Santa Claus & A Real Estate Agent Team Up, and Are "Paying it Forward" in Columbus Indiana
A Real Estate Agent or is it Santa Claus seen on the streets of Columbus Indiana this past Christmas season? This is the story of a life changing event for “Martin Dorgan”, a Real Estate agent in Columbus Indiana that chose to give back to his community, and pay it forward.
I still believe Santa Claus lives! Not the one always dressed in a red suit but the “Real One” that lives within me. You could be a youngster, middle aged or a downright old dog, and still believe in this wonderful ideal. Lets face it, it’s ageless, timeless, and priceless, aren’t all our memories and dreams?
I chose to bring that fantasy character to life this past Christmas in myself. Because I believe I gave life to this mythical and spiritual being. And by doing so, I gave my life purpose and I was rewarded by feelings that overwhelming, made me feel good about myself. I wasn’t just giving monetarily, sure I contribute to charities and throw a contribution in the little red kettles, but this was different, I was giving of myself. .
This Christmas I decided not to procrastinate any longer, and I knew what would stimulate my well being. For many years I had thought about how fortunate I actually was, compared with some. As it turned out it was so much more and I would learn more about Santa Claus last year, than in all the previous years that I had Iived.
What I would discover would be the poverty and pain and suffering that I was never directly aware of. Of course I knew there were many poor families here in Columbus Indiana, but I had never been in their homes and saw the conditions first hand that they lived under. I remember seeing some conditions that literally made me ill, but I won’t embarrass these people by describing some of the conditions I observed.
My heart was breaking with all the conditions I would see and I learned who Santa Claus really was and what the spirit of Santa Claus and the spirit of “Christmas” truly meant. It was an act of giving and kindness and “love of humanity” that no one could ever explain in a book and certainly it made no difference if he or she was wearing a red suit. This experience for me became the real living Santa Claus and no red suit would have made it more real.
After I got over the initial shock of all this poverty I had witnessed first hand, I realized even more what I was involved in, a true life changing experience. I remember these men and women and children would come up and hug me with tears in their eyes and I realized that God himself was indeed touching my soul.
Through the Columbus Firefighters Cheer Fund foundation my life was transformed and I could never be the person I was before. I had been changed both in my spirit and in the heart of my very soul.
My involvement was simple, delivering to every family on our list. Have you ever seen a heart cry? Mine did. I could not clear the tears from my eyes as people would answer my knock at the door, invite me in my arms filled with their Christmas box” they would come and embrace me and say "Thank You, Mr.” If one can ever be touched by an Angel, I surely was.
Yes, they were poor or unfortunate due to circumstances, but they were filled with excitement and emotions. They showed me true gratefulness simply for us caring.
You see, as I reflect on this incredible experience, another of my life's dreams is to be part of another Columbus Indiana Firefighter’s Cheer Fund delivery next year!, and I know it is in my future. I know that one day it will become my reality again. For any Holiday balance to exist for me, it must include remembering these people and all the forgotten. So watch for me next year! Again, weather permitting; I’ll be using my corvette as Santa Claus’s sleigh. Thanks again Columbus, I loved the experience of giving back to my community.
I would like to challenge all Real Estate agents across the nation, to participate in their local community in some similar fashion, after all giving back to your community is showing your support for the community, and the people, that become your clients.
I’d like to personally say Thank You! to all that contributed, and all the volunteers for their support, in this “So Worthy” cause, bringing smiles to young and old alike!