The Gift of Philanthropy: And How Supporting Local Businesses Is Good for Us All

Some years ago, I was at a friend’s dinner party where I had the good fortune to be seated next to the late philanthropist, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree. At the time, she was 92 and clearly had no intention of slowing down anytime soon. As I was in graduate school studying healthy aging, I used this fortuitous seating arrangement to do some unofficial research. After we chatted for a bit, I asked her if she wouldn’t mind letting me in on her secret to longevity. Without blinking an eye, she said, “Philanthropy,” then turned to speak to the man on her other side. Feeling simultaneously anointed and slighted, I let her words marinate throughout the night and have not forgotten them since.

The word philanthropy itself can often seem intimidating, conjuring up images of large art donations and red ribbon cutting ceremonies (although, truth be told, I have always wondered where you get a pair of scissors that large). According to the good, old Oxford Languages, philanthropy is “the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.” But I decided to dig deeper. What are the origins of this word that is so often bandied about? Turns out, it’s kind of cool. It has Greek roots (doesn’t everything?) and comes from “philein” which is to love. And “anthropos” which is human being. To love fellow humans. How fabulous is that? At one point, it evolved into meaning, “to help oldsters” which was one of the origins of the British pension. The word has clearly evolved into meaning so much more.

And while the donations are critical to any cause, most nonprofits will tell you that the heart of any organization is its volunteers. 

I spoke with Crystal Wyatt, Montecito resident, who embodies the spirit of both philanthropy and volunteerism. I have known Crystal for over 15 years, and she has never had less than two to three causes to which she gives her all. She and her husband, Cliff, are not only very generous donors, but Crystal is also a boots-on-the-ground fundraiser, board member, party planner, and community activist extraordinaire. This made her the perfect person to ask about what role philanthropy plays in her life, to which she replied, “I count it as one of the greatest privileges to be able to put your personal values into action with charitable giving. It brings me longer lasting and deeper joy than any other use of funds because the impact reaches out far beyond myself and my immediate family to touch others.” And in terms of volunteering she says, “It’s basically similar in that the gift of time is almost more precious than money. You can tell what someone cares about by where they give their time.”

Carnegie Mellon led a study which found that “…older adults who volunteered for at least 200 hours annually decrease their risk of high blood pressure by 40%, thus lowering their risk of heart disease and stroke, among other health problems.” 

Numerous studies have also shown that it can lower depression, increase self-esteem, increase happiness and feelings of positivity. So, it feels good, and it is good. Talk about a win-win. 

As the wreathe-adorned mail order catalogs begin to arrive, and the discounted shop skeletons are replaced by reindeer, it seemed like a good time to reflect on another type of giving that can benefit us all – supporting local businesses. 

I was over the moon when Godmothers opened. Being a rabid bibliophile and an indie bookstore groupie, it was so exciting to see how the neighbors immediately embraced it. But what about the other locally owned shops who aren’t BFFs with Oprah, Harry, and Meghan? And why does it matter?

When I was growing up in Santa Monica, we had the Brentwood Country Mart (a totally different version from what it is now I assure you) which was comprised of a small grocery store, a candy shop (which was my first job at the age of 12), a meat market (no, not like Lucky’s), a tiny jewelry store, a little bookstore called The Book Nook, and the best french fries you have ever had. We had monthly accounts at most places and used our name instead of Apple Pay. Sepi and his mother ran the produce section. And Irene was the loveably cantankerous old lady who ran the candy store. Why am I telling you this, you might wonder? Well, apart from my tendency to overshare, these businesses and these people were so much a part of my childhood that I still remember them 40 years later. And they knew us. By name. 

Locally owned businesses are what separate one community from another. Lily on Coast Village Road isn’t part of a multi-million dollar chain. Chaucer’s is Chaucer’s and has been for 50 years. Camp Canine was started by John and Mary and is now run by their daughter, Jayne. They gave me their cell numbers when I was pregnant with my daughter in case I went into labor in the middle of the night so they could come and pick up our dogs. Fourteen years later, Jayne then gave that same baby girl her first job. We are part of one another’s history.

Supporting these labors of love not only encourages entrepreneurship, but it boosts the local economy and helps each town retain its spirit of individuality. “This is what we are about!” It screams. If towns were all made up of chain stores, how would you know if you were in Myrtle Beach or Montecito? 

And the quality of goods is often so much better. I didn’t know one olive oil from the next until I shopped at Viva Oliva on State Street and now, I can’t make my focaccia with anything else. When I need a gift for a friend, I often go to Jules by The Sea, the Funk Zone-based jewelry and gift store owned and operated by local resident, Jules Kramer. I asked her what it means to her to be a local business owner and why it is important to support them. “Shopping locally helps keep Santa Barbara’s unique small businesses alive, giving us all special finds you won’t see anywhere else. It also fosters community and lets me connect with my customers while supporting local causes.”

And while some will say “retail is dead,” the business owners of our little town are evidence to the contrary. So, before you next hit, “Click to Order,” take a beat, get some air, put the top down on that convertible and go look for hidden treasures. 

From Carpinteria to Goleta, it is like finding the golden pot at the end of the rainbow. (No, not that kind of pot.)

Happy Hunting!