The Kaplan’s Story
It was a very different time in Rancho Santa Fe in 1993 when Maurice and Charmaine Kaplan included a bequest in their estate plan to provide funds for open space acquisition and trails maintenance in the Ranch through RSF Foundation. In today’s world, the annual payout from the fund would not be sufficient to acquire open space and the RSF Association takes care of trail maintenance. With the permission of the trustee, the Foundation was able to modify the designation of the estate to allow us to use the Kaplan Fund to assist with the restoration of the historic Osuna Adobe, California’s oldest standing structure, which is located within the Covenant. The property surrounding the house has horse trails and thus the original purpose of the bequest has been honored.
The Kuehler’s Story
Carmen and Jack Kuehler raised a wonderful family of five and enjoyed a comfortable life for more than 50 years. When they retired to Rancho Santa Fe, they made new friends and made their home here. When Jack passed away, and to honor his memory, Carmen established the Carmen and Jack Kuehler Family fund. We worked with Carmen on how she could use this fund to involve her children and their families in continuing the family philanthropy. Sadly, Carmen did not live long enough to see her plan evolve, but today each of the five families, who live all across the country, has a percentage of the fund that they, parents and children, have total discretion over each year. One family even created their own grant application!
The Herrick’s Story
Community foundations provide a solid framework for assisting donors to provide the support they give to community organizations. One of the most important services we provide is the knowledge about local organizations and needs. The Herrick Family has focused their support on the neediest 10% of the community. For several years, they have identified funds to be directed to those in need at the end of the year, but they rely on the RSF Foundation to select those most deserving. In addition, because of Herrick’s family business, thousands of blankets have been distributed through the Foundation to the homeless and people living in shelters during the cold winter months in North San Diego County.
The Goldsmith’s Story
When you have many children and grandchildren, it can be challenging to introduce them to the concept of philanthropy and how to practice it effectively. Bob and Catherine Goldsmith opened their donor advised fund in 2003 and found that it was a model that worked for them. Shortly thereafter, the Goldsmiths opened funds for each of their children with an equal amount of money so that they might begin their own philanthropic journey. Eight years later, all of the children are using their funds across the country, each supporting their own local programs. The hope is that the grandchildren will begin their philanthropic journey in learning from their parents.
The Miller’s Story
Tyler Miller and his son Ty have served on the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Board of Directors for a total of 15 years. Tyler was elected in 1983 and Ty was elected in 2003. Both father and son have been actively involved in the grant committee during their respective tenures, a practice that each continues through their family philanthropy at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. When Ty was recognized at his last board meeting this year, we invited him to encourage one of his children to consider board membership in the future … we look forward to welcoming the third generation of Millers.
