Monterey, CA : Some Of The Richest In The U.S. Making A Big Commitment To Non-Profits

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

Starting a non-profit has been challenging given the weak economy but it's been very fulfilling as well.  We had our first fundraiser and have already been able to help a number of seniors in the community which are struggling with issues such as being able to afford their medication, having their home infested with rats and not being able to replace broken dentures.  I'm very proud of the work we have done so far and hope that the community will continue to support Hands To Help Seniors with open arms.  In addition to targeting corporate and personal donations, we have applied for a number of grants from foundations.  It has been good to read in the papers lately that a number of billionaires have joined Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and others in signing The Giving Pledge where they agree to pass most of their wealth on to non-profits.  Those who have signed include Steve & Jean Case, Barry Diller & Diane Von Furstenburg, Ann and John Doerr, Larry Ellison, George Lucas, David Rockefeller and Mark Zuckerberg, to name a few.  What a wonderful way to give back to society.  Foundations serve an important purpose by supporting worthy non-profits like Hands To Help Seniors.  The Rockefeller Foundation was profiled in the Wall Street Journal today.  It gave away a whopping $143 million to 428 recipients last year and has an endowment of $3.5 billion.  John D. Rockefeller made his first grant to the American Red Cross a decade ago and has become an inspiration to his heirs.  It's currently run by a senior, Dr. Judith Rodin, 67.  Congratulations to all of those who find meaning in giving back to the community.  It's heartwarming in these challenging economic times.