5 Bay Area Philanthropic Leaders Raising the Bar on Giving Back

In honor of the season of giving, we’re recognizing local individuals and families whose generous charitable contributions are making a tremendous impact in our community and beyond. The George Lucas Family Foundation: Paying a Debt Back to Society Marin County-based filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, prominent businesswoman Mellody Hobson, are firmly committed to this […]

Meet 2021's Top Chicago Philanthropists

Since March 2020, our world has been mired by hospitalizations, deaths, lockdowns, layoffs and economic hardships. The pandemic affected everyone, but Black and Brown communities suffered disproportionately. At the same time, the demand for social justice, equity and inclusion took hold. Our list of 2021’s Top Chicago-area philanthropists aims to highlight those who put their […]

Dr. Helene Gayle: Giving Back Has Always Been ‘Part of Who I Am’

Dr. Helene Gayle has devoted the majority of her life to aiding the most vulnerable of populations. After more than two decades with the CDC, where she led initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS, Gayle has directed her recent philanthropic efforts to Chicago. In 2017, Gayle was named the president and CEO of Chicago Community Trust and […]

San Anselmo Nonprofit Side by Side Names Dr. Christine Isana Garcia CEO

Side by Side, the San Anselmo-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable youth in four Bay Area counties, has announced the appointment of Dr. Christine Isana Garcia as CEO. She succeeds Mary Denton, who recently retired after over 20 years of service. Her appointment is the result of a six-month national search led by a board-appointed search […]

John Edwardson on Hard Work, Giving Back and ‘The Right Thing to Do’

In December 2020, John A. Edwardson, former CEO of United Airlines and CDW, delivered a commencement speech at his alma mater, Purdue University. Susan B. Noyes, Better’s founder, was so struck by Edwardson’s speech that she recently hosted a fireside chat with him to learn more about his journey as a businessman, father, and philanthropist. […]

John Edwardson on Hard Work, Giving Back and ‘The Right Thing to Do’

In December 2020, John A. Edwardson, former CEO of United Airlines and CDW, delivered a commencement speech at his alma mater, Purdue University. Susan B. Noyes, Better’s founder, was so struck by Edwardson’s speech that she recently hosted a fireside chat with him to learn more about his journey as a businessman, father, and philanthropist. […]

Chicago Man Helps Feed Fellow Veterans During COVID-19: Award Sponsor CDW Honors 2021 Red Cross Military Hero 

This Veteran’s Day, the American Red Cross of Illinois is proud to honor veteran armed forces members for their bravery and service.   Akbar Arsiwala, a U.S. Navy veteran is the recipient of the 2021 Military Hero Award. When he learned that the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center was forced to close its food pantry due to the pandemic, Akbar sprang […]

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Donates One Million Dollars In Aid For Musicians and Music Projects in the Bay Area

San Francisco’s popular Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has introduced a new philanthropic effort aimed at immediate relief needs and equitable recovery in the Bay Area. The world-renowned roots music festival recently provided one million dollars in new grants shared between theSweet Relief Musicians Fund, East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative’sEsther’s Orbit Room Cultural Revival Project and the Tenderloin Museum’s […]