As the director of the El Dorado Community Foundation, Bill Roby had a front row seat for nearly two decades of nonprofit, community-building, and philanthropic efforts taking place throughout the county and beyond. He became a personal supporter of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference from the very beginning, and helped Hands4Hope learn and grow from the Community Foundation resources and expertise. When Bill retired from the Community Foundation, he created the Bill Roby Family Foundation, and the foundation became a sponsor of Hands4Hope. Read on to learn more about what drives Bill's commitment to philanthropy and building a stronger community.
"I have known Bill for years and appreciated his steadfast commitment to supporting El Dorado County nonprofit organizations through his leadership at the El Dorado County Community Foundation," says Jennifer Bassett, Hands4Hope Founder & Executive Director. "With his deep understanding of the needs of this region and how nonprofits can truly help, we are honored that in his retirement he has chosen to become a sponsor of Hands4Hope through the Bill Roby Family Foundation."
Interview with Bill Roby, founder of Bill Roby Family Foundation
We are so appreciative of the Bill Roby Family Foundation's generous support of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference. Can you tell us more about your foundation?
After directing the El Dorado Community Foundation for 17 years, I wanted to have the opportunity to venture into a more personal philanthropic role through establishing a family foundation celebrating our family history of giving.
What about the mission of Hands4Hope resonates with your foundation’s values or goals?
The mission of Hands4Hope, and the very start of Hands4Hope, has resonated with me since its inception. What possible better investment can we make but one in our youth. Empowerment to steer projects from inception to execution teaches so many skills: planning and development, negotiation, team building and goal setting, to name only a few.
What is one special moment or memory that stands out to you from your interactions with Hands4Hope?
One of the first events of an emerging Hands4Hope was an Easter event at White Rock Village. It was at the time so random and so sweet that an individual felt so strongly about teaching their children about the obligation, and nexus, of privilege and serving.
On a personal level, what does giving back to the community mean to you?
Our mother and father came from poverty in the south. They took a risk moving their two young sons to California to afford them opportunities they never had. Not only did that occur, the entire family thrived achieving the dreams of our parents. Although our parents' lives changed dramatically, they never forgot those who struggled. That value was passed onto us and is summed up in the lesson of my father.
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