PHILANTHROPY AT THE CENTER OF HOUSTON'S HEART
Philanthropy is as common in Houston as a good Tex-Mex or barbeque restaurant. Houstonians love reaching deep into our pockets and giving back to people in need. According to ORGANIZATION, Houston-area residents gave over $12 billion to various charitable causes in 2014, proving that we are indeed a generous bunch.
The number of financial contributions by members of the baby boomer generation is expected to increase as older residents leave a high percentage of their assets to nonprofit institutions in health and medicine, education, abuse, rehabilitation and other areas.
Anika Jackson, board president at Children Give Back, knows first-hand how philanthropy has become a part of everyday life in the Bayou City.
“The sheer heart that Houstonians have for others along with our diversity and entrepreneurialism make us unique in our giving strategies,” says Jackson. “Houstonians weave giving back into daily activities; we feel it is a calling, a blessing and a privilege to do so.”
For entrepreneur Theresa Roemer, giving back isn’t limited to individuals. She uses her business acumen to help major corporations expand their philanthropic efforts.
"Houstonians are always there and ready to lend y'all a hand in good times and bad. It's about community, something you don't see in many big cities,” say Roemer.
Mandy Kao, founder of the Mandy Kao Foundation, is not a native Houstonian, but she has amassed a support system of close friends who share a love of providing for others.
“Although I don’t have any family in Houston, I feel this city is my home. I have so many wonderful friends, and quite a few of them I met through doing charity work. Houston is the best place to make money and to make a difference,” says Kao.
At Nan and Company Properties, we love giving back too. Whether it’s sponsoring events for charity, making in-kind donations, giving of time and resources or making financial contributions, helping those in need is part of what’s at the heart of what we do.