeting–has changed more in the last ten years than it did over the previous hundred. Most of what we think we understand about selling is constructed atop a foundation of assumptions that has crumbled.” – Daniel Pink
Generous Giving,Mission Increase Foundation, and National Christian Foundation: I love the good folks at these three organizations. Generous Giving, simply, is “committed to spreading the biblical message of generosity among those entrusted with much.” They encourage and mobilize Christian givers around the world, but they are also mobilize Christian fundraisers. They tell great stories of generosity. They host retreats and conferences celebrating generosity. And they take joy in encouraging fundraisers as well. The same is true with MIF, an organization committed to helping fundraisers raise funds well. National Christian Foundationis also a great resource for fundraisers. With chapters across the country–and the third-largest donor advised fund in the world–NCF should be a trusted partner to all fundraisers. They are equal parts encouraging and practical, equipping fundraisers and givers with the tools to live more generously and intentionally.
There are other books I like on the subject. Revolution in Generosityis a great textbook I use often. Made to Stickis my favorite marketing book (with fundraising implications). But I’m sure I’ve missed a number of great resources. If you’re in this line of work: What resource can you not live without?
