Yesterday during lunch I went over the the Clinton School of Public Service to hear Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute (and formerly of Syracuse University). It ended up being a great session about fundraising.

http://www.arthurbrooks.net/

His research basically proved the Scriptures (and he talked about that fact as well). So essentially, give and it will be given back to you in good measure.

People who contribute charitably actually increase their wealth. He cited data on the wealthy who gave before their level of wealth. The charitable also are happy people, and are viewed as leaders, both qualities add value to the person and increases their earning potential.

In fact, those who give are 43% happier than those who don't. He shared that if Americans, already the most charitable people in the world, increased our giving by only 1%, that would add $39 BILLION to the economy! Now that's a real stimulus package.

So this was a great lecture. The lesson is simple: give and you'll be better for it. In fact, he argued that those who give actually get more than the charitable organization that receives. Of course, Philander Smith College is a great place for you to give so that you can receive all of these benefits.

The Prez