THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING

By Doug Longenecker
Proud HIWT Alumnus

This is not a traditional article for The World of Welding, but I feel it is an important one.  Chances are if you are reading this magazine, you are either an alumnus or an individual that may directly or indirectly benefit from the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, the world’s premier school for hands-on welding training. 

I ask this question of the alumni: Are you proud to say you went to Hobart?  If you are like me, this almost qualifies you on a higher level as a welder to be able to say those words.  In many cases, it is an argument ender on how things should be welded… or if it is a good weld.

To employers of the school’s graduates, I ask:  Have they not been way ahead of the curve as a result of the training received at Hobart?

This leads to the “nuts and bolts” of this article.  The school needs everyone’s support.  Of course this means money.  Not necessarily a large sum of money, but anything helps and goes a long way.  It may mean a person without the financial backing now can attend the school; it may help to maintain and improve the school; it may allow the school to continue to employ the best instructors in the world.

A little goes a long way in the right hands.  And think of this: the Hobart Institute has allowed many of you to make a great living in the field of welding.  Giving even $10.00 a year helps.  I know a lot of people think that is a small contribution, but look at it this way.  If the last 20,000 graduates gave just $10.00 per year, that would be $200,000 a year.  Think about how powerful that really is!  This gives us security that Hobart will be strong and around for years to come, helping our children and their children.

Bottom line:  If you have read this article, GIVE!!!!  Send a check for whatever amount is good for you.  Give up one dinner out and support the school.  Don’t for one second think that a small contribution is not going to help because it will be put to great use!

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit educational organization.  Donations are tax-deductible.