Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve witnessed from our community of creatives and entrepreneurs. We asked some of them to open up to us about where they think their generosity comes from.

Shannon Jackson

My generosity comes from my family. I come from a family of pastors and leaders in the community. My whole life I watched my family help others in need. They would provide shelter, food, and so many things that will help another in need. So it’s really in my blood. I learned that generosity produces generosity. Giving, to me, has satisfying results and it makes me feel really good to give to others in need. Read More>>

Kay Graves

I’m a firm believer of what you put out in the world, you get back. So with that in mind, I’ve always loved being a giver and being kind in whatever way I can be. I would say it came from my mom. She does many things, from cooking to baking and sewing. I grew up watching her give pies and desserts to family and friends to brighten their spirits and host gatherings where we all eat and enjoy one another’s company. From her I learned how to spread love that way. We can be generous with many things like giving affirmations to friends or lending a hand to someone in need. There’s no one way to be generous and generosity is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Read More>>

Dominique Vanhecke

I was raised in a family were all chances were given to develop ourselves creatively and intellectually, but always with the ethic of giving back to the community, friends and family. On top I have a smaller sister – 7 years of age difference – which I took care of since her birth, which greatly shaped me as ‘the big brother’. Read More>>

Kimberly Park

I’ve always been a pretty generous person, but I feel a deeper connection to being there for others now that we’ve been through something traumatic. We had our first child via an emergency C Section to save both of our lives at 27 weeks. It was the most traumatic yet best experience of our lives. We were surrounded by people who were there for us, people that were not just family and friends. The NICU, the hospital, and complete strangers became our village overnight. Because of them we survived. The simple generosity we were shown truly made an impact. I’ll never forget how we were treated and how good it felt. I want to make sure I continue to help others feel that way too. Read More>>

Cristos Birbilis

Generosity is a unique thing that I have learned. It was taught to me by my recent employers. These employers were my former coaches. They taught me the fundamentals of the sport of swimming. How to become a better athlete and a better person at the same time. John McGlynn is the head coach and founder of Renegade Aquatics here in Escondido, CA. He was the first club coach that took me under his wing and had great patience for working with a struggling swimmer such as myself. I never was a Division I swimmer on my first day of swim practice. My dives were a bit unpleasant, causing belly flops and hard slaps upon the water. John was the type of coach to always keep an eye on me and do his best to help me each time. Read More>>

Diana Makovitch

I was overwhelmed by the generosity of others with a simple thank you and even sometimes tears from customers due to the memories of their loved ones when I finished and presented the special gnome that I made in honor of their Veteran friend or family member. Read More>>

Amanda Sayeg

Growing up in Brazil had a huge impact on how I see the world and approach my work as a producer. It was a place that exposed me early on to significant social contrasts, resilience, creativity, and also the incredible power of community. From that experience, I learned something I genuinely believe—that sharing doesn’t diminish what we have; instead, it multiplies it. The more openly we share our experiences, skills, and resources, the richer we all become. Read More>>

Alex J Dimas

My parents. I may be biased, but they are the most generous people on the planet. Ever since I was a child, I remember them hosting people all the time, welcoming anyone in their home and providing warm meals.
(If you haven’t guessed it yet, it is a Latino’s love language.)
They modeled what generosity is supposed to look like–without expecting anything in return. I find myself doing the same when it comes to hosting my own people, and making meals for friends just because. I thank my parents for that! Read More>>

Corinn Blanton

My generosity comes from a deep understanding of what it feels like to need support, comfort, or simply to be seen. Throughout my life, there were many times I wished I had someone who truly understood me—someone who could step in with kindness, offer a helping hand, or just make me feel valued. Those moments shaped me, making me more in tune with what others might need or want. When I sense someone feeling alone, overwhelmed, or unheard, it triggers something in me to step in and do what I can to make them feel loved and desired. Whether it’s through small gestures or bigger acts of kindness, I want people to feel warmth and cared for. I believe that generosity isn’t just about giving things—it’s about making people feel seen, supported, and worthy. If I can offer that, even in a small way, it feels like a way of healing not just them, but also the parts of me that once needed the same. Read More>>

Annelle Whitt

The foundation’s generosity stems from the legacy of James A. Whitt Sr., whose unwavering commitment to the economic development of M/WBEs in Columbia and Mid-Missouri was deeply personal. He believed passionately in the power of investing in these businesses to close the financial gap. Recognizing the frequent lack of support and belief faced by M/WBEs, we strive to be that crucial source of encouragement, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to achieve their dreams. Read More>>

Juan Pablo Castiblanco

Generosity involves a deep commitment, not only to others but also to oneself. It is an act of mutualism in which, to help others, we must first be well with ourselves.
I inherited this virtue from my mother, a woman who has dedicated her life to serving others with love and knowledge. Generosity is something we must pass down through generations, something worthy of imitation and passing along. Although the world may seem increasingly hostile and selfish, small acts of empathy can transform lives. And all of this begins with example.
The process begins with an act of humility: allowing ourselves to listen to others selflessly. From there, a world of possibilities opens up to create positive change, generating a snowball effect of generosity. Read More>>