The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on December 1, 2025.
For one Gulf Coast Community Foundation donor family, the true meaning of philanthropy came to life through the imagination and compassion of its youngest members.
The holiday season is a time for togetherness both near and far. The connections we make expand our communities, and the bonds we form with others help shape our world, now and for years to come. For one Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) donor family, the true meaning of philanthropy came to life through the imagination and compassion of its youngest members.
Gulf Coast donors Gary and Fran Hughes were inspired to develop a family-focused philanthropic challenge after attending a workshop for Gulf Coast donors focused on strategies to foster multi-generational giving. Gary and Fran invited the then 10-year-old Pascal and seven-year-old Josephine (JoJo) – their great nephew and great niece – to research a charity of their choice, present their findings, and propose how a donation could help their chosen organization thrive
Both children prepared thorough, thoughtful presentations, with Pascal even creating his own PowerPoint to share with his loved ones. Each child had a unique vision for their proposal: while JoJo shared her ideas on how to support the Humane Society and the animals they serve nationwide, Pascal chose to address homelessness in their home state of California. He selected San Diego-based Father Joe’s Villages, an organization that shelters both unhoused and formerly incarcerated citizens. “I wanted to make a difference in my community and help those in need,” explained Pascal. “I see homeless people on the street and I always really want to help them.” Pascal’s plan detailed the specific uses of their gift and how their support could have direct impact, from purchasing supplies like food, medicine, and beds, to operational expenses like staff time.
We were inspired by their insight and their thoughtfulness. It’s the first time that they’ve done anything like this. They’re really thoughtful kids.”
The couple agreed to follow each child’s plan and helped them make a grant in their names to their chosen charities. Even from states away, Pascal and JoJo embodied the essence of the donor workshop the Hughes’ attended. Not only did the young philanthropists see how their choices could meaningfully support the causes they believe in, but their family members also witnessed something powerful: the confidence, empathy, and sense of responsibility that grows when children are invited to participate in real values-driven giving.
“I’ll be really interested in knowing what they choose next year,” shared Gary, who plans to gather with the family in Michigan next summer as this new tradition begins to take shape. “We’ll give them the same challenge again and I know that they’re interested in doing it. They’d like to continue their efforts. They’ve talked about how they could do some things for kids at school they’ve seen who are less fortunate.”
The end of the year is often a time to reflect but can also be a time to inspire. Thoughtful giving can do more than support the causes you care about; it can spark curiosity, compassion, and action in the next generation. That’s the kind of legacy the Hughes’ are building, reminding us all: “We’ve got to make sure the next generation talks about it.”
No matter the size of your gift, there are ways to make a meaningful impact and involve your family in the joy of giving. Start exploring how your own family can leave a lasting mark this holiday season: www.gulfcoastcf.org/your-philanthropy.
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