…I don’t ‘sponsor,’ I ‘support’

If I was ever wrong, then I stand corrected especially now. If I ever said that I ‘sponsored’ an event—I was wrong, evidently. My efforts in the community are to ‘support,’ events, organizations, individuals, in anything I put pen to check.

I want to make it very clear that the efforts that I contribute to are because I believe in them and what they stand for, NOT for marketing/advertising. As a matter of fact we have a hashtag (#CommunityMatters) in the office and that’s what it is all about.

As a business person it’s a fine line on how this is viewed, both by myself and by the public. Those that are out there working hard to get sponsorship money from other establishments may take heed of this, for me it is not about ROI (return on investment) but merely just giving back. You know it’s not always about business. I have to make the right decisions based on financials but I budget for the major schools in our community and it’s usually flexible but the thought, “what am I going to get out of this?” rarely ever crosses my mind.  Rather, whether it fits in the budget, who is asking (whether a patient or just a cold call) and of course value (how is the money going to be used) all are considered more heavily.

I opened the office in 2007 and also dropped a stake in the ground in Waters Lake of Sienna Plantation to build a home. I wanted a place to call home, not just a house. I wanted to be a part of the community. As a result, I’ve been around to see two elementary schools develop, a high school and soon to be another middle school. I’ve supported all of them and intend to do the same for the up and coming. I remember when Ridge Point, in its infancy came to ask for assistance with their band and athletics programs. I’m honored that I was asked and even more honored to be able to participate. I am honored that many have remembered that and continue to give me the opportunity. Fast forward to 2017, 10 years later, we were fortunate enough to be able to move the office to an updated and larger location. One thing for sure, #CommunityMatters is even more important and I will not back down from supporting community efforts.

So, while I’ve probably been using the incorrect word all these years, I stand corrected, the intent has ALWAYS been to support the community that I live and am a part of.

#SiennaEyeDoc