We asked some of the most generous entrepreneurs, artists and creatives we know to talk to us about where they think their generosity comes from.
Brian (bp) Pilling
My generosity may have been sparked in childhood through experiences or values that shaped my perspective on helping others. I’ve seen the impact of kindness in my community or learned from family members who led by example. Growing up, might have felt like a natural drive to support those around me, whether through small gestures or offering a helping hand when it mattered. Read more>>
Quita Jackson
When I think about generosity, the first person who comes to mind is my mom. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching her live a life of selflessness and kindness, even when life was tough. She was, and still is, the most giving person I know. I saw her give her last dime to people in need, even when we didn’t have enough ourselves. She always believed that things would work out as they should and that the way you treat others reflects who you are, not what you have.
Her kindness extended far beyond her immediate circle. My sister, grandma and I traveled with her to places like Africa, where she helped implement programs that focused on making communities more self-sufficient. It wasn’t just about giving; it was about empowering people to sustain themselves. She wanted to see people grow, to witness communities become stronger, healthier, and happier. She wasn’t just helping; she was investing in others’ potential. Read more>>
Beatris Mendez Gandica
My generosity comes from my grandfather, Papito. He always taught me, “Si usted tiene, usted tiene que dar,” which means, “If you have, you must give.” He showed me through his own actions that having the ability to help others is a responsibility, not just an option. This principle has been a guiding force in my life and in the work I do at Nuevo Foundation, where sharing knowledge and opportunities with others is at the heart of our mission. Read more>>
Liz Blakeley
We love our community and appreciate all that it has given us over the 20+ years that we have lived here. We feel it’s important to give back and to share our success of our business with the many loyal supporters. Read more>>
Sb Cutts
My generosity really stems from the way my grandparents raised me. They were some of the most giving people I’ve ever known, and they taught me what it means to be generous—not just by telling me, but by showing me every day. They gave so much to others, whether it was sharing food from their garden with neighbors or spending their time helping out in our community. Watching them, I saw that true generosity isn’t about having a lot to give; it’s about sharing what you have and being there for others in meaningful ways. Read more>>
Nicole Farrell
When our oldest son Colton was diagnosed with brain cancer it felt as if the entire world opened its arms with generosity and love. When we decided to start Marble Candle Company we wanted to give back to others just as fiercely. Read more>>
Sabali Anderson
Growing up in the care of a single mother, surrounded by severe poverty, I discovered generosity in places most wouldn’t expect. My roots could have easily steered me toward self-preservation, yet I learned early on that giving had the power to transform lives—including my own. Read more>>
Lisa Vasquez
My generosity comes from wanting everyone to have a moment to shine. You don’t have to win everything, but you can have your moment in the spotlight. By doing this, others have a chance to feel validated, and we get a chance to see different ideas, cultures, and points of view. Being open to learning as a community is the way to turn ideas into change for the better. Read more>>
Henry Desouza Nelson
I personally believe that the more you give the more you receive, also I grew up in an environment where generosity was standard practice. Read more>>
Terry Rubin
Generosity was essential to my life growing up in Peoria, IL. I had a father who volunteered much of his time to different Jewish organizations that wanted to improve the world. He even volunteered every Monday morning during the school year to play guitar and sing songs for Kindergarteners 1st and 2nd graders at our local grade school. I had a mother who was a social worker and put her heart and soul into caring for every client. She worked for the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services and, at some points, had 50 or 60 cases to manage. She treated each case thoughtfully and wanted to help every one of them any way she could. Read more>>
