MARCH 14, 2025 — 5:53 AM

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund hosted its annual Site Visit Sign-Up Meeting Feb. 13 at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. The “Galantine’s” themed luncheon featured Reynold Hoover, the CEO of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee.

In his role, Hoover oversees the day-to-day operations of planning and executing the Games. He highlighted the tremendous efforts of the planning committee across all aspects of the event, particularly regarding its operations. Reyhold emphasized the value of the thousands of volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors who come together to make the games memorable for the athletes, the spectators, and the surrounding communities, according to a news release.

Members of the Women’s Fund also heard from Sarah Tuakli Cooper, the executive director of the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS). Last spring, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund funded the Girls Take Flight program, which provides 10th and 11th-grade girls with extensive hands-on experience building and flying drones and exploring their many applications. A $25,000 grant from the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund will account for approximately 19 percent of the program’s budget and promote STEM careers for young women.

The main program of the luncheon featured Grant Co-Chairs Sara Bennett and Maritia Walper, who announced the 17 organizations RSFWF members will visit in person over the next couple of weeks. This unique privilege allows members to examine the organizations’ structures and proposed programs in detail, the news release stated.

In recent months, the Women’s Fund’s two Grant Committees reviewed 124 grant applications totaling over $6 million from charitable organizations in San Diego County that focus on services for women, children, and youth—areas chosen by the membership. The members will reconvene in April for finalist presentations and vote on funding. Selected organizations will receive grants of up to $75,000 from a record-breaking total grant pool of over $517,000.

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is vital in driving positive change within the San Diego community by harnessing the power of collective giving. Since its inception in 2004, the RSFWF has donated over $5.7 million to 165 local nonprofit programs, significantly impacting countless lives, the news release reported.

In addition to its philanthropic efforts, the Women’s Fund fosters a platform for women to connect, engage, and learn about important community issues. Members can participate in events, network with other women, and contribute to the Fund’s mission. To learn more or become a member, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org.