“Charity work is very important to me and gives me an opportunity to give back to my community. I’ve always been a big supporter of many different charities, have donated millions of dollars to them, and it just feels great to do and be able to help others, especially children.” 

– Richard MacDonald, Sculptor

WEDNESDAY MORNING. December 9, 2015

It’s the morning after the author of 20/20: A Clear Vision for America sponsored a Christmas Party at the Brevard County, Florida Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, Florida. The team of our four consultants have just walked across the hotel parking to their green rental car, loaded in their briefcases, and buckled in to drive to their consulting project at their client’s industrial plant.

Tom started the conversation by expressing his thoughts from the previous evening. “I’m still excited about our evening at the Veterans Center last night.”

“The people there were the nicest, most generous people I have ever met,” Genie chimed in. “Thanks for getting us the invitation Dave. That was a bonus for us. We seldom get to attend functions like that.”

Dave answered, “I just happened to be giving a report to the Plant Manager when this guy, Ephraim, came in the office. He is an Ambassador of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce. He had invitations to a party that was being sponsored by the author of the 20/20 Vision book. He said the author was the Ambassador of the Month for the second time in three months and he was giving this party to collect toys, raise money and awareness for the Marine Toys for Tots Drive. The newspaper ran an ad and the TV News Channel promoted it all day.”

“You guys all know that is my favorite charity,” Ron chimed in from the back seat. “That was an honor to attend a special function for a very worthy charity. I met a lot of vets. All branches were there and every one of them generous and friendly.”

“They put on a great program as well,” Dave stated. “Started with the Pledge of Allegiance and then an invocation from the Chaplain. Was very touching. The author told me it was all about making sure every kid got a present for Christmas. No one wanted a kid to experience Christmas without a gift. I can relate to that. I remember getting toys from the Marines when I was young and our family was going through tough times.”

“If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” 

– Bob Hope, Patriot

“I really liked the Armed Forces Medley the Space Coast Chorus harmony guys sang. They were outstanding. Everyone loved it when the vets stood up when their song was played,” Tom said. “I talked to some of the guys afterwards. Arlan told me they belong to the Chamber of Commerce as well. They perform at a lot of charity events. They sure looked like they had a lot of fun.”

“I was impressed when the MC introduced the commanders and leaders of the various vet groups. There were leaders from the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the MOAACC (Military Officers Association of America – Cape Canaveral),” Ron added. “I enjoyed talking with them. All great patriots.

“And how about the band that played?” Ron continued. “The Mango Brothers Band. They rocked. I talked with Jay Smith afterwards. We have a lot in common, both playing guitars in rock bands. He is a real talent.”

 “They also had a “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” for the author to introduce his book,” Genie declared. “He gave a great speech about the book. I overheard a lot of folks in the audience speaking of how his message resonated with them. And he donated the proceeds from the sale of his signed copies to the charity to help buy the kids more toys. Did you know they collected 8 boxes of toys and about $400.00? I’ll bet some people who couldn’t attend will donate later. This was an awesome way to gain awareness for the Marine Toys for Tots 2015 Drive.”

“Charity is a supreme virtue, and the great channel through which the mercy of God is passed onto mankind.” 

– Conrad Hilton, Hotelier

Dave was driving into the client’s parking lot as Tom stated, “it’s great to know that real Americans can get together and perform such worthwhile acts. What we witnessed last night was “We the People” doing what they do best. Taking care of each other. Doing what the government cannot do – opening their hearts and giving their all, expecting no return other than to know others will be safe and taken care of. God Bless them all.”

Finally, an author who brings you solutions, instead of problems.

Americans have lost faith in their overreaching federal government. “We the People” don’t need to be overregulated or have their taxes misspent. Americans are victims of a crumbling economy, high prices and stagnant wages. They view government as bloated and politicians as corrupt. They do not trust the leadership at any level. They see politicians of both parties as self-centered narcissists whose only objective is re-election. The author is like you, with one principal difference and 20 reasons for optimism. His “Vision” of America is “clear.” It is a vision of the Constitution and America the way it could be, the way it should be. The author’s eyesight is twenty-twenty.