Blog

Some gifts leave a mark long after they are given. This is one of those stories. In the summer of 2025, Marin Charitable lost one of our own. Sara Walker, a beloved member since 2016, passed away along with her husband Mark and son Johnny in the devastating floods that swept through Central Texas. Those of us who knew Sara remember her warmth, her generosity, and her deep love of the outdoors and nature. Her loss shook our community to its core. Sara is survived by her daught

Share a little bit about you and your family I've been married for 23 years to my handsome husband, Mike, and we have two kids, Maggie (20) and Henry (18). This will be the first year that they both will be in college, and our nest will be empty. In addition to my work as a voice actor and audiobook narrator, I sing with several musical groups/bands. Music makes me feel alive! What drew you to Marin Charitable? I joined Marin Charitable when my son was a baby and my daughter

The well-being of the youth in our community has always been paramount to Marin Charitable. And in recent years, mental health has become one of the most significant areas where our youth are struggling. A 2024 youth-led survey through Marin County’s AIM Ideas Lab found that nearly 90% of local teens report anxiety among their peers, while more than 86% report high stress or burnout. More than 70% identified depression or low self-esteem as major concerns among youth. It’s no

Tell us a little bit about yourself (and your family) I'm a 5th-generation Bay Area native, I attended Sotheby's Institute of Art in London and I managed an antique textile gallery in San Francisco until my twins were born. Then, I retired to raise my boys, Harry and Tucker, with my husband Pat (who didn't retire). Anyone who has been to my house for a meeting has met my dog Bruce, an important family member and who is a chocolate lab. What was your proudest moment as MC pr

The word legacy has been shifting for me, almost daily, in recent months. Like many of our members, my son has just graduated from college, and my daughter is days away from graduating from high school. Other members glow about their own family’s milestones and memories, too, whether it’s a marriage, a new grandchild, or a family tradition carried forward. These moments provoke the image of a ripple effect…sending something meaningful into the world; a monumental shift in the

One of the most meaningful parts of our work happens after the grants are awarded...when we begin to see how those funds take shape in the lives of young people across our community. A recent feature in the Marin Independent Journal highlights several Marin Charitable grantees and the real-world impact of their programs. From career exploration in healthcare to individualized support for foster youth, these stories offer a powerful glimpse into how opportunity, access, and e

What drew you to Marin Charitable? Ursula Stratford (Perky was her daughter, and Jerry, her son). She wanted me to join MC. Oh my, I was so young...29 or 30? At the time, I was also volunteering with the Junior League of San Francisco, the Marin Designers Showcase, and was on the board of the Volunteer Center in Marin. So, I took the plunge and became very active. What made you say yes to becoming President? I was honored, and I loved being the President. I had a fabulous boa

We’re honored to be featured in the Marin Voice column in the Marin Independent Journal. In a year when funding requests from local nonprofits increased significantly, one thing stood out: our community showed up. Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our members and volunteers, Marin Charitable awarded a record $306,077 to 58 youth-serving nonprofits across Marin County — our largest grant distribution in 65 years. This piece reflects not just the miles

Sixty-five years ago, ten visionary women saw a need in Marin County and decided to do something about it. They gathered their friends, hosted events, and began raising funds to support our community. They likely couldn’t have imagined where that simple, powerful act of collective generosity would lead. For 65 years, Marin Charitable has continued in that same spirit: Neighbors gathering neighbors, volunteers stepping forward, and a community coming together to support young