Moment of clarity

If Monday’s announcement that Eli Lilly and Company and its employees pledged $1 million MORE than they did last year during the United Way campaign makes you to scratch your head and ask, “How did they DO that?” you might want to read this story. It is from a Lilly vice president who describes a moment in which he decided to increase his own gift and why. Dr. Heath shared his decision with his team. He’s given us permission to share it too.

"Why is that man standing on the street corner with a sign asking for food?"

This is the question my young daughter recently asked me as we were driving down the road not that far from our house. In a moment like this, what does any parent say? How do you explain this kind of situation in terms that a young girl will understand?

My response: "He probably doesn't have a job and wants people to help him."  

She considers briefly and then asks: "If he doesn't have a job where does he live?" Okay, at this point I'm getting uncomfortable.

My response: "He probably doesn't have a home."

She then asked: "Why is no one stopping to help him?"

I responded: "Sometimes people don't know what to do in this kind of situation."

Her response was thunderous --- "THAT'S NOT RIGHT!!! PEOPLE SHOULD HELP EACH OTHER!!!"

Ahhh, if life was only as simple as seen through the eyes of a child. Yet in her emotional outburst she touched upon the truth of the matter...people do need to help each other.

So here we are starting up this year's United Way campaign. Communications are in full swing about the campaign and employees are being encouraged to participate. The full impact of the economic downturn is being felt across the country and people are in need. Yet there is uncertainty in the hearts of many Lilly employees particularly in light of the recent announcements. Concern for their own well being and the well being of their families. How easy is it to consider the needs of others in the face of that uncertainty?

As in years before, I simply ask you to consider opening your hearts to the needs of others. I accept that each of us comes to the United Way campaign with different perspectives and different concerns. Yet the signs of need are all around us. That man on the street corner is multiplied many times over across our communities. Children go to school wanting to learn but oftentimes lacking the necessities to facilitate learning. Young mothers seeking to improve themselves and the lives of their families through education find barriers as opposed to open doors.  

I am proud of the efforts of PR&D employees in their support of the community. Your work to collect food for needy families, clothing, school supplies all make a difference. You volunteer your time at a multitude of agencies and other charitable groups. Your participation in the Day of Service was outstanding. Now is the time to continue that strong service to the community through the United Way campaign.

After some consideration I have decided to increase my pledge for 2010 by 20% compared to this year's contribution. I share this with each of you not because I expect you to follow in kind - after all each of us has to consider our family circumstances and other obligations. Rather I want you to know that I am 'walking the talk' with respect to support for United Way. Also this is a reflection of the lesson I learned from a child far younger than myself who in a moment of clarity provided me with a powerful reminder of why this all matters.

We have our challenges at Lilly, but as John Lechleiter noted, our concerns pale in comparison to the issues faced by many of our fellow citizens in the community. Please join me in supporting United Way in order to help our neighbors. Thank you.

--Bill Heath, Eli Lilly and Company

Also, read the news release on Lilly's 2009 campaign.