Local businessmen Steve Knight and Dave Baker, co-owners of The Prestige Estates, have created The Philanthropy Club Foundation to introduce the rewards of giving to the youth of the community. “We wanted to teach kids the importance of philanthropy, and to do so, we break down and explain the value of selflessly giving one’s time, talent, and treasure,” says Knight. Baker adds that it was important to them that the children “learn what philanthropy is in the classroom and then take it home to their families to spread the lesson of giving.”

 

After the duo introduces the concept in the classroom, they give the students a homework assignment — they must go home and discuss philanthropy with their parents or guardians. Additionally, the students are given a list of local charities and, from this list, they decide which should receive support receive and why. They discuss their decisions back in class with their peers, and the funds (provided by the foundation) are then allocated among the selected charities.

 

The Philanthropy Club’s classroom–to–dinner table approach has been well received by Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary, Solana Highlands Elementary, and Solana Vista Elementary, and will also be part of the Rancho Santa Fe School District beginning fall semester of 2011.

 

The Philanthropy Club Foundation provides the funding for each school project and, to date, the following charitable organizations have been recipients: Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Community Resource Center, Helen Woodward Animal Center, La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Repertory Theater, Rady Children’s Hospital, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, Solana Center for the Environment, Special Olympics North San Diego, Surfrider Foundation, and United Through Reading.

 

To support the great work The Philanthropy Club is doing and to attract new donors, The Prestige Estates is hosting a back to school–themed event at its offices in Rancho Santa Fe on August 25, from 6-8pm. Please RSVP to Yvette Letourneau. (760/419-6270, admin@thephilanthropyclub.org)