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 Feature Article
Why I Give…
“PEACE OF MIND”
(First in a series of columns based on member chats with Paige Haller, ABFI’s Director of Donor Relations.)
With their home in San Clemente, Mark and Debbie Gale have long been beach people; indeed, they currently are the “Legends World Champion Tandem Surfing Team.” (“Yes, that means old guys,” Mark explains.)
But then, a few years back, they discovered the inland sands of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and have become both responsible off-roaders and avid hikers. “It’s a very calming, majestic, and enlightening place. Every visit we discover something new, something we’ve never seen before. Whenever possible, we leave the desert a better place than we found it.”
What the Gales particularly appreciate about ABFI is its “pro-active approach to protecting the environment.” This is a contrast to what they’ve encountered on the Southern California coast. “To be frank, when I saw my favorite beach written up in Newsweek as one of the most polluted – and my family had to get shots as preventive measures before surfing – I felt as if my donations and efforts to stop what was happening to my beach had failed. And a good part of the reason for this was that the move to save it was reactive in nature – after the fact, after the damage was done. On the other hand, when donating to the Foundation, you’re fighting the good fight (up front) to keep a pristine environment as it is. Could you ever imagine needing to get shots so you could enjoy Anza-Borrego?”
Mark speaks from workplace experience; he formulates plans for emergency management for Southern California Edison. And he supports us through the company’s matching gift campaign. “Even though ABFI wasn’t on the charity list Edison gave me, I was still able to select ABFI as an option by providing its tax ID number [for the record, #33-0334338].
“Not only does the desert lend Debbie and I peace of mind, but contributing to ABFI gives us further peace of mind in knowing that this amazing land will be preserved for our kids Jessica and Heston – and beyond – to enjoy.”
Mark and Debbie in competitive form. From this, their dream is to retire to Borrego Springs |
Debbie behind the wheel of
their restored 1973 VW “Thing” |
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A Member Option
You can support ABFI through Earth Share of California. Donations through your workplace go further – with your payroll contribution 3-5 times greater (and easier) than mailing in a check. To find out more about giving through your workplace, contact Paige at (760) 767-0446 or paige@theabf.org or visit www.earthshareca.org.
Earth Share of California – Through workplace giving, employers and employees can contribute to Earth Share of California's network of respected environmental organizations to promote healthy, clean and safe communities, both in California and nationwide.
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