Core to our mission is building a more compassionate and generous world and so we reached out to some of the most generous folks we know to ask them to share where they think their generosity comes from.
Berrin Tunçel
Thank you for your kind words Nadia. I think the generosity comes from by genes or maybe by the destiny I had in the earlier phases of life. I had a little brother when I was a little child. He was 13 months younger than me. Since I had a working mother. I was responsible to take care of him. He was like a little son to me. During the day time, we were either locked inside home by my mother or left outside in the streets. I was protecting my little brother from the bad boys of the neighborhood. I always loved him & tried to protect him throughout my life. But unfortunately, I lost him when he was at the age of 55. I miss him so much.. Read more>>
Erika Pozo Fiorilo
I grew up in Bolivia, where I witnessed a lot of poverty and saw many people in need. As a child, I remember my parents actively looking for ways to help, whether through providing food or clothing for families and children in need. They, along with my grandparents, set a strong example, showing me that helping others was something you did without hesitation. Read more>>
Chu Lin
People say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and I believe that’s true. My generosity comes from my ohana—my family and community. Growing up, I watched my mom and many “ohana moms” around me share kindness. My mom is a university professor, and she treated her students as if they were her own children. She showed me that generosity isn’t just monetary; it’s about spreading love and being there for others. Read more>>
Serenity Dennis
I saw a saying before; that said, “My happiness comes from the kindness of those around me.” and I’d say the same goes for my generosity. My mom has always taught my brother and I to treat others with kindness; she always tells us, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Growing up, I sometimes struggled with this, I can’t lie, but as I got older, it has become so easy. Life isn’t as simple as I thought it was when I was a child, and I’ve learned that everyone is trying to figure things out and find their own ways of how to live and what works for them. This makes being generous so easy, knowing that, like me, everyone is human. I want to be the love, kindness, and happiness the people around me show me every day. Read more>>
Jonathan Lue
I was working at a ski resort in Colorado in 2019, and decided to step into the creative field by buying a camera. I connected with a friend from the marketing department who led the resort’s photo and video content. I would often run to his office to ask questions and text him for advice. Over time, he generously shared his knowledge and even gave me free gear during a period when I had very little. Read more>>
Jesenia Pena
I grew up in a home with a mom who was super generous. We let people stay in our home when they didn’t have a place to stay. This often meant giving up our beds and sharing with my sisters. Helping others was a core value, one that I took to heart. Read more>>
Angelo Acevedo And Christie Sena
We have been touched by the generosity of others and want to pay that forward. We had coaches and mentors as children and adults, so we coach and mentor others. Our families have benefited from the charity of others, and we want to give back. Read more>>
Brittany Brook
My parents and my mother’s parents are deeply generous people. Every Sunday after church, my mom and dad invited one of the families over to our small ranch for lunch and music. It was the culture of our house to give of our resources and our talents: all four of us were expected to sing and play a musical instrument in the family band whenever company came over and I honestly loved every minute of it. My grandparents on my mother’s side supported those musical pursuits, along with any other passion we expressed, with diligent enthusiasm and financial help. I have always been provided for in profound ways by my family and giving is one of our love languages. Read more>>
Demetrius Nath
I was born & raised in Bangladesh during my early years – and while my family was fortunate enough to not have to struggle like many to earn a living, I got to witness first hand how little people had. I saw the old and the young, walk the streets begging…the blind and the lame spend entire days by the roadside to make a dollar. I even noticed close friends and how they led their life, pinching pennies. And that’s just a small portion of what I was exposed to. Seeing this in my formative years, I think gave me perspective that many don’t have…I learned to be grateful, thankful and tried to do my part to help. Read more>>
Ashley Littlefield
Generosity is given to us through the acknowledgment of gratitude. Every day, we are given a generous perspective with each wake of the sun. Each new day allows generosity to be shared with others, even with a warm smile. The people I have in my life and the way they have shared kindness with me reflect the generosity in my heart, which is my purpose of sharing everything I put my heart into with others. Read more>>
Alisha Merlo
Generosity, for me, is a natural outflow of faith and a response to Jesus’s example of love and compassion. It’s not limited to financial giving; it includes offering time, talents, and a listening ear to those around us. Read more>>
Dustin T. Pagliughi
I’d have to say that my generosity comes mostly from my mother. Being a natural giver, she always made sure everyone around her had something to help get by. When I was young, we practiced the “hand me down” method throughout our family meaning, if my sister, or I out grew something, we would then repurpose that article to our cousins and so on and so forth. We were taught to share at a very young age. Read more>>
Tina Ritz
I would have to say my generosity comes from my mother. Our house was always the house that everyone wanted to spent time at growing up. My mom always made sure to have food and hugs available for everyone who walked into her house, she still does. She always gives her time to people in need and I have adopted that as well. Read more>>
Rian Knight
I like to put out good energy and positivity in the universe. My mantra is that life is already hard enough, so we should all be very mindful of how we interact with and care for one another. Especially throughout my journey of moving to California from Florida as a teen, I received an abundance of love, advice, support, and resources from multiple people and that also really shaped my perspective of what it means to be a part of community. I’m grateful to be able to give and receive. As I continue to grow and learn, I aspire to showcase this attribute through all my means of expression, whether it be through my music, fashion, advocacy, etc. Read more>>
Synamon Whaley
Having experienced privation in my formative years, I developed a propensity for helping those in need. My charitable endeavors are driven by compassion and divine guidance. Moreover, as a Cosmetic Scientist, I undertake exhaustive product testing, offering free samples to refine formulations. Our company has earned The Leaping Bunny Program’s cruelty-free certification, ensuring our non-toxic, plant-based products are rigorously tested on ourselves, family, friends, and volunteers to guarantee safety and pH balance prior. Read more>>
Sarah Rowland
Generosity comes to me when I take care of my health and my mind which makes me feel good. I believe this leaves room to pass on my good feelings to others. When I help a person, it makes me feel good, this is another way to take care of my health. This cycle is so simple and beautiful anyone can do it. It does not have to be a huge gesture always. Small things, such as simply listening to someone can make a difference in a person’s day and you may learn something too. Read more>>
Jason Edmonds
Giving the nature of the job we do with the Re Entry community, our generosity comes from understanding the journey awaiting those that are returning to regular society. What people may not know, or want to admit is that for a person returning home to stay out–mitigating the haunting realities of recidivism–requires a support system that provides resources that most employers are unwilling to provide. To provide resources like mental health counseling, housing, clothing, transportation, job/skill training, job placement and most importantly money, takes a great deal of generosity, and everyone’s level of which is different. Read more>>
Karina Villagomez
I believe generosity is essential in building strong, ,meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally. Im inspired by those around me and motivated by the idea that by helping others, we create a positive environment for everyone involved. Its always rewarding to support others and contribute to their success whenever possible. Read more>>
Megan Rowe
Growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, (yes! Like the chocolate) I was fortunate to have a role model who embodied community and compassion. Milton Hershey, the town’s founder, made selfless decisions throughout his life to ensure generational wealth for his workers, provide them with entertainment to improve their quality of life, and strategically set up a $17 billion endowment that continues to provide free education and housing to low-income families. Read more>>
Kindle Thompson
I think many people can describe generosity differently. I would describe it as being humble. Being a rising star in this industry, but still balancing my “normal life” to make a living defines my career. Read more>>
Rachel Schumacher
It comes from just having a big heart for people and Jesus. I have always wanted to make a difference in the world no matter what I am doing. Despite switching careers from health care to now a business owner, I wanted my business to have a giving back component. It was funny, before I even started a floral business or knew I’d be interested, during COVID I went to Trader Joe’s and picked up flowers and delivered them to the residents for Valentine’s Day while they were stuck in their rooms. It only felt natural that a great way for me to still serve the older adult communities in assisted livings and nursing homes was to be able to give them flowers after a wedding instead of throwing them away. Read more>>
