“The Ultimate Gift” Inspires McCook
McCook
Audiences of all ages enjoyed the free public showing of the film, The Ultimate Gift.
The McCook community was treated to a very special event with a free public showing of the inspirational film, The Ultimate Gift. It’s the story of a young man who anticipates a large inheritance from his grandfather. Instead he receives 12 “gifts” in the form of assignments that force him to explore what is most important in life: money or happiness. His journey of discovery allows him to realize the true joy of giving.
More than 300 people of all ages attended. “The purpose of the event was to say thank you to the community and to show the positive effect charitable giving has on the people of southwest Nebraska,” said Mark Graff, NCF Honorary Board Member and McCook Community Foundation Fund advisory committee member. Mark welcomed the crowd with a story of how a little girl’s meager contribution inspired the eventual establishment of Temple University, which serves as a lesson that every act of kindness multiplies as it passes forward.
According to Mark, the film was not intended as a fundraising event, but rather, an opportunity to raise awareness. “After the film, many people came up to us and said that they were really moved and thanked us for bringing the community together in this way,” he said. Attendees took home brochures that listed the 12 gifts and provided contact information for the event’s organizers.
The event was a collaborative effort of the HomeTown Competitiveness Charitable Giving Task Force. Task Force members include the McCook Community Foundation, the McCook College Foundation, the Community Hospital Health Foundation, the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation, the George W. Norris Foundation, the Ed Thomas YMCA, the McCook Library Foundation, the McCook Education Foundation and the Fox Theater Alliance for the Encouragement of the Visual and Performing Arts.
In addition to letters of invitation, the local newspaper and radio stations helped publicize the event, and 13 businesses provided sponsorship. Mark said the groups plan to offer additional community-wide events in the future.
