An Accidental Philanthropist

Winsome, A Fitting Name

Winsome Dunn McIntosh’s An Accidental Philanthropist exemplifies the wisdom in two of my favorite guiding principles: "To thine own self be true" and "The half of knowledge is knowing where to find knowledge." Throughout her educational experience, young adulthood, marriage and children, and eventually on her own again as a widow, Winsome’s commitment to taking responsibility for her actions, her belief in finding solutions to problems—and if solutions couldn’t be found, then creating them—and her commitment to doing the right things for the right reasons are hallmarks of her countless good works over more than a half-century of philanthropy. I can think of no better example of personal character for any person—of any age—to emulate. Her facility for developing lasting working relationships, what she refers to as networking, impressed me greatly; but what she did with those relationships, once established, qualifies her as a creative human being: she worked with others throughout her life not only finding or creating solutions to countless environmental and social justice issues, but also contributing her knowledge, skills, and foresight to laying the groundwork to perpetuate those solutions for future generations. A life of giving to others and leaving pleasing results in her wake: how befitting of her name, Winsome?