Countless Benefactors

Capital Region Philanthropist Marty Silverman, God rest his soul, gave me this $2 bill at a news conference 8 years ago while I was on assignment. It was his trademark to give out several dozen inspirational $2 bills to make a point about resilience and self-reliance. Marty's heroics and achievements and kind-hearted spirit so impressed me that I kept it buried in my wallet ever since. He died at 93 years last February but I was reminded of his generosity today when I had no choice but to use his $2 bill.

The New York State Thruway is no place to be driving without money and seldom do I have much, if any, on me. The toll woman reached her hand out anticipating some but all I could muster was a look of panic. In seconds, I tore through the vehicle digging deep into the crevices of the seats and under the floor mats. All I could surrender was 30 cents.

"Your still short a couple bucks sweetie" she said.
Then I remembered I had Marty with me, both in spirit and face value .

In 2000, Marty pledged $50 million to create the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research. Through his foundation, which today has assets of $300 million this extraordinary visionary contributed to academics, Jewish, veterans, and social causes, supported programs to help neglected children and indigent seniors, and provided housing in Israel for thousands of former Soviet Jews. The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs and the Holocaust Museum in Houston were also established with his support.

"What is this sticker doing on this?" the toll operator asked.
"It's a gift from a friend that I've kept for 8 years" I said. "It's advice my friend liked to share"
"A gift? Well, In that case, you better keep it for another 8 sweetie. I'll kick in the loot for ya this week".

Thank you Marty, thank you toll collector, thank you kind world.