Gifts are Seeds That Bloom Later
For Mario Diaz, Wells Fargo Foundation's Regional Vice President for the San Francisco Bay Region, supporting hospice is a personal as well as professional matter. His father, Carlos Miguel Diaz, was cared for in his final days by hospice.
Hospice is crucial
"Hospice helped my mother and family profoundly in that important transition. Hospice staff understand dying — both the physical and emotional process and have a crucial role in educating families." Diaz's Aunt Mary was also cared for by hospice and Diaz was very supportive of his cousins' decision to bring in hospice.
"I always mention hospice to others when I know they are facing an end-of-life situation. Hospice brings a soothing quality to the situation. They're like angels. I was so grateful they could be there for my father."
Bring passion to your work
Diaz credits his father with teaching him about the importance of enjoying life and bringing passion to work. "My father was a part of the American Dream. He was a first generation American, his parents having immigrated from Mexico. He graduated from UC Berkeley and returned to Southern California to help his family with a string of restaurants and bars they owned. He was passionate about Mexican culture and about all of life."
Diaz came to Wells Fargo 22 years ago, joining the Foundation four year later. He has been crucial to the holistic approach that Wells Fargo Foundation takes to their philanthropy, supporting their employee volunteers and nonprofits in creative and innovative ways.
Wells Fargo Foundation has chosen to underwrite this publication because of their belief in the importance of planned giving to nonprofits. Diaz likens those who choose to make a planned gift to gardeners. "You plant a seed when you decide to make the gift and years later it flowers. Planned giving is a way to make your effect felt forever." Pathways is grateful to Diaz and the Wells Fargo Foundation for their foresight and generosity.