An

Open Letter to the David and Charles Koch

By Jane Gilgun

This is an open letter to David and Charles Koch, well-known oil industrialists who support
many charities such as the United Negro College Fund. Today I heard many stories about
families and children that I thought they would like to hear. In this letter, I tell two of these
stories. My hope is that Charles and David will be moved to put their massive resources to
work on behalf of families and children. I would be happy to talk with them about what I have
learned from decades as a social worker.

Dear Charles and David,

Your charitable work show me that you like to hear stories about other people and that
your compassion stirs you to action. Id like to tell you two of the many stories I heard
today about families and children.

Mary, a young mother of three children ages two
to six works in a nursing home as a nurses aide.
She is so good at her work that the administrator
of the home gave her a 50-cent an hour raise. She
was thrilled that the boss recognized her good
work until she received notice from Medicaid
that she is no longer eligible.

Marys six year-old son Jesse has chronic ear
infections. She wants to keep on top of the
infections to prevent hearing loss. She sought private insurance and learned she has to
come up with $400 to be eligible. She doesnt have the money. She had turned to a
foundation last year to get $500 to repair her 15 year-old car so she could get to work. At
that time, Mary could not pay rent in her subsidized apartment and get her car repaired.
The foundation gives one-time grants only. She is out of options. She prays for a solution.

Chuck, 16, had a stroke when he was nine year-old. He recovered well and except for some
confusion at times of stress he is doing well in school and at home. He grew into a tall,
strong young man. His school day is split between classes in the morning and on-the-job
training as a computer repair person in the afternoon where he excels. About six months
ago, another boy called Larry stole his bike that he had repaired and spray painted himself
the distinctive colors of teal and black.

Chuck saw his bike parked outside of Larrys house. As he approached the bike for closer
inspection, Larry stormed out of the house and yelled, What you doing with my bike.
Chuck yelled, Its my bike. Larry put his face next to Chucks and said, No, it aint. Its
mine. Then Larry punched Chuck in the face. Chuck hit him back. The fight lasted 10
seconds or less. Larry was on the ground and Chuck rode off with his bike.


The next day in school, Larry bushwhacked Chuck on the back of his head with his
backpack. Chuck turned around and punched Chuck in the nose. Larry went down. That
was the end of the fight.

A few days later, Chuck was standing at the bus stop near the company where he is getting
training in computers. Larry and three boys attacked Chuck with a crowbar. The other
people at the bus stop yelled, Thats not a fair fight. Put the crowbar down and fight one on
one. The three boys didnt listen and beat Chuck who wisely went down easily. The three
boys beat and kicked him. By the time, the police came the boys are gone.

I hope you can think of ways to act on behalf of children, youth, and families who are in
these circumstances. They are bright and talented. Id love to have a conversation with you
about ways you could bring hope and help into the lives of these young people.

About the Author

Jane Gilgun is a professor, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA.
She wants to join with like-minded people to create conditions where children, youth, and
families can reach their potential.