Anyone can be a philanthropist

Updated: October 21, 2008 - 12:51 PM

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Even if you don't live in a historic mansion, there are lots of ways you can support local nonprofits -- without giving a lot of cash, said Uri Camarena.

He encourages people to host a dinner party in their home, even a small one, for a silent auction. "It doesn't have to be a big grand space, as long as there's something a little creative, a unique type of food," he said. "Those are things anyone can do." The trend at silent auctions is to offer "experiences" rather than material items, he added.

His wife Melissa's favorite fundraiser at their home was memorable not for its grandeur, but because it was unique and interactive. "It was for the Playwrights' Center, and they auctioned off playwrights," she recalled. "The person who won went into a room with the playwright and told him what he wanted the play to be about. The playwright went away to write, then came back 20 minutes later with a play that [actors] performed in front of us. It was phenomenal! We were dying of laughter."

And if entertaining isn't your forte, offer your time. "Volunteering -- that's huge," Uri said. "The organizations we support have a big volunteer base."

KIM PALMER