Legacy Arts | Issue 6 | July 2016

JULY 2016 | PARAGONROAD.COM

ME ME ME...

The Entitlement Cure

+ USING PHILANTROPHY TO CREATE CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) WHO ARE MORE GIVING, GRATEFUL AND INDEPENDENT: 7 PRINCIPLES OF “ENTITLEMENT DE-PROGRAMMING” FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Journey to More INTELLIGENT GIVING + HOW TO EXAMINE A CHARITY’S FINANCIAL HEALTH, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

Four Generations and Beyond: Passing on a Business Legacy + HOW SEAN REILLY, CEO OF LAMAR ADVERTISING, CONTINUES TO BUILD A COMPANY CREATED IN 1902

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Contents

6 6 8

Four Generations and Beyond:

Passing on a Business Legacy

How Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR), continues to build a company created in 1902.

Through the Eyes of a Child

Why kid’s orders are just as important as doctor’s orders at Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

10 16

JOURNEY TO MORE Intelligent Giving How to achieve the most impact with your philanthropic efforts.

Philanthropy Isn’t About The Money Why Sierra Visher Kroha believes the definition of “philanthropist” extends far beyond the wealthy.

14

The Entitlement Cure

How philanthropy creates children (and adults) who are more giving, grateful and independent.

10 20 24

List of Top 10 Charities Worth Watching

Charity Navigator’s top-rated charities you’ve probably never heard of.

Rockefeller’s Theory of

SCIENTIFIC GIVING

John D. Rockefeller endeavored to “to solve the problem of giving money away without making paupers of those who receive it.”

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You Are The Youngest You Will Ever Be

28

Ancient Wisdom: Ben Franklin’s List of Essential Virtues

Why medical innovator, Zhenya Abbruzzese, believes her best years are still ahead.

“Nothing is so likely to make a man’s fortune as virtue.”

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ISSUE 6 | July 2016

Paragon Road PUBLISHER Laura Roser EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brian C. Hailes ART DIRECTOR Marko Nedeljkovic DESIGN Matthew Roser CONTENT EDITOR

Zhenya Abbruzzese, Founder of Enigma Health Rhonda Anderson, RN, DNSc, FAAN,FACHE, Former CEO of Cardon’s Medical Center Sierra Visher Kroha, Director of Programs and Operations for San Diego Social Venture Partners Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR) Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator’s CEO and President

Mike Bishop Amanda Kelly Rachael Rifkin Laura Roser Matthew Roser

Share your product or service with thousands of real estate investors around the world through our digital magazine and main website.

Email: advertising@paragonroad.com

Charity Navigator San Diego Social Venture Partners Paragon Road

Have a good idea for an article, feedback or suggestions for our magazine? Email the editor directly: editor@paragonroad.com

Four Generations and Beyond:

Passing on a Business Legacy How Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR), Continues to Build a Company Created in 1902

By Laura A. Roser

“I’

m forth generation working at Lamar,” said Sean Reilly in his charming Louisiana accent. The company was originally founded by his mother’s grandfather back in 1902 and is now one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in North America, with more than 325,000 displays across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. “I consider it my responsibility to pass this legacy on,” he continued.

But Sean didn’t start as a Lamar executive. When Sean was 25, he was elected to become part of the Louisiana state legislature which he served on for 8 years.

He recommends that everyone should get involved in improving their local community in one way or another.

You can definitely see how Sean’s care for social issues has carried on with his leadership at Lamar.

“We try to live by the golden rule at Lamar,” Mr. Reilly said. Lamar focuses on leaving every community better than they found it. This is certainly evident with Lamar’s giving back programs. They offer various community-

building initiatives from adding green-energy-producing windmills to their billboards to using their outdoor displays and digital advertising to help find missing persons or alert residents about hurricanes or other disasters.

One experience that stood out for Sean was how Lamar helped people during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, the number 1 and number 3 most devastating storms to hit America in its recent history. “I live in Baton Rouge,” Sean said, “and so we were some of the first responders and I’m really proud of what Lamar did to help the people.”

As an example, many homes were destroyed—roofs were ripped out, houses were flooded, the interior was ruined.

When it came to rebuilding, many people would clean out their homes and make repairs, but their roofs were still ruined and it was going to take a long time for FEMA to get there. So, Lamar donated the vinyl they use for billboards to temporarily repair the roofs and give people a dry place to stay while they waited for help. Lamar did this all over the south east, Sean recalls, including Mississippi, Florida and other places the hurricanes destroyed.

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Sean Eugene Reilly is the Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. A native of Baton Rouge, Reilly graduated in 1979 from Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with both Bachelor of Arts (1984) magna cum laude and Juris Doctor (1989) degrees. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife and three children. www.lamar.com

Passing on a Culture of Giving “One of the hardest parts about keeping our family’s business legacy alive,” said Sean, “is transferring our culture to new companies that are acquired to become a part of the Lamar brand.” Sean says he spends much of his time traveling around the country speaking to new employees about Lamar’s golden rule philosophy.

“What about other issues with a multi-generational business?” I asked. “Like systems being hard to change or too much bureaucracy from thinking of the past?”

“Oh, we don’t have any of those problems,” Sean stated.

“We are one of the most cutting-edge companies you’ll find. That’s how we’ve grown so fast over the years.” It seems Mr. Reilly and his family have figured out how to break out of the shirt-sleeves-to-shirt-sleeves cycle you

see many family-held businesses go through in which the money is completely gone by the third generation. Sean, his two brothers and his sister have all been involved in the current success of the company. Some employees are second or third generation workers as well. It’s like a big family and the plan is to keep it going strong for many more generations to come.

Sean believes much of his success as a leader and father has to do with focus. “My wife and I are constantly serving out in the community. It makes a big impact on our children.” His kids are still teenagers and I asked him if they planned to take on the family company legacy and work at Lamar. “It’s really too early to tell,” he said. But the careers his children select are of little consequence to Sean. What matters to him is their character. “I’m very proud about how grounded they are,” he said.

As well as serving the community, spending time with his family and working at Lamar, Sean is a news junkie— reading 2 to 3 newspapers each morning—and loves classic rock. n

LEGACY ARTS July 2016 www.paragonroad.com 7

THROUGH THE

Eyes of a Child Why Kid’s Orders Are Just as Important as Doctor’s Orders at Cardon Children’s Medical Center

by Laura A. Roser

R

honda Anderson, nurse, mother, philanthropist and former CEO of Cardon Children’s Medical Center, has led a full life. She started her career as a nurse—inspired by trips to a tuberculosis sanitarium with her grandmother when she was younger.

Her grandmother was the superintendent and Rhonda would help out. She also volunteered as a candy striper at one of the local hospitals.

Kid’s orders are as important as doctor’s orders.”

Every child’s room is decorated like a house. There is a place for the child to sleep, an area for the parents to sleep, a mini refrigerator and a Plexiglas frame where they can display their own pictures. “On one wall, we have something that’s called All About Me and the child writes about them.” They write about their blue blanket, their dog’s name, about their friends, and so on. That helps the nurses and doctors connect with the Whether it’s working with patients one-on-one or child right from the beginning. managing a staff, Rhonda loves helping people. In 2009, she was named the CEO of Cardon Children’s Medical On the whiteboards, right next to the place where the Center and served in that capacity until just recently. doctor writes his or her orders, they have a place for (She retired about a month ago and is pursuing her own parents and children to write their goals. “They might consulting practice.) “What I’ve had the privilege to do say, they want to study their school work at a certain is develop this entire hospital,” Rhonda remarks. The time or they take their bath at night. If we know this, we Banner health system had very little pediatric care and don’t make them take a bath in the morning like a normal made a decision to open a children’s center. Rhonda was hospital routine. It’s already designed around what their involved from the very beginning, conducting the cost- orders are for us.” benefit analysis, working with the family center advisory committee, and working with children and their parents to design, build and implement not just the physical structure, but also all the programs. “That has been really fun,” she says.

Their focus in building the Children’s Center was on the families. Rhonda would ask the parents and their kids what they wanted and that’s what they built.

“We have a covenant entitled ‘Through the Eyes of the Child’ and the way we defined that is by asking the families what that means to them,” Rhonda says.

“So, one sentence of the covenant, for example, is

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Rhonda Anderson, RN, DNSc, FAAN, FACHE, a health care executive with decades of leadership experience, was named CEO of Cardon Children’s Medical Center in late 2009. Anderson previously had served as Banner Health’s pediatric service line administrator and had played an integral role in the planning, development and construction of the new home for Cardon Children’s Medical Center. She now has her own consulting practice.

Children Are Living Messages

the family ways with her new baby. “There’s such a feeling of joy,” Rhonda says about seeing her children follow the principles she and her husband taught them growing up.

“We didn’t say much to them. You have to walk the talk.

And that’s what we must have done with our values, our faith, and our belief in family.”

When Rhonda thinks about her legacy, a couple things come to mind. The first involves mentoring associates and helping them develop professionally. The second is about helping children. “I have a quote on my desk that I constantly refer to,” Rhonda says. “It’s Children are living messages we send to a time we will not see.” She says this Rhonda Anderson Day message inspires her when working with child patients Now that Rhonda is leaving Cardon, the Mayor of Mesa and their families, caring for her own children or loving and the City Council developed a proclamation honoring all her grandchildren. her contributions to the health world and the community When they were raising their own children, Rhonda and of Mesa. They have made, June 3rd, the day Rhonda her husband did several things to pass on their values retired, the official Rhonda Anderson Day for the city of and principles. One thing they did was always make Mesa. their children a part of the decision process. If Rhonda’s Moving forward Rhonda plans to consult on projects husband was considering a new job, for example, they would talk with their children about it and get their she’s passionate about, continue her volunteer work, and get in some overdue travel. This year she and her feedback during family counsel meetings. husband plan to go to Southern France, Hawaii, Vail, “My daughter, who is now in her forties, gave me a card Illinois, and Florida. for my birthday that said it all,” Rhonda recounted. “On She says one of the favorite things she and her husband the front was a group of children of all ages looking at a person who was having a bicycle race on a very flimsy Gary do for the community is to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus at bridge. The statement on the front said, ‘Wow, look at Christmas. They get dressed up and several people from that person. I’m so glad my mother told us that we were their church group dress as elves and they give presents to judge for ourselves, not do what everyone else does to the children at the medical center. “We know we’re not and always support each other.’ And I thought, boy that supposed to cry,” she says, “but every year my husband and I cry when we hear the stories of these struggling says it all.” families who are dealing with little ones with cancer and Rhonda also talks about her son, who has a 22-year-old. other issues. It’s so touching.” My guess is Rhonda and She says she’s watched how he’s raised him and all the her husband will continue to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus for as family values are there. Her daughter is also replicating long as the hospital allows it. n

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JOURNEY TO MORE

Intelligent Giving

by Amanda Kelly

“A

s human beings we’re always going to be touched by humanitarian crisis and to deny that call to action is almost to deny our own humanity. So let your heart be touched and open, but also be smart about how you react.”

The next step is to engage with the organizations you find in your search. Thatcher recommends initiating conversation and if you’re in doubt about anything—from the charity’s methods to their finances—ask questions and be straightforward with them.

It is without a doubt one of the more wonderful characteristics of our humanity to be moved to help others in times of crisis and great need; and yet, donors who want to have the most impact may find the process of making the most-informed philanthropic choice difficult.

“If you have concerns about the financial stability of an organization, perhaps based on the information that surfaced from Charity Navigator’s ratings, get on the phone and talk to their people. Ask about what is going on. If you get a clear answer with a plan to address the problem, you’ll feel much more comfortable about investing in that In a recent interview with Legacy Arts, Charity Navigator’s organization.”

CEO and President, Michael Thatcher, shed light on several ways that donors can leverage their time and resources to help the most people, and more easily navigate the path to intelligent giving.

Narrow the Scope of Your Interest “There are many charities and it helps to be as specific as you can in what cause you wish to support. For example, if you want to help children, how do you want to help children? Is it in education, sports programs, the arts, disease affecting children? Try to be specific,” he says.

Once you’ve narrowed the scope of your search, it will be easier to select organizations that align with your charitable interests.

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Limit Your Investments and Develop Long-term Relationships Investing more resources in fewer places is another way to make a greater impact. “In the charitable sector, versus the private sector, the level of solicitation is higher.

If donors are not careful, they might end up writing checks left and right—a practice that we discourage people from doing,” Thatcher says. “Determine the causes that you care about and then pick charities within those corresponding causes and be consistent and support those organizations.”

Michael Thatcher is the President and CEO of Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) and the largest and most-utilized evaluator of other charities in the nation. Charity Navigator examines two broad areas of a charity’s performance—their financial health and their accountability and transparency— and turns that data into a rating system on its website, which is accessible for free.

In 2015, Charity Navigator’s website had more than seven million visits by donors. Visit charitynavigator.org for more information.

For in-kind donations, he suggests initiating in a conversation before donating. This step will help determine what your charity needs the most in order to make their operation more effective, and ultimately result in the greatest impact to your cause. “It may cost them more money to get rid of your things so talk with them first For some donors, this tactic might go against their and figure out what their greatest needs are.” inclination to diversify financial investments, but the “Another thing to consider donating is your professional predictability of reoccurring and regular donations are experience,” Thatcher adds. “Charities can under-invest in essential to the stability of organizations that are primarily the development of their own people, and mentoring or donor-funded. coaching is a significant way support your cause. Mentoring “It allows them to be more intentional in their work,” is a level of engagement that a lot of people are not willing Thatcher explains. “Having that level of predictability to take, but it can be a huge asset to an organization.” and support is essential. It can change everything for an organization, from the ability to hire people and maintain Planned Giving and Bequests programs, to impacting the causes you care about.”

Depending on where you are in your life cycle, bequests can greatly define your legacy and might be worth considering. “If you have developed a relationship with an organization over the years, it is an option that people often forget about,” says Thatcher. “Also in keeping with the idea of sustaining an organization, planned gifts over multiple years can assist an organization’s efforts over time.”

At the end of the day part of what makes the relationship between donors and charitable organizations successful is trust. Once you find an organization to support and you’ve vetted them thoroughly, Thatcher emphasizes that it’s important to trust them.

Volunteerism and Donations Volunteerism and in-kind donations are another common way to give back to your community. Thatcher says volunteerism and other forms of non-cash donations can be as effective as making cash donations, but engagement with charities is essential to making these contributions a success.

“Volunteering is great, as long as you’re doing so in the best interest of the charity,” he says. “Figure out what the organization needs and then do that. The mentality of ‘I want to do what I want to do,’ is not inherently helpful. People also tend to be fickle about volunteering, so if you make a commitment, show up on time and be ready for the work.”

“If your organization experiences difficulties, work with them, give them the benefit of the doubt,” he says.

“Charities are going to have good years and bad years, we all do. In the end, philanthropy is something that truly differentiates us as human beings. When I see someone in need there is a part of me that is called to act. Charities fill a gap in addressing societal issues… there will always be areas in our society that are unprofitable for the private sector and areas that the government cannot reach and so these organizations are an essential part to the fabric of our society.” n

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How Will You Change Th Make The Most Impact With Charity

Animals

l Animal Rights, Welfare, and Services l Wildlife Conservation l Zoos and Aquariums

Education

l Early Childhood Programs and Services l Youth Education Programs and Services l Adult Education Programs and Services l Special Education l Education Policy and Reform Scholarship and Financial Support

Community Development l l l l

United Ways Jewish Federations Community Foundations Housing and Neighborhood Development

Arts, Culture, Humanities l Libraries, Historical Societies and Landmark Preservation l Museum l Performing Arts l Public Broadcasting and Media

Resources for Intelligent Giving: www.charitynavigat

he World?

International

Navigator

l Development and Relief Services l International Peace, Security, and Affairs l Humanitarian Relief Supplies

Environment

l Environmental Protection and Conservation l Botanical Gardens, Parks, and Nature Centers

Health

l Diseases, Disorders, and Disciplines l Patient and Family Support l Treatment and Prevention Services l Medical Research

Research and Public Policy

l Non-Medical Science & Technology Research l Social and Public Policy Research

tor.org

Human and Civil Rights l Advocacy and Education

Religion

l Religious Activities l Religious Media and Broadcasting

Human Services

l Children’s and Family Services l Youth Development, Shelter, and Crisis Services l Food Banks, Food Pantries, and Food Distribution l Multipurpose Human Service Organizations l Homeless Services l Social Services

The Entitlement Cure How Philanthropy Creates Children (and Adults) Who Are More Giving, Grateful and Independent

by Laura A. Roser

I

come from the “Me Me Me Generation”, characterized by wiser elders as being selfish and entitled. We get married later (if at all), have less kids, post a plethora of selfies and do crazy things—like go backpacking around Europe for two years while working from a laptop—all in an attempt to satisfy our thirst for purpose or pleasure.

grateful. And I’ve met some amazingly generous Millenials. What I’ve noticed is that the difference between entitled and unentitled kids seems to be mostly about training.

If you ask most people – even of the Me Me Me Generation – if they want to help others, they’ll say, “Yes!” But, often, they don’t know how to go about The data is sobering. According to the National it or it was never something that was a focus in their Institutes of Health, the incidence of narcissistic homes growing up. personality disorder is nearly three times as high for individuals in their 20s as for those in their midLike any behavior, a focus on self is a habit and one sixties or older. 58% of college students scored that many employ simply because they don’t know higher in narcissism in 2009 than in 1982. There’s any better or because they believe it will make them a bunch of other scary statistics from more young happier. It is counter intuitive that giving away your adults living with their parents than ever before to time, resources and money to serve someone else 40% of Millennials feeling they should be promoted could create more joy in your life, but that’s exactly in their jobs every two years no matter their level of what ends up happening. competency.

There’s a program called Mainstreet Philanthropy Whether I’m at a dinner party or a financial (mainstreetphilanthropy.org), for example, that conference, this narcissistic trend is something that focuses on involving middle school and high school inevitably comes up when I talk about passing on students in creating a plan to give to a cause they care values and wisdom to the younger generation. Many about. Over several weeks the students learn how to shrug and say, “Young people are just too entitled.” evaluate philanthropic opportunities and get involved Then they go on to the next topic as if we are in giving to something they are passionate about. supposed to write off a whole generation because Mainstreet Philanthropy has worked with students in they grew up getting too many trophies and wearing low socioeconomic areas as well as wealthy private t-shirts with PRINCESS printed in sparkly letters across schools and the results are always the same: the the front. students begin to take ownership over their giving practices and their focus turns away from themselves Of course, I also run into people who have children towards someone else – ultimately resulting in or grandchildren who are loving, considerate and greater love, gratitude and compassion.

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Top 7 Principles of “Entitlement De-Programming” for Millenials

6.

There are several principles that make transitioning Give Each Person a Specific Role. from a focus on self to a focus on others easier. If you We’ve all been involved in those are interested in using philanthropy to prepare your service projects where a bunch of children or the rising generation in becoming more people show up and everyone is responsible, start with the following guidelines: told to do something stupid – like to vaguely help out. I, for instance, once volunteered to help feed the Don’t Dictate. One of the best homeless, but so many people showed traits of Millenials, which up that there were five volunteers for can sometimes be frustrating, is every soup ladle and I spent the whole time staring that they don’t respond well to at others ladling soup. If you want to get someone authority. So, if you’re a parent or involved at a deeper level, they need to feel like they mentor and you have a plan you are are making a difference and not just a redundant trying to dictate, it’s not going to work. “token” who doesn’t matter. Emphasize their role and Millenials want to be involved as equals.

They want to have their opinions taken seriously and be how important it is to the success of the philanthropic a part of the process. If they can become co-creators of mission. a giving plan, they will take ownership.

Document the Experience.

Encourage them to keep Act Like a Role Model. If you a journal or write about their are a parent or someone experiences online. Memories who is trying to motivate a child or fade quickly and writing it down someone else to be more giving, keeps the passion alive and you had better be a good example. also serves as an inspiration for What programs do you give to? What others.

The more collaborative you are ways you could improve your own can be, the better. Get the team together philanthropic efforts? It’s hard to motivate anyone and have them share unless you have their respect. their most memorable experiences and what Meaning Matters. Not meaning it had for them. everyone is passionate Knowing the right about saving the whales. Some questions to ask is a people have a passion for feeding huge help in prompting hungry children, while others are quality answers. Ask passionate about the environment. things like, “What was the Talk through the options and determine most meaningful thing what lights them up. If nothing stands out, that happened during the create a research project and begin researching event?” or “How could we different issues until you come upon something that improve our efforts?” or gets them excited.

“What did we do right?”

Create a Philanthropic Mission.

The Give Give Once a meaningful cause is identified, the next step is to create Give Generation a personal philanthropic mission With the right tools and statement. This doesn’t have to be resources, “narcissistic” kids long or involved, but it should pinpoint can become unbelievably Laura A. Roser is the the greater vision. caring. The younger you founder and CEO of can start, the better. When Build a Team. There is an Paragon Road, the #1 kids see adults giving of African proverb that states, their time and talents to authority in meaning “If you want to go fast, go alone. others and can personally legacy planning. For If you want to go far, go together.” experience the passion of Your giving efforts will be much more contributing to something more information about effective if it is as a team – a family, beyond themselves, it seeps meaning legacy planning a group of friends, a school group, or into their psyche. And, in services, visit an existing nonprofit. Look for people with time, the focus on self begins common interests for the causes you care about and to give way to a greater form www.paragonroad.com. form or join a team to address those causes. of satisfaction. n

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Philanthropy Isn’t About The Money Why Sierra Visher Believes the Definition of “Philanthropist” Extends Far Beyond the Wealthy

by Laura A. Roser

“I

used to think of philanthropists only as people who give their money,” says Sierra Visher Kroha. “You know, you have so much wealth to give away and that qualifies you for the space, but I’ve been learning over the last few years that the majority of philanthropists and actors in the social change community really think of philanthropists as anyone who is giving themselves or their time or their heart and soul to a social cause and it has nothing to do with the money.” Sierra is the Director of Programs and Operations for San Diego Social Venture Partners, a nonprofit focused on accelerating social change in the local community.

on a theme for the year. Each year SDSVP and its donor members go through a process where they vet applicants and select one or two new groups to fund and support with their time, volunteer services and organizational resources (such as HR, marketing, management, leadership development, etc.).

Co-Creators of Social Change

This model allows for a variety of benefits, but one of the most important is it dramatically reduces communication barriers. “You’re coming to them as an equal, instead of this funder from across the table,” says Sierra. “You’re co-creators in social change. When you come to them They are part of a global nonprofit network (Social with the right attitude, you bridge that cultural gap that Venture Partners). Their model is to pool the money of sometimes exists from individuals on the funding side local donors and use it to fund social projects within the and individuals on the nonprofit side.” area. But, it doesn’t stop with the money. Those who Every year SDSVP selects a different social topic their donate want to be involved in improving the community.

SDSVP facilitates this by educating its donors in members would like to learn more about. They bring in determining which causes are best to fund and focusing experts to speak about the topic, thoroughly define the

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Sierra Visher Kroha is the Director of Programs and Operations for San Diego Social Venture Partners. She has been working in purpose driven social enterprises and non profits for over 8 years. Most recently, she returned to the US after spending several years living in Nairobi, Kenya, helping to start, scale and then manage a national public health program with Deworm the World Initiative.

San Diego Social Venture Partners is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic membership organization that provides funding and pro-bono consulting to strengthen local nonprofits and our community. We are comprised of caring and informed San Diegans with a passionate desire to give back through engaged, strategic giving and volunteering that makes our social sector more efficient, effective, and impactful. Founded in 2001, we have given more than $2.5 million dollars and 100,000 volunteer hours to the local San Diego community.

For more information about SDSVP, visit http://www.socialventurepartners.org/san-diego/

huge in San Diego. It’s also huge in a lot of other places in the US.” Human trafficking is whenever someone exploits another person through the use of force, fraud or coercion to do labor– the two biggest problems are sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking and exploitation is estimated to account for $810 million dollars in revenue per year just in San Diego. “It is the equivalent of what the Padres were sold for in 2012,” Sierra added.

problem and review nonprofit groups that are dedicated to addressing the problem. Then their members select which nonprofit they’d like to award a grant to.

This year the topic is human trafficking in San Diego.

“It really opened my eyes,” says Sierra. “I had no idea it was such a problem before we started researching it. It’s

This process of reviewing social issues, vetting nonprofit groups and working with them to bring about change creates a whole new paradigm. Many of the members branch out to address issues they are passionate about on their own. “You are embedded in a community of other like-minded people and it helps you connect to different causes – ones that might be more up your alley. And now you have a toolbox to approach them and contribute more than just writing a check at Christmas and waiting for them to ask you again twelve months later. You can actually be part of making the change.” n

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All We See Is POTENTIAL Each year SVP invests in 4-8 nonprofits that are making a significant impact in our community.

To get involved, visit us online: www.

Nonprofits we are funding in 2016: Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership Workshops for Warriors The Rosie Network Words Alive!

Just In Time for Foster Youth Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center Mid-City Community Advocacy Network

.socialventurepartners.org/san-diego/

Top 10 Charities Worth Watching Many of America’s most effective charities are also household names. But some well-known charities are less effective than you’d think, while a number of lesser known charities are truly exceptional.

These 10 charities all operate on less than $2 million a year, but they all earn a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. We encourage you to check them out, as well as read more information about selecting the right charity to give to on Charity Navigator’s website.

Rank Charity

Overall Score

Audio Scripture Ministries

1

Mission: For over 40 years, Audio Scripture Ministries (ASM) has facilitated the recording and distribution of Scripture recordings in hundreds of countries world wide. We work with Bible translators, missionaries, national ministries and others who recognize the need for Scriptures in audio format. We also work to enable effective and efficient use of any technical tools available to people can listen to God’s Word in their heart language. ASM funds approved technical projects (recording equipment and/or audio listening devices) enabling missionaries to focus on the actual project, not funding. We also configure systems for specific recording projects. Additionally, we help by providing appropriate playback equipment, training and strategy in the best medium for a specific field.

100.00

Puppies Behind Bars

2

Mission: Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and explosive-detection canines for law enforcement. The puppies live in prison with their inmate raisers from the age of 8 weeks to 24 months.

Since 1997, PBB has raised more than 900 puppies. Through our Dog Tags program we place service dogs, free of charge, with wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The dogs learn special commands to help mitigate the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI (traumatic brain injury). Since our first Dog Tags placement in 2008, we have paired 87 service dogs with wounded veterans in 27 states (as of May ‘16). We pair approximately 15 more exceptional service dogs with veterans each year. Additionally, more than 400 PBB-trained explosive-detection canines work with law enforcement agencies around the country. The dogs we raise transform the lives of the inmates who train them, and the lives of those they go on to serve.

100.00

GBS/CIDP Foundation International

3 4

Mission: Founded in 1980, GBS/CIDP (Guillain-Barré Syndrome / Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) Foundation International works to improve the quality of life for individuals and families worldwide affected by GBS, CIDP and variants by: providing a network for all patients, their caregivers and families; providing public and professional educational programs worldwide designed to heighten awareness and improve the understanding and treatment of GBS, CIDP and variants; and expanding the Foundation’s role in sponsoring research and engaging in patient advocacy. GuillainBarré Syndrome is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves those outside the brain and spinal cord. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing weakness of the legs and, to a lesser extent, the arms.

100.00

United Way of Baldwin Country Mission: The United Way of Baldwin County’s collaborative effort with health and human service agencies works to build, grow and enhance the well-being of citizens in Baldwin County.

Vision:The United Way of Baldwin County is a network of organizations that brings people together to tackle community issues. Our goal is to create lasting change by addressing the underlying causes to problems in the areas of health, education and financial stability.

This is accomplished through a collaborative effort with our community partners and programs designed to address the needs of Baldwin County citizens.

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100.00

Visit www.charitynavigator.org for more “top ten

Rank Charity

Overall Score

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

5 6

Mission: Founded in 1991, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation exists to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research. Our focus is to fund research which will lead to the elimination of pediatric cancer worldwide. In addition to funding valuable seed grants throughout the state of Florida, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation has developed The Sunshine Project. This is an innovative collaboration of the nation’s top doctors and researchers with one goal: to fast-track new treatments and increase the survival rate of children battling cancer. Since 2005, we have implemented the groundwork necessary to introduce less toxic, more targeted drugs into clinical trials. New compounds are currently being tested in these trials and hold great promise for children who have not experienced positive results under the standard treatment protocol.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation Mission: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation was established to support the two Boys & Girls Clubs in Nassau County, Florida. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

100.00 100.00

Adler Aphasia Center

7

Mission: The Adler Aphasia Center mission is to be a vital resource to anyone whose life or profession is touched by Aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken language, reading and writing. It occurs most often from a stroke or brain injury. This frustrating condition affects a person’s ability to communicate, but does not affect his or her intellect. The Adler Aphasia Center is a social center for people with Aphasia and their family members/caregivers - a place where people can connect with others who have had similar experiences.

100.00

Family Promise

8

Mission: Family Promise is committed to helping low-income families nationwide achieve lasting independence and to redress the underlying causes of poverty and homelessness.

We accomplish our mission through four program areas: Interfaith Hospitality Networks (IHNs) - provide shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services to homeless families; Family Mentoring - helps prevent homelessness by training volunteers to be advisors and advocates to low-income families; Just Neighbors - an interactive educational program, raises awareness of the root causes of poverty and homelessness as the first step in establishing community-based responses; and Community Initiatives - fosters local IHN outgrowth programs, such as transitional housing, job training, childcare, and literacy.

99.97

Center for Responsive Politics

9

Mission: Founded in 1983, the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) is the nation’s premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. CRP’s mission is to: inform citizens about how money in politics affects their lives, empower voters and activists by providing unbiased information, and advocate for a transparent and responsive government. The first Open Secrets book, published in 1990, was a massive 1,300 pages and analyzed contributions by political action committees (PACs) in the 1988 congressional elections. Featuring contributor profiles for every member of Congress, it was an unprecedented resource that illuminated money’s role in congressional elections and policymaking. CRP launched the website following the 1996 elections.

10

99.96

Family Health Partnership Clinic Mission: Founded in 1996, the Family Health Partnership Clinic works to improve the health status of the community and reduce the negative impact of poor access to care by providing a broad spectrum of services to the underserved with compassion and respect. We recognize that as a community, we are responsible for each other. We provide primary care services to uninsured and under-insured residents of McHenry County.

n lists” and rankings of nonprofit organizations.

99.85

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ENDURING There are families of enduring greatness. They have achieved excellence in times past, yet continue to pursue what made them great. They have stories to tell. They embody high character, are celebrated throughout history and loved by all who know them.

What’s your legacy?

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Rockefeller’s Theory of

SCIENTIFIC GIVING John D. Rockefeller endeavored to “to solve the problem of giving money away without making paupers of those who receive it.”

Rockefeller went on to say: “I investigated and worked myself almost to a nervous breakdown in groping my way, without sufficient guide or chart, through the ever-widening field of philanthropic endeavor. It was forced upon me to organize and plan this department upon as distinct lines of progress as our other business affairs.

“I have always indulged the hope that during my life I should be able to establish efficiency in giving, so that wealth may be of greater use to the present and future generations. If the people can be educated to help themselves, we strike at the root of many of the evils of the world.”

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During his life, John D. Rockefeller gave away over $530 Million from 1855 to 1934 funding many medical, educational, scientific and religious causes. This legacy of giving has continued generations later.

There are a plethora of foundations and institutions that bear the Rockefeller name.

The oldest, the Rockefeller Foundation, is currently chaired by John’s great grandson.

Other family members have also started their own charities as a part of their own personal legacies. n

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You Are The Youngest YOU WILL EVER BE Why Medical Innovator, Zhenya Abbruzzese, Believes Her Best Years Are Still Ahead

by Laura A. Roser

Z

henya Abbruzzese is the founder of Enigma Health, a company specializing in treating people with unexplained medical issues.

When I first found out about Zhenya’s groundbreaking work with patients, I looked her up online and saw a picture of what looked like a clearskinned, dark-haired 20-something.

After I listened to Zhenya describe how she came up with the idea for her business, I was compelled to ask the question you are never supposed to ask a woman: How old are you?

I tried to be diplomatic about it. It went something like this: “So... I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I looked you up online and you look awfully young to have started such a successful, innovative company... How old are you? Because, you look like you’re 25.”

“I am not that young.” Zhenya laughed. “It’s my round face. It makes me look younger. I am 41.” There was a pause. “Now... I find it only fair to ask you the same question.”

I smiled. “I’m 35.”

“I used to place too much value on youth and beauty,” she said. “When I was in my twenties, I thought once I hit 40, I would be miserable. My age cutoff was 32. That’s the age I decided marked me as officially being old.” She laughed again. “It was so silly.

My forties are much, much better than my twenties or thirties. Life will get better for you too. You’ll see. Your forties are great.”

Not everyone has come to terms with growing older as well as Zhenya. I know someone, for example, who is so worried about becoming old that he regularly

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injects himself with testosterone and can’t stop talking about all the botox he’s going to need to “stay relevant” in our youth-based culture.

Believe me, I get it. It can be terrifying to see wrinkles when you stare in the mirror or get an eye roll from a teenager because you can’t operate your new iPhone app. There’s a lot of unpleasant things about aging.

But there’s a lot of joy too.

In fact, recent studies reveal that happiness for many people increases in their 40s, 50s and well into their 70s (providing they are in relatively good health). One study in the UK that interviewed over 300,000 adults found that the most-content age group was 65-79.

Zhenya Abbruzzese is the founder of Enigma Health, a company that connects patients and their providers to evidencebased behavioral solutions that help patients regain control over their health and their lives, while enabling payers and ACOs to reduce unexplained and unproductive utilization of medical services. She currently lives with her family in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about Enigma’s services, visit https://www.cambiahealth.com/blogs/cambia-stories/ explaining-unexplained-enigma-health

Nancy Galambos, researcher of a study at the University of Alberta, surveyed over 1,500 participants and found that those in their 40s were happier than 18-year-olds. “Life is more difficult for younger people than for people in middle age,” Galambos concluded.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty. But by middle age, a lot of people have worked that out and are quite satisfied through the earliest child-bearing years.”

Besides a focus on meaningful work, Zhenya also takes time to build lasting relationships—hosting large dinner parties for family and visiting neighbors. One of the things she misses most about Russia, where she spent the first nineteen years of her life, is the sense of community, where neighbors stop in and chat with each other over tea. So, she tries to create that community around her. Some neighbors, she says, are Biographies of top 100 founders on the Forbes happy to stop and chat. Others look at you like you’re List reveal that 35 is the most common age to start a crazy. “You learn which ones are more open pretty top company. And many successful companies were quickly,” she said. started by people in their 40s (Costco, Ford, Volvo, Her main hope for her two children is that they Christian Dior, Comcast, Starbucks). As well as people in their 50s (Morgan Stanley, Nestlé, Estée Lauder). Or become good, kind, caring people. And that is what she tries to reinforce through her actions. even their 60s (Bank of America, IBM).

No Room for Anxiety

A Passion for People Zhenya tries to live each day with purpose. “At any given moment,” she said, “you are the youngest you’ll ever be.” She spends her moments thinking up ways to change the health care industry and help as many people as possible. That’s how her company, Enigma Health, was originally founded— based on an idea she had after watching several family members go through anxiety and fear after experiencing symptoms for issues that could not be pinpointed by a doctor. She said she worked day and night to get her company going and she was in the final stages of selling it when I spoke with her.

“What are you going to do now?” I asked her.

“I’m not sure yet,” she said. But it’s going to be something to do with helping people in the healthcare industry—something she is deeply passionate about. “The more lives I can touch in a positive way, the better.”

“I used to think I had to accomplish big things when I was young. You know, if I hadn’t done something great by 23, I would never amount to anything.” That kind of thinking immobilizes you, she says. It puts too much pressure on you to perform and creates anxiety and negativity.

“There will be a lot of opportunities in this life,” she continued. “That doesn’t mean you should sit around and wait, but it also means that you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself because that isn’t going to help anything.

“Life is very non-linear. When you’re in a spot you’re not satisfied with, it is easy to project that as a trend for the rest of your life. But the reality is life is not linear and some years are slow and unsatisfying and others are amazing. You just have to use the slow years to prep yourself to be ready to take advantage of the great opportunities when they come.” n

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Ancient Wisdom: Ben Franklin’s LIST OF ESSENTIAL VIRTUES “Nothing is so likely to make a man’s fortune as virtue.”

– from Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography

by Laura A. Roser

T

he other day, I was reading Ben Franklin’s small book entitled The Way to Wealth (edited by Charles Conrad). It’s hard not to like Franklin’s writings – with his methodical processes and simple, straightforward advice. I found myself highlighting little pieces of wisdom and then I came to the last chapter, The Path of Virtue, in which Franklin decides he is going to take on the “bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection.”

for each virtue. He would evaluate himself each night and place a mark in the column of the virtue he had violated.

Although he tracked each virtue every day, his first idea was to give strict attention to one particular virtue each week. That way, he could become “perfect” in that one virtue while he had varying success with the others.

He was able to complete one full course of virtues in 13 weeks (1 week per virtue) and he continued to complete the courses again and again until he became more I’ve attempted projects like this myself, usually proficient in living the virtues. inspired by overly-zealous Sunday School teachers of my childhood. Unfortunately, my attempts never ended in As he moved forward, he writes, “I was surprised to moral perfection, but they did produce ample amounts find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined; of guilt. So, I was pretty curious to see how Mr. Franklin but I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish.” went about tackling the task of becoming morally perfect.

Because the paper version soon had holes where First, he defines what morality means to him – he had made the marks and erased them to use for specifically a list of 13 virtues (listed to the right) and the next week, his journal soon changed to more of a then he goes on to create a little book, a virtues journal, whiteboard concept (but he used ivory leaves) where he in which he tracks his progress. The book had seven could write with a black lead pencil and wipe the marks columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows, one away with a wet sponge.

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Benjamin Franklin’s List of Virtues*:

1.

2.

Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3.

4.

Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5.

6.

Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing.

Industry. Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7.

Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8.

9.

Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Written at the beginning of the journal was a prayer which Franklin recited each day to solicit God’s help with living a more virtuous life: “O powerful Goodness! bountiful Father! merciful Guide! increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest! strengthen my resolutions to perform what that wisdom dictates. Accept my kind offices to they other children as the only return in my power for thy continual favors to me.”

As time went by, he would go through one full course of the virtues over a year (instead of doing a course every 13 weeks), then one every several years and finally he omitted it completely because of travel and business endeavors. But, he always carried his little book with him.

He writes, “It may be well my posterity should be informed that to this little artifice, with the blessing of God, their ancestor owed the constant felicity of his life, down to his 79th year, in which this is written.”n

Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10.

11.

12.

Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Chastity. Use the sex urge but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.

13.

Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

* Source: The Way to Wealth: Ben Franklin on Money and Success

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ISSUE 6 | JULY 2016

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