For nearly three decades, Linda and Steve Boutin have approached philanthropy the same way they’ve approached life: with deep roots, steady commitment, and a belief that caring for the Sacramento region means investing in its future.
Their journey with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation began in 1998, when they established an endowed Donor Advised Fund grounded in long-term vision and family values. While their giving has evolved over time, their commitment to local impact has remained constant. In Steve’s own words, he reflects on what inspires their generosity, and why they continue to choose their local community foundation as their philanthropic partner:
Yogi Berra once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Unlike Yogi, Linda and I do not understand what the future will be, but we sincerely care about the future of those in our region.
Linda and I both arrived on this earth at Mercy General Hospital, which for us was a fortuitous beginning. Since then, the Sacramento community has been the nucleus of our lives, as it was for well over one hundred years for Linda’s Thomas family and my Downey side. For many years, both of our families have contributed to and benefited from this promised land we call home.
Like the “campsite rule,” our family wants to leave the world — and our region — a better place. So, in 1998, Linda and I established an endowed Donor Advised Fund with the Foundation and taught our daughters, Alexis and Gabrielle, the necessity and wisdom of philanthropy.
Last year, Linda and I decided that we wanted the flexibility afforded by an expendable Donor Advised Fund. Having received personal advice and superb support from the Foundation over the years, we rejected a suggestion that we establish a fund with a national conglomerate. Instead, we readily chose to establish a new fund with our local bedrock, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.
Since we are not prescient like Yogi Berra, we want to act locally — and hope others will choose to as well.