How Are You Thanking Your Supporters?

How do you say "Thank You"?

John from Peapod, who sometimes delivers my groceries sent me this handwritten thank-you, a short note summarizing his Pan-Mass Challenge ride and a picture he snapped at the finish line.

All this for a $25 donation that I made on a whim when he and I shared our mutual longing for summer on a cold night in February.

John told me about his bike riding, the Pan-Mass Challenge and his goal to raise $4,000. Not one to listen and not give, I pledged a small donation and paid up just before the ride in August.

Despite my small gift, and a weak connection to John and the Pan-Mass Challenge, John 's thank you made me feel a lot more important and special than causes I care more about and given generously to have made me feel.

It all seems so simple. We want a thank you that makes us feel appreciated, important and special. Easy, right? Then why is John's so unique?