"Noticing a need in the community and then filling it."

Bob and Willa Bernhard focus on two main types of philanthropic outlets. They actively support big organizations like ACLU, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood, and local hospitals. And they are equally passionate about noticing a need that no one else is filling—or hasn’t filled well—and then doing something about it.

Willa—a former psychologist, therapist, and educator in the Department of Psychiatry at Cornell University Medical School—has plenty of ways of giving to the community.  She has been a supporter of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County and belongs to the Florida Suncoast Division of the International Women’s Board, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of award-winning filmmaker KT Curran and her work with SOURCE Productions as well as her current work with Wingspan in educating young adults through theatre and films that tackle vital issues.

Bob Bernhard’s a born problem solver who’s always dreaming up ways to overcome challenges in our community,” says John Annis in an article for Scene Magazine. There aren’t many 91-year-olds who are so actively engaged with local issues and thinking about ways to make a difference.