As we get older, it becomes easier to appreciate how much more important it is to give back to others, and try to have a positive influence on those around you.
One man that has figured this out is successful real estate developer, Anthony Pomerleau, a 100-year-old resident of Burlington, Vermont. Annually, Pomerleau spends a sizeable amount of money on a local holiday party for the less fortunate.
This year, Pomerleau treated 450 people – including a sizeable number of children – to a night of great holiday food and Christmas spirit. In total, the festivities cost $13,000.
“To help,” responded Pomerleau when asked by WPTZ why he puts on the event. “Because I was brought up the hard way and I knew what it was.”
Thirty-seven years ago, Pomerleau asked then Burlington mayor and current U.S. Senator, Bernie Sanders, if he could host a holiday party for struggling families. Sanders supported the idea and continues to do so, as he made a guest appearance and said a few words at this year’s gathering.
“The first party was 30 people and it grew,” explained Pomerleau, who estimates that he has fed 40-50 thousand under-privileged children over the years.
-Adam Grant
On a recent episode of “theZoomer,” we visited with a collection of ultra-durable uber-Zoomers to find out how they’re living their lives. You can watch this episode below.