Dec 18

Dec 18 Furry Friends and Philanthropy

Written By Angela Pearson

Like many St. Louisans, I’ve spent more time at home in 2020 than in previous years combined. And while I’ve intentionally embraced the stillness of semi-isolation, it’s difficult not to experience moments of profound sadness when thinking about the pandemic’s devastating effects on our community. In those moments, I’ve found myself commenting to a friend, family member or colleague that I don’t know what I’d do without my dog.

While the companionship of Bo, my 14-year-old Shih Tzu, certainly enriches my life, there’s some hyperbole in the sentiment I’ve shared so often in recent months ― because for many, a dog is more than a pet. Through my board leadership with CHAMP Assistance Dogs, a local nonprofit that trains and places service and therapy dogs, I’ve seen firsthand just how important and transformative dogs are in the lives of people with physical and cognitive disabilities. For a young woman with mobility challenges, for example, a skilled service dog gives her the support she needs to live independently and attend college. And her dog finds joy and fulfillment by helping her. It’s not difficult to get behind an organization that helps deliver such a mutually beneficial outcome ― so I was excited when my cousin, a dog trainer, introduced me to CHAMP several years ago. And I was thrilled when the group’s leaders later invited me to join the board.

Serving as the president of this nonprofit’s board for the past six years has allowed me to lend my financial services industry experience to an organization and cause I believe in. It has enabled me to better understand and appreciate what it takes to operate a successful organization that exists because of private donations. And it has helped me discover and cultivate a true passion for helping people and dogs in a special way.

Finding a passion is crucial when choosing the beneficiaries of our time, talent and treasure ― because a gift is more meaningful when we can appreciate the impact it will have.

As a wealth management professional, helping clients align their passions with their philanthropic goals is among the most fulfilling aspects of my job. I cherish the discussions that help bring definition and clarity to their visions for the philanthropic legacies they want to leave. And I enjoy the challenge of advising on vehicles and solutions that can maximize the impact of their gifts in the most tax-efficient manner. While philanthropy is just one element of building a portfolio, it’s an element that requires more than strategy and structure. It requires introspection, soul-searching and ― during a time when our community’s needs are both broad and deep ― focus.

As we say goodbye to 2020 and approach 2021 with hope and optimism, I encourage you to reflect on your passion. If you haven’t found it yet, keep searching. And if you’re fortunate to have found it, consider how you can channel it to help others.

Angela Pearson is Senior Vice President & Market Leader, PNC Wealth Management®, St. Louis.

PNC Wealth Management is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

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