The East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring program used a grant from the Palo Alto Weekly's Holiday Fund helped seven high school juniors visit seven colleges all over the state. Photo taken Dec. 6, 2016. Photo by Veronica Weber.

A 'force for good'
First-time donors give $25K to holiday-giving campaign

In the midst of dozens of donations for $25, $100 or $500 received earlier this month to the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund, one jumped out: an unsolicited and completely unexpected check for $25,000 from a first-time donor.

In the case of our newest major donor, two Palo Alto residents who both came here to attend Stanford University more than 40 years ago, their expressed motivations perfectly captured our vision when establishing the Holiday Fund 25 years ago.

"We both are particularly interested in directing our resources and energy into highly local giving looking for ways to help those in our community who have been less fortunate than we to gain opportunity, education, a roof over their heads and the health care they need to survive and hopefully thrive," they wrote.

"We were paging through the Weekly a few weeks ago, saw a full page piece on this year's Holiday Fund and the kinds of recipients to which you have contributed in the past and basically just moved immediately to send the contribution your way.

"We've been Weekly readers for decades and know and trust the Weekly. We love how you have focused and structured the Holiday Fund. We also know and trust Silicon Valley Community Foundation and like how efficient you and they are at getting funds to work in the community.

"We are thrilled to be able to help and thank you for your efforts to create a meaningful force for good in our community," they concluded.

The list of organizations the Holiday Fund supported this last year can be found to the right.

Along with the thousands of kids and families who ultimately benefit from your gift, we are grateful for your help.