Local couple inspires others to give

The Dayton Foundation has been helping people help others since 1921 by managing charitable funds, awarding grants to nonprofits and launching community initiatives. Contact the Foundation at (937) 222-0410 or visit www.daytonfoundation.org.

Longtime Dayton residents Deb and Chris Pulos share a desire to make a difference in the lives of others and in their community, both through volunteering and charitable giving.

Married for nearly 30 years, Chris, is a senior vice president with Brower Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and Deb spends her time volunteering for various community organizations.

Q: What influenced your desire to give to charity?

Deb: We were both raised to understand that it's not what you have, but rather what you give that is important in life. We also are very involved in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and see so many people who continue to give of themselves and what they have.

Q: You both have spent a lot of time volunteering in the community. Which organizations and Boards have you been involved with as a volunteer?

Chris: Currently, I'm a member of the American Heart Association Board and the chair of the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation Board. I'm also a past president of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. When I'm not working, I coach freshman football for Northmont High School and teach karate to the youth in our community, which I love.

Deb: Both of us served two terms on the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm Board. Through our church, I've helped to organize public relations activities for the annual Greek Festival and serve as a member of the parish council. I've also volunteered for the Clayton Community Foundation and was a member of the Northmont Education Foundation Board for seven years. Currently, I chair the Citizen's for Northmont City Schools PAC, the organization that educates the community on bond and levy issues.

Q: How did you get involved with the Northmont Education Foundation?

Deb: I volunteered with the Northmont City School District for many years and loved being part of the culture. When I was approached to sit on the Board, I was honored and excited. I served as chair for three years and was heavily involved in awarding grants from the Foundation, which has been an educational fund of The Dayton Foundation for thirty years. The Northmont Education Foundation's mission is to provide funds to enhance the education of students in the Northmont community through grants and scholarships. It was incredibly rewarding. I love the school district, and my desire to work for the students, staff and community is very strong.

Q: What inspires you about your community?

Deb: The people. We are fortunate to know so many wonderful people from so many different walks of life. Our life is full of people who are willing to extend themselves to help others.

Why is helping others so important to you?

Chris: We feel blessed. We have seen that to whom much is given, much is expected. Both Deb and I witnessed early on in our lives that there is no greater gift than the gift of giving and sharing with those in need.

Q: Do you have a particular focus for your charitable giving?

Deb: We focus on organizations that are closest to our hearts and our community – our church, Northmont organizations and local hospitals. Chris's mother and dad were very well cared for by the staff of Miami Valley Hospital. We have a great connection to them.

Q: Why did you decide to open your Charitable Checking Account with The Dayton Foundation?

Chris: We really like how easy the service makes it to give to charity, including being able to direct grants, add to our fund and keep track of all transactions online through Donor Express. The Foundation's professional staff also is available to us anytime we have a question.

Q: What advice can you share about giving to the community?

Deb: Examine your time, talent and treasure. Most people have more than what they need in their lives. You will find that once you make the commitment to share what is in your life, it will come back to you in abundance.

Q: How would you complete this sentence, “My giving makes me feel____”?

A: … like we are making an impact on changing our little corner of the world!

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