Loma Public Education Fund

LPEF’s signature fundraiser of the year is coming up on Saturday, October 3. This year’s theme is Yacht Rock, but don’t worry about getting seasick. We’ll be anchored safely on dry land at Maison du Lac, the gorgeous mountain estate of Patti Hughes.

Break out your leisure suit or favorite breezy romper, gather your neighbors, and join us for an unforgettable night supporting our schools. Purchase your tickets at lpef.org. Foundation of Santa Cruz County Giving Back Rachelle Lopp Our mountain community is special, and when we care about something, we invest in it. From our schools and churches to Theatre in the Mountains and countless other groups, our organizations make this place vibrant.

I support our mountain schools via the Loma Prieta Future Fund. Many of us may not know the most financially savvy ways to give back. That’s why I’d like to share more about the Generosity Forum series hosted by the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.

Charitable giving doesn't just involve writing a check. Generosity can involve something much bigger: planning for the future, supporting community causes we care about, and aligning our financial decisions with our values.

Those are the conversations at the heart of the Generosity Forum, a series that explores practical approaches to philanthropy and lasting community impact. members gather to learn from professional advisors, nonprofit leaders, and foundation staff about topics ranging from charitable trusts and real estate gifts to local needs and legacy planning. The series is designed to help people better understand the many ways they can make a difference close to home. In its final months, two sessions offer opportunities for community members to explore how thoughtful planning can amplify their charitable impact.

On Wednesday, September 9, CPA David Doolin and community foundation donor services director Hilary Bryant will discuss tax-smart giving through donor-advised funds. The conversation will examine how donor-advised funds can help individuals and families organize their charitable giving, navigate tax considerations, and support the causes they care about over time.

On Thursday, October 1, Beacon Pointe advisors Lance Wexler and Rocky Lin, and foundation chief philanthropy officer Kea Gorden, will discuss the charitable power of your retirement assets and how thoughtful planning can benefit both donors and the community.

While the topics vary, the underlying theme remains consistent: helping people turn good intentions into meaningful action. Philanthropy is not just for the wealthy or for major donors. It is for anyone who wants to create positive change and build a stronger future for our mountain All events will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County building at 7807 Soquel Drive in Aptos. The Generosity Forum are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cfscc.org/blog/ the-generosity-forum-2026.

For more information about the Loma Prieta Future Fund, visit lomaprietafuturefund.org.