True Stories of Inspiring Generosity
Each year, people from all walks of life make generous donations to Placer Community Foundation. We use these funds to issue grants to the nonprofit organizations working to resolve pressing community needs and seize important community opportunities. Together, we’re making life better in Placer County.
We invite you to read these true stories of impact and hope. In some cases, we’ve changed people’s names to protect their privacy.
Annemarie took great pride in her long, prolific career as a nurse at Kaiser Hospital in Hollywood. She was a founding nurse in the hospital’s first intensive and cardiac care… Read More>
Janet Wilson was born in Omaha, NE. She moved with her family at the age of six to San Carlos, CA. After graduation from San Carlos High School, she attended UCSB and graduated from UC Berkeley. Read More>
Mary Ann Flemmer’s path to philanthropy started in 2019 but has since expanded to encompass the giving of her time, talents and treasures to various causes she hadn’t imagined. Read More>
To say Don Wolfe likes flying is like saying someone likes breathing. His passion began at the age of five on his family’s dairy farm in Ohio where he watched planes drop rye grass in the field next to his home. “I could see the pilots in there. I thought, man, that looks like fun.” Read More>
For Irmgard (“Else”) Schichtel a childhood in Nazi Germany set in motion a circuitous path towards a permanent fund at Placer Community Foundation that will assist disadvantaged youth. Read More>
Andrew Hayes grew up in a home where giving to the community was part of the “internal culture.” His father was a university professor and his mother got her MBA while raising children. Both were busy and successful, but remained involved in the community… Read More>
When reflecting on their years of community service, philanthropy was a logical next step for the Salettas. “I think people retiring from teaching, community service, etc. want to stay connected to what’s going on in their community,” states Rick. “PCF is a good way to do that and to get involved.” Read More>
Anne and Bill Thomasmeyer are givers. Whether it is time or financial support, they have always given to the community where they live. When they moved to Roseville from Pittsburgh to be closer to family and they opened the Thomasmeyer Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund at PCF. Read More>
Joanne Ligamari has held a love of reading since childhood and that love led her and her husband, Bob Boehm, to establish funds at Placer Community Foundation to help adults and children further their literacy: the Joanne Ligamari and Robert Boehm Literacy Fund and the Joanne Ligamari and Robert Boehm Foundation. Read More>
Never missing a beat, Rhonda and Dr. Richard Wampler are always on the go. From building wells in third-world countries, to volunteering in shelters and being advocates for people in need, the Wamplers do it all—Richard has even saved thousands of lives through his revolutionary invention of a heart pump… Read More>
Married for nearly 30 years, and living in Placer County for just as long, Dan and Dorothy Dimick have been making their mark in the community with plans to do more. “We’re very fortunate to be in a position to give,” said Dan. “Giving was instilled in me growing up… Read More>
Captain Mike Holmes is many things—a decorated combat veteran, a retired professor, an actor, a history preservationist and above all else, a philanthropist. But the story of Mike Holmes and how he ended up in Auburn, California doesn’t begin with him…. Read More>
Modest and unassuming as they are, one might be hard pressed to learn about the public service and giving back that has been an integral part of Nancy and Kenneth Kahn’s life. Ken worked in several different capacities for the… Read More>
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” These words written by William Shakespeare perfectly describe Mary Paolini Fischer. Throughout her life, Mary was always small in size, but big in heart. Standing at barely 5’ tall, her small size never stopped her from doing big things… Read More>
Frank Porter has made an indelible mark of gratitude for vital care he received during his last years of life. His gift through bequest establishes the Frank and Gladys Porter Endowment Fund which provides support to organizations… Read More>
From growing up in the housing projects of New York to a chance love affair that brought her to California, Rosie Wohlfromm has led an incredible life of giving that will continue to grow through the charitable legacy she created… Read More>
From the moment that Bill and Barbara Tellman met at Stanford University, where he was studying to be a doctor and she to be a nurse, they have held a shared compassion to help others that has lasted throughout their 51 years of marriage… Read More>
For Vicki and Alan, giving back comes naturally – like Alan’s father offering fruit and vegetables on the bus. They give because it feels good and does good. The Alan L. and Vicki E. Takagishi Endowment Fund will continue this legacy… Read More>
Jim Williams and his wife, Diane, opened The Williams Family Fund in honor of James T. & Ruth Ruhkala Williams at Placer Community Foundation. This unrestricted fund will address unmet community needs over the years through… Read More>
Guy and Sigrid Gibson are committed residents of Placer County. Guy owns a law firm that was established by his father in 1953 and is a past President of the Roseville Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, he joined the PCF Board of Directors… Read More>
As part of their Jewish faith, Jim and Judy Ganulin grew up learning the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and it’s clear they’ve taken that message to heart. It’s been only two years since the couple moved to Placer County… Read More>
Although Gail and Charles Muskavitch began their lives in two very different ways, their shared passions brought them together. Born in Texas, Mildred Cornelia Smith was the oldest daughter of seven children. They were raised by a single mother… Read More>
While shuffling their kids to and from their many activities they became aware of the community assets and the necessity to care for them. “We’d ask ourselves, ‘What would happen if the community pool needs a major repair?’ or ‘Who was… Read More>
For four generations, members of the Walsh family contributed to the growth and prosperity of Auburn. The first Walsh, James, settled here in 1853. Years later, his grandson Jack served as postmaster and was elected mayor. Lillian Walsh was… Read More>
For Mark and Stacey Haney, Placer County has been the place they grew up, started their careers and raised their two children. Throughout the years the entire family has enjoyed and remained active in team sports, so establishing…. Read More>
If you ask Bud Beadles why he gives charitably, the reply is one word: Humanity. Throughout their life together, Bud and his wife, Bernie, planned for the future. When Bud knew that retirement was coming soon, he began to think about… Read More>
Mr. Kemp was born in Kings County, Brooklyn, NY in 1917. Both his parents emigrated from Russia to New York by 1912.He served as a Colonel in the Air Force during World War II, spending a period of this term in Africa. Upon returning… Read More>
In the 1940s, Irene went to work for a San Francisco stock broker and quickly developed a knack for spotting quality stocks. After strategically building her own portfolio and realizing significant gains, she eventually settled in the foothills… Read More>
An Auburn resident since the 1950’s, Carmen Tindall Wilson was a wife, mother, teacher and dedicated philanthropist. She was a passionate woman who was committed to the efforts of a local animal spay and neuter clinic. Read More>
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