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Alyssa Fritz - North Putnam Middle School

Alyssa Fritz is a North Putnam School Corporation student. She was a finalist in the 2008 Putnam County Community Foundation's National Philanthropy Week essay contest. As finalist Alyssa was able to award $50 to a Putnam County charity of her choice. Congratulations Alyssa! Below is her essay.

The Philanthropist I Know Personally and Admire the Most

What is a philanthropist? Is it someone like Oprah Winfrey who has their own organization? Someone who donates millions of dollars every year? Or is it one of the unsung heroes nobody hears about because they're not rich and famous? The ones who practice philanthropy to help, rather than for publicity. Out of the unsung, Edna Chestnut is, in my opinion, the greatest philanthropist there is.

Edna Chestnut started practicing philanthropy two years ago when she was restless around the house and decided it was her turn to give back to the community that had been so kind to her during her life. Grandma started to get more active in the church.

When she noticed that some financially troubled people needed food,

Edna made up her mind to help feed them every Saturday. Working there, she got to know some of them, and Edna felt that she was finally giving back. Every Wednesday, Edna volunteers at her church to help with random things, such as organize the bulletin board. When the hourglass runs out of sand for a random soul, Grandma fixes the meal for the funeral. One of Edna's talents is sewing, so she puts that talent to use by sewing costumes for the praise choir.

Edna is married to Eddie Chestnut, and one year she proved her loyalty to him. Coming home from work, Eddie lost control of his pick-up truck into a tree, and was knocked unconscious. Later, Edna was told it was a coma. Any lady could decide it was too much to handle and left. Yet, Edna stayed with him and helped nurse him back to health. Today he is one of the happiest men alive.

Edna saw a registration form to go to Brazil to help give medicine to the poorer who could not afford medication. Grandma saw yet another chance to help those who needed it. Two weeks later, she kissed Grandpa on the head and went to Brazil. She goes back every year to give some hope to those who need it in this cold world. She brings back gifts for every one in her family but herself.

I have only mentioned a few of the examples that show how Grandma Edna Chestnut is the best of the unsung. When you judge the essays sent to you, I hope you remember the greatest of the unsung, Edna Chestnut.

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