People often ask me why I give to Cambridge.
The answer is simple. Working in Cambridge has allowed me to have a successful career in real estate and an enriching life, and I believe in giving back to the city that’s given me so much.
For years, I’d sit down this time of year, flip on some holiday music and write checks to organizations I supported. It was my annual holiday date night with Frank Sinatra. These days, I forgo Ol’ Blue Eyes and I simply do much of my local philanthropic giving through my Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at CCF. DAFs offer tax benefits, but a DAF at CCF means my dollars are invested deeply in my city. I can direct grants to organizations I love and know that my fund is a source of strength for the Foundation, that does so much for this city.
As a CCF board member, that makes me feel good. Because the Foundation IS Cambridge. I’m investing in an organization that knows Cambridge and its problem solvers and is focused on supporting struggling residents and ensuring our city remains a great place to live and work for all of us. When I invest in CCF, I invest in Cambridge.
Let’s be honest. People aren’t benefiting equally from Cambridge’s booming economy. And, I know for a fact there are a lot of people like me who call Cambridge home and make a good living here. Just imagine, if 500 real estate agents gave $1,000 to CCF and they were joined by 500 employees working in Bio-tech or the Life Sciences industry, we’d have a million-dollar investment in CCF and the city that has given us all so much.
This isn’t a guilt trip or anything. It’s a reality check. If we love a place, if the place is good to us, why not give back? And you don’t even have to like Frank to do it.
Happy holidays,
Gail Roberts
CCF Board Member and Fund Holder
For more information about CCF DAFs please contact Michal Rubin, Vice President of Development at [email protected].
