In the classic Christmas film from Frank Capra, "It's A Wonderful Life" Clarence the angel tells George Bailey: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Well, on December 21st at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland almost 1,400 were around to touch the lives of people they will never know. Blood donors waited in some cases for hours to give "The Gift of Life" so there would be no "hole" in the area blood supply. And when the more than 12 hour marathon was over the event filled that hole with 1,393 pints of blood eclipsing the amount collected in Boston at Fenway Park by 226 pints. The organizers of the event, CVPS, WJJR radio & The Red Cross must be congratulated for all their hard work & long hours but they would all tell you that the outcome of the event wouldn't be possible if not for the people of Rutland & the surrounding communities who touched so many other lives by being part of "The Gift Of Life Marathon". Frank Capra's film was based on a story titled "The Greatest Gift"...perfect! There's no greater gift one can give. Bedford Falls & its giving community may only be a place you find in the movies, but for one special day it was found in a special part of New England called Rutland, Vermont.
No comments:
Post a Comment