When professional advisors, such as an estate planning attorney, financial advisor or CPA, partners with IECF, they are helping to grow the region’s long-term assets and philanthropic impact. Specifically, professional advisors play a vital role in referring or connecting their clients to IECF who are interested in supporting nonprofits or a cause or issue they care about. If their client establishes a fund at the Foundation, or the professional advisor themselves open a fund in their own name or in the name of their family, they become a “Champion” of philanthropy and become a member of IECF’s Professional Advisors Champions Program. Today, IECF counts 36 professional advisors as champions. This year, IECF recognizes J. Sergio Bohon. Now serving as Board Chair, Sergio has been a board member of the Inland Empire Community Foundation for over six years. He is currently Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors and has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years, managing assets for individuals, trusts, charitable organizations and businesses. Just as philanthropy is important to the clients Sergio manages, he too has a passion for creating change in our community. In 2013, Sergio and his wife, Christy, decided to open the Bohon Family Community Fund at IECF. The fund is for broad and general charitable uses and engages his young daughters in giving back together.
“Instilling the principles of humanity and kindness, and modeling that for my family are important to me,” said Sergio. Immigrating from Mexico to El Monte, he was exposed to other less fortunate families that struggled with poverty and the challenges of neighborhoods and communities that did not effectively support the opportunities for upward mobility. Annually, Sergio and Christy gift shares of appreciated stock to support and build the fund. By transferring appreciated stocks to IECF, they avoid the capital gains tax and receive a charitable tax deduction. They selected IECF to open the fund because the organization provides community leadership, understands the needs for and provides guidance in allocating resources. Over the years Sergio has volunteered his time as a pilot for Angel Flight West and rescue dog transportation. He has sat as an active board member of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center and Riverside Philharmonic, and participates in mentorship programs benefiting Hispanic young professionals. Among his other charitable activities, Sergio and members of his extended family started a scholarship fund at Chaffey College to assist DACA students in need. Sergio holds a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona and a master’s from the College of Financial Planning, earning him the designation of Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Learn more about how we can make your philanthropic goals a reality – contact our Charitable Giving Department today!
This story originally appeared in our 2019 Annual Report
Stay up-to-date on the good work IECF is doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters.
