Dec. 1 – Pay it Forward Campaign Launched

Dear KARL Friends and Alumni,

December is Pay it Forward month for the KARL Program. Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed, whereas it is repaid it to others instead of to the original benefactor.

Recently, the Huck Boyd Foundation recognized Bob Dole for his accomplishment and impact on Kansas during his life. Dole represented Kansas in the House from 1961 to 1969 and the Senate from 1969 to 1996. During the presentation, Dole and Nancy Kassebaum Baker, who represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate from 1978 to 1997, made a few statements that I would like to share.

“A major part of the State is rural, it is important to recognize how vital rural communities are and the importance of community involvement on many local, state and national issues,” said Kassebaum Baker. Furthermore, Dole stated, “Leadership does not just drop out of the sky. We’ve got a lot of problems, and we don’t need sound bites or tweets, we need solutions.”

The Pay it forward principle is one that I try to live by every day. I was a 4-Her, that is why I spent 18 years as a 4-H agent. I was in FFA, so that is why I went to the American Royal for 5 years I was a wrestler, and that is why I volunteer and coach. I am a KARL Class V graduate, and that is why I am here.

Over the past 26 years plus of the KARL program, we have all benefited either directly or indirectly. That only happened because hundreds of other people paid it forward and continue to pay it forward. It did not matter whether it was a Republican or Democratic in the white house or if grain and cattle prices were high or low, people just gave to make Kansas a better place, and invested in the leaders we have developed. I am asking you to help us by donating to the KARL Class XIII.

We still have the international trip to Chile which will cost over $100,000. If you cannot donate that much, we will gladly accept smaller cash donations, grain donations, or set up an automatic deduction so that you may not have to worry about it. KARL is still a 501c3 charitable donation, and all your donation are tax deductible, just one of the many benefits of your end-of-year giving. Thank you for your time and dedication to the KARL Program and being on the forefront in contributing to leaders in your community and in Kansas. As Bob Dole leaves it, “There is still work to be done.”

– Al Davis, President