Both thanks and giving

“My father said there are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers,” Thomas noted.  “The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.” – Marlo Thomas  

Tomorrow we celebrate both Thanksgiving and the anniversary of a program called “Thanks & Giving All Year Long.”   Started by Thomas, whose 81^st birthday is today, it provides ongoing support for the wonderful work of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital – the world’s leading center for research on treating catastrophic illnesses in children. 

In 2004 Thomas had the idea of writing a children’s book and album that would both inspire young people and help fund St. Jude’s work.  For her effort Thomas won a Grammy Award; but more importantly she started a project that may go on for decades, continuing to both inspire kids and draw attention to St. Jude’s – which was founded by her father Danny Thomas. 

While winning a Grammy would be a capstone of some artists’ careers, it was only one of many, many awards for this tireless actress and writer, who has received four Emmys, a Golden Globe, the George Foster Peabody Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“I’ve always been a champion of kids pursuing their dreams,” she said.   “But sometimes in life, extraordinary circumstances may force us to temporarily put our dreams on hold. The most important thing is to never lose sight of that dream, no matter what punches life may throw in our way.”

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