June 19, 2025 — 7:02 PM

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund held its Grants Celebration Meeting and Awards Luncheon on May 15 at the RSF Golf Club. This year, the Women’s Fund granted $518,000 to 12 local organizations selected through a year-long vetting process.

Outgoing Board Chair Nikki Carmody Ream announced that the RSF Women’s Fund received an amazing second donation of $1 million from William (Bill) Gillies in honor of his mother, founder Gayle Gillies Mize, according to a news release. This gift is structured as a dollar-for-dollar matching donation: Bill Gillies will match funds raised through the RSF Women’s Fund’s Above and Beyond Campaign, and profits from public donations or fundraising activities up to $1 million.

“From Gayle’s inspiration in founding the RSF Women’s Fund to raising such a generous and philanthropic son, the Gillies have allowed the RSF Women’s Fund to achieve an extraordinary status of investing over half a million dollars each year to support pertinent local nonprofits who provide crucial services,” said Carmody Ream in the news release. “We encourage all of our members and the local community/businesses to consider making a gift to the RSFWF Charitable fund so they will double the impact of their contribution. This is a tremendous opportunity to significantly boost North County nonprofit services.”

Charter Fund Member Sue Sanderson shared memories and anecdotes about Gayle before presenting the annual Gayle Gillies-Mize Award to the USD Hahn School of Nursing. Each year, this award is given to the grant applicant which receives the most funding votes from the RSFWF membership. The $35,000 awarded will enable the USD Hahn School to expand a new training program to address the critical shortage of Perinatal Clinic Nurse Specialists (CNSs), directly improving maternal and infant health outcomes in San Diego and preventing infant and mother mortality.

Other organizations receiving funds this year include: Blue Star Families, San Diego Chapter ($30,000); Boys and Girls Clubs of NW San Diego ($48,000); Boys to Men Mentoring Network ($25,000); Friends of San Pasqual Academy ($25,000); Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank ($25,000); Mitchell Thorp Foundation ($50,000); The Elizabeth Hospice ($50,000); Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego, Rachel’s Program ($75,000); Chicano Federation of San Diego County ($75,000); Classics 4 Kids ($30,000); Pro Kids First Tee – San Diego ($50,000).

Representatives from these organizations were present to accept their awards and speak about the projects being funded.

On behalf of the membership, Mary Consalvi, the incoming board chairwoman, recognized and thanked Nikki Carmody Ream for her distinguished service as board chairwoman over the last two years. Under her leadership, the RSF Women’s Fund reorganized into a 501(c)(3) organization, and raised and granted over $500,000 for two consecutive years. During her tenure, Bill Gillies made his initial $1 million donation, ensuring that the RSFWF would be solidified to develop philanthropists for future generations, the news release stated.

Through the power of collective giving, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund has been a driving force for positive change in the San Diego community. Since its inception in 2004, the RSFWF has donated over $6.2 million to 179 local nonprofit organizations and projects, significantly impacting the lives of many, the news release stated.

In addition to making grants that benefit the community, the Women’s Fund provides unique and inclusive opportunities for women to connect and engage. RSFWF members can attend events, network with other women, participate in service projects, and learn about important community issues. To learn more about the RSF Women’s Fund or become a member, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org.