Accomplished, successful, and in high demand for their time, tenured professionals are often in a position to provide monetary support to charities of their choice. It’s a given that “time is money,” and when calculating the value that hours spent in a leadership position bring to their respective charities – not to mention the energy and enthusiasm they contribute – these individuals exemplify the true spirit of transcendent philanthropy.
DAVID BOHNETT
Founder, Baroda Ventures
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Vice Chair of the Board
Founded in 1919, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an array of music from all genres at Walt Disney Concert Hall (October-May) and the Hollywood Bowl (June-September). The preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic is at the foundation of its offerings.
/ laphil.com
Tenure Joined the Board in 2004. Served as chair 2008-2013.
Connection Supported Walt Disney Concert Hall through gifts from the David Bohnett Foundation while hosting 10 guests at each of the three inaugural galas in 2003.
Other Causes Serves on the boards of LACMA, amfAR the Foundation for AIDS Research, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and funds many organizations through his Foundation.
Why I Give “My long-term vision is to promote a just society with opportunity for all. I always felt a responsibility to help those less fortunate than myself, and very early on made the connection that we all have a responsibility to help make our community and society the kind of environment that we want to live in.”
RICHARD RUSH
President, California State University, Channel Islands
Casa Pacifica
Board of Directors; Chair, Governance Committee
Since 1994, Casa Pacifica has served abused and neglected children and adolescents, and those with severe emotional, social, behavioral, and mental health challenges. One of its major fundraising events, the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine Food & Brew Festival, has been held at CSUCI since 2007.
/ casapacifica.org
Tenure Involved since 2002; board member since 2003 (with a year hiatus in 2009)
Connection “I was invited to tour the facility, and when I saw first-hand the good work being done, I was hooked.”
Other Causes Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Hospital, Loyola High School, Ventura County Civic Alliance.
Why I Give “I have been very fortunate to have been helped by others at different times in my life. From those experiences, I learned the importance of reaching out to help others wherever I could and, in particular, those organizations that touch the lives of many people.”
PAUL SCHAEFFER
Vice Chairman and COO, Mandalay Entertainment Group
Children’s Hospital LOS ANGELES
Board of Trustees
Founded in 1901, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a not-for-profit pediatric health care organization recognized as the top children’s hospital in California. The facility provides for more than 104,000 children annually from Los Angeles and beyond.
/ chla.org
Tenure Since 1982
Connection “I originally became involved with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through my participation with the Neil Bogart Memorial Fund, which focused on developing cures for pediatric cancer. Later, I met legendary CHLA oncologist Stuart Siegel and became inspired by CHLA’s achievements in cancer care and pioneering research.”
Other Causes Advisory Board of the American Jewish University’s MBA Non-Profit Program, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Board of Governors, University of Pennsylvania Law School Scholarship Grant
Why I Give “For me, devoting human and financial resources to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is truly “giving back.” I have certainly received more from my participation than I could ever give. When compared to the brilliant, tireless, and dedicated team of doctors, nurses, staff, and administrators, who each day give their all to the sickest children in Southern California and beyond, I have a long way to go.”
LISA SPECHT
Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
The Music Center
Chairman of the Board
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014, The Music Center is the umbrella organization overseeing world-class resident performing arts companies that include the LA Phil, LA Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Center Theatre Group. The organization provides arts education programs to schools, hosts free family-friendly performances by international artists, and presents free community events and cultural experiences in Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles.
/ musiccenter.org
Tenure Seven years
Connection “I was recruited to join the board of The Music Center by my good friend John Emerson (currently the United States Ambassador to Germany), who was the board chair at the time.”
Other Causes Trustee of Pitzer College for more than 20 years; major supporter of various women’s organizations
Why I Give “What we do for others in the community, by giving back, enriches their lives and enriches our souls. It is with that spirit and understanding that I have focused my energies to help specific communities gain access – to education, to the arts, and to opportunities for success – so that their lives are made better, and mine more worthwhile.”