When you hear the term giving back, what is the first image that comes to mind? I would guess most of us envision entering our payment info onto a donation form, but I want you to think bigger. While monetary support is vital to nonprofits worldwide (including here at Vista) fiscal support only scratches the surface of what this phrase means to the children and families we serve. Giving back is a commitment to strengthen our community, and it shows up every time we show up to make the world a better place.
This November marked the return of Vista volunteers to our campus to participate in a much-beloved Vista tradition- Residents & Students Thanksgiving Lunch. The joy radiating from our volunteers was palpable as they greeted our equally excited students and staff. One of the most touching moments from the event came when Vista students took turns sharing their gratitude lists. Their lists ranged from the food they have to eat each day to receiving hugs again from staff to once again being able to see our volunteers in person. Every engagement with Vista volunteers reinforces how invested the outside world is in the success of Vista students and residents.
Another exemplar of giving back is esteemed dermatologist and founder of the famed skincare line, Dr. Howard Murad. Last month we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Howard Murad and his family when they came to our campus to tour the brand new Dr. Murad Health and Wellness Center at Vista Del Mar. Dr. Howard Murad’s longstanding history of giving back to the children of Vista started in the 1970s when he began seeing Vista residents as patients each weekend. Soon, his initial outreach expanded from appointments to providing classes on skincare and generously offering his award-winning products to those in need. In 2020, his latest contribution arrived in the form of the entirely new Dr. Howard Murad Health and Wellness Center provides Vista residents and students with an on-campus state-of-the-art medical facility. Dr. Howard Murad embodies what it means to give back in every sense of the word.
Our volunteers and amazing Vista supporters like Dr. Murad are prime examples that giving back is an act that shows up in many forms. For our Vista supporters, giving back means giving time, it means giving energy, and it means giving one’s commitment to a better world for all, starting right here at Vista Del Mar. Happy holidays everyone.
