...remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said,
"it is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35
There is a great deal of talk during this political election season about tax breaks for the rich vs. building up the fortunes of the middle class. The constant bickering about the "haves" and the have nots" gets tiring and then just plain irritating. So it is welcome news to hear a story about an individual who is enormously wealthy and overwhelmingly generous.
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has just pledged $100 million to New York's Central Park Conservancy. Mr. Paulson feels a strong connection to the iconic park - his grandparents had their first date there, and he used to rollerblade through the park as a young man. Central Park is one of the absolute gems of New York City - a place where rich and poor, young and old, conservative and liberal can stop for a few moments to catch their breath and enjoy a little peace and sunshine in the midst of the hustle and bustle. The annual operating budget of the park is $46 million (for restoration and maintenance), and Paulson's gift is the largest the conservancy has ever received - almost six times bigger than the previous largest donation given in 1993. Mr. Paulson lives and works near the park, so he has a vested interest in this portion of his neighborhood.
I love to visit Central Park when I am in Manhattan - especially the Central Park Zoo and the Bethesda Fountain. I walk around with camera in hand, waiting for the next photo op that is sure to be just around the corner. Even though I am not a resident of New York City, I am very grateful to Mr. Paulson for his generous donation that will enable Central Park to continue to delight both natives and visitors.
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