Giving Back to Our Community

By Alma and Mark Banuelos

Mark often came to The Huntington with his family when he was young, and he has great memories of the Huntington Art Gallery and the botanical gardens. Once we were married, we joined as Members and regularly participated in events, such as the Members' Summer Evenings, holiday boutiques, and educational lectures. Our daughter was born in 2000, and we often took her to the Children's Garden, where she loved splashing around in the water features.

The Huntington is a local treasure that must be preserved and made available to as wide an audience as possible. Some of our favorite Huntington memories are simply walking alone in the gardens early in the morning, enjoying the surroundings and the tranquility.

As we have progressed in our careers and have had some success, we feel a strong obligation to give back to the community through our estate, as well as through our annual philanthropic support. As a national trust executive for City National Bank, I see how donations through estates can have tremendous impact in the community.

We chose The Huntington to support because we know the institution will use the funds wisely and for a greater purpose. By joining the Heritage Society and the Society of Fellows, our hope is that the gifts we make will continue to allow people of all ages and backgrounds to experience this wonderful place.