President's Message

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

It is my pleasure to present the 2009 Annual Report, my first as president of the Board of Trustees of the Walter & Elise Haas Sr. Fund. While the past year offered continuing economic challenges for both the Fund and the community it serves, I am proud to be able to follow the examples set by the three generations of family stewardship that have preceded me.

For nearly sixty years, my great-grandparents, Walter and Elise Haas, and their descendents have conscientiously developed an inspiring legacy of philanthropic leadership. I am appreciative that I began my board service, albeit as a non-voting "trustee in training," during the tenure of my grandfather, Peter E. Haas, Sr. I have also been privileged to learn from the wise and skilled leadership of my father, Peter E. Haas, Jr. and my cousin, John D. Goldman, my predecessors as board presidents.

The extraordinary commitment of the prior generations has set a high standard as representatives of my generation begin our tenure on the board and in leadership. My fellow 4th generation trustee and cousin, William Goldman, and I are committed to continuing the Walter & Elise Haas Fund's legacy of strategic and compassionate philanthropy. We are equally committed to passing on the Fund's values to others in ours and future generations of family members.

I am proud to be part of this foundation, and realize that it is much more than just the living legacy of my great-grandparents, Walter and Elise Haas. In fact, the Fund's continuing relevancy is evident every day in the work of our grantees. Nor could we fulfill our mission of building a healthy, just, and vibrant society in which people feel connected to and responsible for their community without our exceptional staff and the leadership of Executive Director, Pam David. I am deeply grateful for their continued dedication and hard work in these challenging times.

Thank you for taking an interest in the Walter & Elise Haas Sr. Fund. Your involvement honors the work we do and helps continue our family's philanthropic legacy.

Best regards,

Jennifer C. Haas
President, Board of Trustees