The Coral Gables Community Foundation (CGCF) and Evensky & Katz (E&K) held the first annual Youth 4 Tomorrow program at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables on Saturday, July 22,
2006. CGCF matched a $2500 donation from E&K which was disbursed among several charities benefiting children. The catch 's8211; the participating high school and college students got
to decide how much went to each charity. This was a unique event designed to teach kids about philanthropy. The program allowed each student to allocate real money among the different
charities.
Eight charities were selected for participation and each was provided an initial $250 contribution. Then, each student had a $300 budget to allocate, at their discretion, among the
participating charities.
The student participants were divided into four teams and each was provided with detailed information about two of the participating charities. The teams then made a presentation to their
peers. Based on those presentations, the students made their personal allocation decisions.
The students took their responsibility quite seriously. Several commented how difficult it was to make allocations among so many worthy causes and wished they could do more. Many of the
students were already involved in other charitable organizations or activities. The students ranged from 9th grade to college seniors. Three parents were in attendance as well, but left
all the decision-making to the kids
's8220;We were extremely impressed with the kids,'s8221; said Matt McGrath of Evensky & Katz. 's8220;They demonstrated maturity beyond their years,'s8221; he added.
Papa John's8217;s donated pizzas, wings, and soft drinks and the Hyatt donated the room. Tom Cookson, Chair, and Gloria Burns, Executive Director, were present from CGCF and Matt McGrath
and David Evensky were present from Evensky & Katz.
The Coral Gables Community Foundation was established in September, 1991, by community leaders with the mission of fostering programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for
people living and working in Coral Gables
Evensky & Katz Wealth Management, one of the nation's8217;s best known financial planning firms, overseeing in excess of $500 million of assets. The firm has been in business in Coral
Gables for over 20 years.