With the holidays well underway, many families that have fallen on tough times will rely more on charitable contributions. However, recent reports from organizations such as Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army, etc. have indicated that donations are at an all time low.  United Way’s CEO, Deborah Bayle, reported a projection of a $700,000 shortfall in workplace giving. The economy seems to be causing a slump in many areas.

With this in mind, I thought it was important to send a reminder on how important it is remind our own families, friends, co-workers on the importance of giving back –especially when times are tough. Even a small token means a lot to a family that isn’t able to provide on their own. Old clothes, food, and unused toys – even these items provide relief to a family in need. Many of the organizations also need to volunteers to help package or distribute goods.

This is our time and opportunity to pull together and provide support for those in need.

Dan

Dear Ultradent colleagues:

Our super team in HR including Audrey, Jean and the rest shared some news with me today - you guys ROCK! The Utah food bank is virtually blown away with the magnitude of help for those less fortunate. In 2007, we donated 8446 pounds of canned goods over a 20 day period. This is over four tons of food! This year, in half that time, we donated 10,564 pounds of canned goods. That’s over five tons, incredible!

Congratulations to all of you. I feel most fortunate to be associated with all of you. And, what a great way to start the holiday season!

Thank you all,
Dan

Dear UPI Partners,

The last of 2008 has made it a heck of a year. There have been many good thing and a few difficult ones which have been principally tied to the economy. At the end of the day, however, we can still be thankful. Most of us are still working. Many of us have children in school, both young and college age. And, most all of us believe the current economic state will take a turn, if not in 2009 then surely in 2010. Well, ok...maybe 2011. But, we’re all determined to fight our way to solutions prior to then! We’re also driven to survive this and come out stronger regardless.

As Sir Winston Churchill said often, and most notably, upon addressing a group of graduate students at a large University in England, the words were in effect ‘never, don’t ever, no never give up’. It is claimed that he repeated this three to four times and sat down. The repeated sentence being the sole extent, albeit very powerful, message of his speech. It is healthy to take notice of such examples from history of those that have survived much tougher times than us and draw on their wisdom.

So, with my glass held high to all of you, I salute you all and say never, don’t ever, no never give up! We must come through this experience as survivors, ideally stronger survivors! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, etc. to you all!

With love,
Dan