Linda Ross, my friend who walks at Compo Beach with me on Tuesday mornings, admitted recently that she’d always wanted to be a philanthropist. In a past life, she traveled in wealthy circles where millions were routinely donated at fancy fund-raisers. She never felt a part of that world.

A month ago she invited Buddy and me to her house for dinner along with several other couples. We would share an early meal before attending the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra performance that evening. Linda had devised a plan to help share her love of this organization with different couples before each concert boosting ticket sales and introducing new audience members to NSO. The cultural institution got wind of her efforts and sent a photographer over to her house to capture us at the dining room table and again in our seats at Norwalk City Hall.

In their most recent program they acknowledged Linda and her husband prominently displaying our photographs. “We at the Norwalk Symphony salute Mr. and Mrs. Ross and the great effort they are making to spread the word!”

Linda told me that that recognition meant more to her than any financial contribution she’d ever made.

The point? When you take a step toward your own vision, whether it’s philanthropy, business development or personal growth, the rewards are greater than anticipated. Do what you can where you are with what you have. Let me know what steps you’ve taken, and I’ll salute you.