In the heart of the picturesque Sonoma Valley, the Wedekind family's legacy of love, community, and philanthropy continues to blossom. For over a century, the family has been deeply rooted in the region, and their story is one of hard work, dedication, and a genuine...
“Are you familiar with the Jewish religion? Do you know what ‘tikkun olam’ means?” Carol Newman asks. “It means, ‘to repair the world.’ It’s a mitzvah, a good deed.” Her husband, Barry Sovel, adds, “It’s very much a part of our cultural and religious background.” Carol and Barry’s...
Sam and Betz Miller met when Sam worked in sales for West Publishing, and Betz worked as a cataloging librarian for a Bay Area library. Married for the past 31 years, Betz and Sam have loved making their home in Santa Rosa and, after retiring...
Sonoma volunteer and generous community donor Whitney Evans grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of the very first community foundation, which might help explain his love for the community foundation model. "I spent the first 50 years of my life in Cleveland, and I knew...
During the last stretch of her thirty-year career as a self-proclaimed “international workaholic,” Taya Levine left her then home base of Arlington, Virginia and made her way west to Sonoma County. Born and raised in Fremont, California—which was then an agricultural town that she remembers...
Interview by Dani Burlison. Photo: Hanford ARC Vice President and CEO Mark Cederborg with founder Doug Hanford, by Caitlin Childs Sonoma County based Hanford Applied Restoration and Conservation (Hanford ARC) is a general engineering and landscape contractor specializing in ecological restoration. Hanford ARC focuses on mitigating...
Growing up in Santa Rosa, Brooke and his sister Lisa learned about philanthropy as young children. Their mother, Jeannie Schulz, is renowned for her support of local causes, especially for her commitment to the arts and environment. “Obviously my mom has been a major influence...
When Katherine Fulton and Katharine Kunst moved into their home in the heart of Sonoma, they knew this community was unique. They were charmed by its beauty and small town vibe. Katharine Kunst explains, “I love that it is so incredibly walkable. As an artist...
We are honored to remember our friend and donor Richard Kunde, who passed away last week at the age of 75. Richard and his late wife Saralee became donors to Community Foundation Sonoma County in 1995, and we highlighted their legacy of giving in our...
Brothers, ages 11 and 9, are put on a train alone to escape a growing threat to Jews as war looms. Their parents stay behind in Germany, hoping to join them after taking care of family affairs. They will never see each other again. Hans (“Hank”)...