Many people have an innate desire to give back to their communities, whether through volunteering, donating, mentoring, fundraising, or advocacy. I believe people contribute for various reasons—to support causes they care about, develop new skills, connect with others, make a meaningful impact, or fulfill a sense of civic responsibility. While there are countless motivations, one common thread remains: the human instinct to help others.
For me, giving back is a deeply personal and rewarding experience. Currently, I serve as the Co-President of the Community Arts Foundation, where we act as the fundraising engine for the Community Arts Center in Walnut Creek. Our motto, “Arts for All,” embodies our mission to provide scholarships that enable individuals to explore and experience the arts—opportunities they might not have otherwise had.
Additionally, I volunteer with the San Francisco Job Forum, where professionals across various industries support job seekers by offering career advice, resume guidance, LinkedIn optimization strategies, and job search techniques. Helping others navigate their career journeys is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s inspiring to see the impact that collective expertise and mentorship can have.
One of my most unique and heartfelt ways of giving back is through baking. I donate homemade cakes to charity auctions for organizations I believe in, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Knights of Columbus. These cakes have helped raise anywhere from $500 to $2,000 each, and every creation is designed with a specific inspiration in mind. For instance, after the release of the Barbie movie, I crafted a Barbie-themed cake that became a highlight of the auction.
One of my most cherished experiences involved a dear colleague whose young daughter, Chloe, was
diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the age of six. Make-A-Wish granted Chloe’s wish for a trip
to Disneyland, bringing her immense joy. After her passing, her family honored her memory by organizing annual fundraising events to support the foundation. Each year, I contributed a themed cake for their auction. One particularly meaningful year, when the theme was “Cowboy/Cowgirl Disneyland,” I surprised Chloe’s parents with a handcrafted country-themed doll cake —a tribute to Chloe’s love for dolls. Seeing the joy and comfort it brought them was truly priceless.
Giving back is more than just an act of kindness— it’s a way to build connections, uplift others, and create lasting change. Whether through fundraising, mentoring, or something as simple as baking a cake, I believe that even small gestures can have a profound impact.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001