Don’s journey to Villa Gardens is marked by a deep connection to the city. After living in Pasadena and the surrounding area for over 45 years, Don moved to a retirement community in Orange County. However, following the passing of his wife, he felt a strong pull to return to Pasadena, a place he considers home, and settled at Villa
Gardens.

Don’s generosity extends beyond Villa Gardens. He also supports various other organizations, including the Old Mill Foundation, Huntington Library, Colonial Williamsburg and The Smithsonian. His diverse philanthropic interests reflect a commitment to enriching the cultural and historical fabric of his community.

At Villa Gardens, Don’s donations are driven by a passion for enhancing culture and life enrichment. “I like to bring additional programming to Villa Gardens, particularly more music programs,” he said, envisioning a community enriched by the arts.

Don’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact one individual can have. His three years at Villa Gardens have been marked by a desire to give back to a community that resonates deeply with him, a sentiment that inspires many. His contributions to the Front Porch Communities Foundation and other charitable organizations demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those around him, making Don a true pillar of his community.

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Several years ago, the community opened Summer House, a memory care neighborhood serving residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and began offering Truly Yours, a program that brings personal assisted living services directly to residents in their homes at Vista. The community also recently enhanced resident amenities, including a new resident lounge, refurbished and expanded dining room and an outdoor patio.

In 2022, the Foundation partnered with Vista to pilot video touch-screens that tell resident and community stories, provide information about the campus, and showcase the community’s compassion through charitable gifts to the Foundation.

Vista del Monte residents have a zest for life that matches the vitality of the entire Santa Barbara area. Some residents explore their creative sides, in groups like the Vista Voices Choral Group and the Vista del Monte Players theatre company. Others stretch their minds with lifelong learning classes taught by outside experts as well as by residents.

Vista del Monte has always been a generous community. Through gifts from residents, the community has been able to make numerous enhancements to its campus, including the opening of Summer House. Joanne Freeman, the chair of the VDM Philanthropy Committee, made a gift through her Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to support that project, and also regularly donates to the Employee Scholarship Fund. “When I was a child, my family had a practice of giving back to others,” Joanne said. “I’ve kept this practice throughout my adult life and love giving to programs that serve people in my local community.”

Joanne’s friend and neighbor Jeanne Giacobine chairs the Scholarship Committee, a role she took on because “it’s a cause that means a lot to me.” But Jeanne’s charitable giving did not stop there. She has also donated to the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund for her community, to assist those neighbors who, by no fault of their own, have outlived their resources. “I look at residents who have been here for a long time and think how scary it must be if they ran out of money,” Jeanne said. “The Foundation elevates Front Porch and this community from just being a business to something bigger and greater. I’m happy to be part of that greater good.”

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She especially enjoyed the beautiful scenery and her view of the courtyard, as well as the proximity to Stan, who lived nearby in Santa Rosa.

Stan is grateful to the staff of Spring Lake Village and the Front Porch organization for the support his mother received while she was a member of the community.

“I appreciated the friendliness and continuity of the team members at Spring Lake Village, a sign of a very well-run organization,” Stan said. “The people who cared for my mother were committed, caring and engaged. I also loved that it was a nonprofit organization that clearly prioritized the needs of the community.”

Dixie lived at Spring Lake Village for eight years, moving into Assisted Living shortly before her death in 2022.

During her time at Spring Lake Village, she always shared the community news with Stan, including copies of the Front Porch Communities Foundation newsletter, Community Matters.

“I enjoyed reading about what was happening in the larger organization, and when I read about the Circle of Friends resident assistance fund, I just thought it was a really great idea and a wonderful cause,” Stan said. “I thought about my own mother and how much stress she would have been under, without me as her back stop, with having to pay bills and worry about running out of resources.

When she passed away, making a gift to the Circle of Friends was a way to honor my mother, but also a way to pay back some of our good fortune by helping others who might not have the support my mother did.”

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One resident in particular inspired Joan and John to support their community: Steve Connor.

“Steve has been quite the inspiration to many here, including me and my husband,” Joan said. “He got us interested and shined a light on how we could make a difference through charitable giving.”

Steve, a longtime advocate for the work of the then Pacific Homes Foundation and its successor, the Front Porch Communities Foundation has made and does make in the lives of residents here,” Joan said. “And Keith is not only an advisor but has become a friend.” After weighing their philanthropic options, the Ransoms have been longtime donors to the Foundation in support of the Fredericka Manor Resident Assistance Fund. This “circle of friends” helps provide support for those at the community who outlive their resources.

“No one really knows what their financial situation may be years from now, so it’s important that if someone does run out of money they are able to keep living at Fredericka Manor,” Joan said. “I love it here, and I don’t want to see other people, who also love it here, to have to move out through no fault of theirs.”

Joan has also supported the Scholarship Fund, which provides grants to employees to help them pay for colleg,e trade school, or continuing education. She and John also decided to support Fredericka through planned giving, both opening charitable gift annuities through the Foundation that name Fredericka Manor as the beneficiary, while providing tax savings and generating lifetime income. John passed away in 2020, but Joan appreciates her CGA and the income it provides to her.

“It’s a good feeling knowing I’m helping others and making a difference,” Joan said. “I live here so it’s important that I support the people around me.”

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Each display tells a story of community, how current residents and those who came before them have made generous gifts to make their communities into what they are today. For many who make gifts to improve their communities and care for others, the Honor Roll or Tree of Life is a way to show their pride in their contribution and connection to others who believe in the same mission. For others, like Casa de Mañana resident Linda Shaw, being on the Tree of Life is a way to pay tribute to her late husband, Allan. “I recently learned the extraordinary story of Casa team member Miriam Roldan and her daughter, who each received a scholarship from Casa to further their education,” Linda said. “I was so moved that I made a gift to the Casa de Futuro Fund to support scholarships for children of Casa team members. And knowing that Allan’s name is now on the Tree of Life at Casa makes the experience that much more special to me.”

Long before she moved in, Jean Owen visited teachers and friends at Villa Gardens and admired the Tree of Life mounted near the front lobby. When she moved to Villa Gardens and learned she could become a Gold Leaf honoree by committing a gift from her repayable entrance fee, she was excited to receive the honor.

“We are the leading edge of aging well, and this is my part of ensuring this legacy for others,” Jean said. “I want to be a part of building community as I am aging.”

“It is so moving to see the displays honoring residents whose charitable gifts make a difference in their communities and provide assistance to neighbors in need,” said Katharine Miller, the Foundation’s executive director. “We are always grateful that a resident allows us to honor their contributions in this way, so their caring can be an inspiration for others in the future.”

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Although Kate has since handed over her rose duties to a small volunteer committee, her legacy continues to be laid for the future. Kate is a generous supporter of the Front Porch Communities Foundation through donations to the Employee Scholarship, HEART, and Resident Assistance funds at Casa, and has named the Foundation as a beneficiary of her living trust.

“I’m living in a wonderful place and I believe in what the Foundation is trying to do,” Kate said. “It’s like a family and I want to support my family.” Kate is particularly passionate about supporting Casa’s Scholarship Fund, which not only benefits those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges but also those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies.

“There are a lot of young people here who are keen on moving forward in life,” Kate said. “I received financial support while in medical school, and I suppose contributing to the Scholarship Fund is a way of giving back for me.”

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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Celtic Cup to advance our Community Services programs, and a special thanks to this year’s sponsors for their generosity, including Capital Group Private Client Services. Justin Brennan, Capital Group’s senior vice president, said, “We are proud to support the great and necessary work that Front Porch and the Foundation are doing every day to create a genuine sense of community for their residents. We have long believed that strong and lasting relationships are key to helping our clients achieve their goals, and we support Front Porch and their efforts to create and foster those important connections.”

Funds raised at the Celtic Cup support Front Porch’s Community Services division, which primarily serves isolated and low-income older adults living in the community at large. Community Services focuses on four areas of impact: food security, stable housing, creative engagement, and social connection. Funds raised through the Celtic Cup, along with grants from local governments and foundations, and Front Porch’s support, enable the Community Services programs to reach people with life-changing services.

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Social events at Hotel Casa ran the gamut from weddings to banquets to civic and social club luncheons to concerts and poetry readings by noted artists and musicians of the day. In 1953, Hopkins sold the hotel, and soon after Casa de Mañana had a second grand opening as the luxurious retirement community it is today. Many of today’s residents remember attending proms and other social events at the hotel. How about that for living history?

Residents and staff say they feel a real sense of community at Casa de Mañana. It is truly a place where residents and staff care for one another in an environment of independence and mutual respect. “My wife and I have fallen in love with Casa de Mañana,” said one long-time resident. “I’ve never seen a staff more dedicated to making people happy. They really go out of their way to make sure all of our needs are met.”

Philanthropy Week held recently at Casa exemplifies the spirit of giving and connection between residents and staff and galvanizes those connections. “We come together to celebrate philanthropy, but also put it into action through gifts in the moment,” said Keith Church, the Foundation’s philanthropy officer for Casa. Activities during Philanthropy Week are entirely resident-driven and offer something for everyone, from a kick-off concert by resident pianist Leslie Miller to special events like Game Day and Dessert Under the Stars. Resident T.J. Glauthier organized a wine tasting class, and resident Bev Heil coordinated a dog fashion show.

While Philanthropy Week is fun, it inspires significant giving, which is at the heart of its importance to residents. Funds raised from the week support the Circle of Friends resident assistance fund, the Casa Employee Scholarship Funds, and the HEART Fund (emergency financial assistance for staff), according to donor preference. Casa resident Helen Tocco serves on the scholarship committee and made a gift for the first time this year. “I’m really inspired by the philosophy of the scholarship committee, ‘offering a hand up, not a hand out,’” Helen said. “My husband and I were moved to make a gift because we are both educators and believe in giving to those who are trying to better themselves.”

Rich in tradition, Casa de Mañana is a place where older adults enjoy an independent and comfortable way of life, complete with ocean vistas. Casa de Mañana is a treat for the eyes and also a place with a deep spirit of compassion and caring.

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Through Front Porch Communities Foundation’s Circle of Friends funds, neighbors extend their care and assistance to one another when they need it most. Since the very first Front Porch communities opened their doors, residents and their family members have shown their support for the Circle of Friends through annual contributions and gifts made through wills or estate plans.

Front Porch communities support and celebrate the Circle of Friends in various ways. Recently, residents at five Front Porch communities came together for a special dinner aimed at raising awareness and support for the Circle of Friends. The Foundation collaborated with Morrison Community Living, the executive chefs from Spring Lake Village (Santa Rosa), St. Paul’s Towers (Oakland), Webster House (Palo Alto), San Francisco Towers and Walnut Village (Anaheim), as well as a committee of residents, to create a unique menu for the occasion. Residents gathered together, fostering new friendships, cherishing old ones and learning more about the Circle of Friends.

Other communities also place significant emphasis on resident assistance funds. Many Front Porch communities in Southern California educate residents during Philanthropy Week and engage in specific outreach efforts to raise funds for assisting those in need. The philanthropy committees are firmly engaged in the mission to ensure that residents who have outlived their resources receive the support they require.

The Circle of Friends resident assistance funds embody the compassionate spirit of a community that looks out for one another. The funds provide a safety net for residents facing financial difficulties and offer a sense of security and peace of mind. By fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and support, Front Porch communities continue to empower their residents to live fulfilling lives, knowing that they are part of a compassionate Circle of Friends.

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After they settled into Vista in 2019, Roxana became president of the Resident Association and currently serves as its past president. She was also a member of Vista’s Philanthropy Committee, which helps guide how donations to Vista del Monte through the Front Porch Communities Foundation will be used.

The couple recently made a generous gift to the Foundation from Fred’s individual retirement account. The gift was made as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), one of the savviest ways for those over 70½ to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact and realize tax savings. Fred, a retired university professor, and Roxana,
a retired librarian, have a particular affinity for the Foundation’s scholarship funds, which awards cash
grants to qualified Vista employees and also to their children. Scholarships benefit those who attend traditional two- and four-year colleges and those attending trade schools, pursuing certificate programs (like nursing programs), continuing education or GED studies.

“We donate to the Foundation because Vista is our home, and it’s our way of supporting an organization that we admire,” Fred said. “The staff here takes good care of us so we want to be generous to them in return,” Roxana added.

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