Philanthropy Stories

Philanthrophy Stories

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Welcome to Philanthropy Stories, where we celebrate the inspiring journeys of people and organizations who are making a difference every single day.

Every act of giving has a story — sometimes big, sometimes small, but always meaningful. Here, you’ll find true stories of kindness, generosity, and community spirit that remind us what it means to care.

Stories of People. Stories of Kindness

Philanthropy Stories is a space where we share real stories of giving, kindness, generosity, and compassion. Behind every act of giving, there’s an inspiring story sometimes big, sometimes small but every story has the power to bring hope and change to our communities.

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Philanthropy Stories

Explore our growing collection of heartfelt stories.
Every story invites you to think, connect, and maybe even take the first step to do something good in your own way.

Bob Hopkins

USA

Bob Hopkins

USA

Bob Hopkins: A Legacy in Philanthropy Bob Hopkins is a respected educator, author, speaker, and passionate advocate for philanthropy. For over four decades, he has dedicated his life to inspiring and empowering individuals, especially young people, to understand the true meaning of giving back to their communities. Bob Hopkins is a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for community giving. For over 40 years, he has inspired people to understand and practice philanthropy. Through teaching, writing (Philanthropy Misunderstood), and public speaking, Bob shows that anyone — not just the wealthy — can make a difference by giving time, talent, or treasure. His mission is to build a culture of generosity and celebrate everyday changemakers around the world.

Email:info@philantrophyunited.org

Louis Ryan

USA

Louis Ryan

USA

Louis Ryan, a lifelong philanthropist, began giving as a child and continued through his career, pledging to school campaigns and raising funds for the United Way. At 75, he actively supports causes like education and the environment, serving on boards such as the Elizabeth River Project and the Virginia Symphony. Ryan, who was the first in his family to attend college, emphasizes the importance of giving back. Through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, he tailors his donations to meet community needs, believing that true change comes from bringing people together.

Nazi antisemitism

Germany

Nazi antisemitism

Germany

Urt Rosenbach, a Holocaust survivor, was just 9 years old when Nazi antisemitism disrupted his peaceful life in Germany. After enduring bullying, discrimination, and witnessing his father’s business collapse, he immigrated to the United States in 1938, just months before the Nazis began deporting Jews to concentration camps. Rosenbach, who lived a life of gratitude, passed away in 2020 at age 97. He and his wife, Rose, left a legacy of philanthropy, arranging a charitable bequest to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Rosenbach served on several nonprofit boards, including The Norfolk Foundation and the United Way of South Hampton Roads. His son and daughter remember him as a man with an unwavering “can-do attitude” who was committed to giving back throughout his life.

Barbara Taylor’s

USA

Barbara Taylor’s

USA

When Barbara Taylor passed away in 2020, she left over half a million dollars to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to support youth causes. But her greatest legacy is the gift of philanthropy she passed on to her family. Her children — Kathy Brobst, Gail Perry, and Michael Khandelwal — now help direct her fund to benefit young people’s education, safety, and well-being. “She had a special affinity for young people,” Michael said. “Our goal is to help organizations that work with youth.”

Kevin Turpin

USA

Kevin Turpin

USA

Kevin and Wanda Turpin are passionate philanthropists dedicated to giving back to their community. Kevin is the founder of the Life Enrichment Center, a children’s literacy program, and Wanda serves as the site director. Both believe in the power of reading to transform lives, with Wanda saying, "Reading can take you all over the world." The Turpins are founding members of the Visionaries for Change giving circle and active in New Life Church. Kevin’s personal struggle with reading inspired him to focus on literacy and help others, while Wanda learned the value of giving from her parents. They both emphasize the importance of volunteering, donating, and sharing talents, particularly within the Black community. Wanda believes you don’t need wealth to give, just a willing heart. "Just be committed," she says.

Cindy Cutler and Craig Haines

Switzerland

Cindy Cutler and Craig Haines

Switzerland

Cindy Cutler and Craig Haines, longtime Hampton Roads residents, have arranged an unrestricted bequest through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to support future community needs. Married for over 20 years, the couple has a history of giving to causes they care about, from WHRO to Equality Virginia and Hampton Roads PRIDE. Initially adding charities to their wills by hand, they later chose the community foundation to ensure their support continues broadly. “In any way we can give back, we are happy to do so,” Craig says. Cindy adds, “Baby boomers need to plan now — or someone else will do it for them

David Landsberger

USA

David Landsberger

USA

In 1989, David Landsberger survived the crash of United Flight 232, an experience that transformed his life and sparked his passion for giving back. Ever since, he has dedicated himself to helping people on the Eastern Shore and beyond, sharing his time, talent, and resources to make a difference. He turned a personal tragedy into a lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy.

Robert Nusbaum and Linda Laibstain

Switzerland

Robert Nusbaum and Linda Laibstain

Switzerland

Attorneys Bob Nusbaum and Linda Laibstain grew up in Hampton Roads in families that valued community service and generosity. The Norfolk couple who work with Williams Mullen PC created a donor-advised fund at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in 2014. They wanted the flexibility to recommend grants to specific nonprofits whose work resonates with them.

Dr. Samuel Coppage

USA

Dr. Samuel Coppage

USA

Dr. Samuel Coppage, a beloved Old Dominion University IT professor for 30 years, passed away in 2014 at age 65. Known for his brilliance, warmth, and dedication to students, Sam spent most of his life in Norfolk. He left a bequest to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, creating four funds in his and his family’s names. His legacy continues to support causes close to his heart, including local churches, Tidewater Community College, and Hampton University, ensuring he helps his community for generations to come.

James and Karen Jones

USA

James and Karen Jones

USA

On a warm summer day, James A. Squires, chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, visited the Southside Boys & Girls Club to present a $5 million corporate gift and $40,000 from his own fund. While city leaders gathered to celebrate, Jim spent meaningful time with the kids, showing that for him, philanthropy is more than writing checks — it’s about being hands-on and intentional. Inspired in part by his wife, Karen Jones Squires, his giving has grown to focus on equity and community connection.

Ellis Pretlow

Switzerland

Ellis Pretlow

Switzerland

Ellis Pretlow, an attorney with Kaufman & Canoles, gives her time, talent, and treasure to strengthen Hampton Roads. She serves on the community foundation’s Professional Advisors Committee and is a member of the Community Leadership Partners giving circle. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Betty Pretlow — who led the region’s first Girl Scouts council — Ellis has served on boards like the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast. Inspired by her mother, Lila Pretlow, who quietly donated Tipsy Cake proceeds to help youth, Ellis believes giving back should start early and doesn’t require wealth — just commitment.

Jennifer Mooney

USA

Jennifer Mooney

USA

When Jennifer Mooney Greene of Virginia Beach passed away from melanoma in 2013, her family knew a scholarship was the best way to honor her legacy as a beloved teacher. Instead of starting a private foundation, they partnered with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to quickly create a fund in her name. Jen taught English at Green Run High School and founded its AVID program to help first-generation college students succeed. Today, her scholarship supports lower-income Virginia Beach students, especially AVID students at Green Run, continuing her mission to open doors to higher education.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

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Do you have a story of giving or kindness to tell?

Your experience can inspire someone else to take action and spread hope.

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Philanthrophy Stories

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Philanthropy Stories

Stories of People. Stories of Kindness

Philanthropy Stories

Bob Hopkins

Louis Ryan

Nazi antisemitism

Barbara Taylor’s

Kevin Turpin

Cindy Cutler and Craig Haines

David Landsberger

Robert Nusbaum and Linda Laibstain

Dr. Samuel Coppage

James and Karen Jones

Ellis Pretlow

Jennifer Mooney

Real Stories. Real Impact.

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