Free Talk to Explore ‘True Wealth’

What makes us wealthy? “True Wealth,” a free talk sponsored by the Westmont Foundation Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the New Vic in Santa Barbara, seeks to address this question. Do we define wealth by the size of our bank account, or do we also include our emotional, physical and spiritual state of mind? Shelene Bryan suggests ways to redefine wealth to help us appreciate and pursue characteristics beyond money that contribute to a rich and fulfilling life.

Author of the book “Love, Skip, Jump” and founder of Skip1.org, Bryan shares her story about finding true wealth through caring for children and families in need. Looking for meaning in life, she traveled to Africa to meet the two children she sponsored. Seeing how her modest monthly contribution transformed their lives inspired her to work full time to raise small gifts that make big impacts.

She left her career as a Hollywood producer in 2009 and launched Skip1.org to bring food and clean water to impoverished people around the world. Bryan promotes a simple idea: Instead of spending a few dollars on a latte, a car wash, a manicure or even lunch, skip it and donate the money to Skip1.org, which uses 100 percent of each donation to provide food and water.

Three local panelists will respond to Bryan’s talk and begin a time of questions from the audience. They include: Michael Baker, CEO, United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County; Relly Nadler, founder of True North Leadership, an executive and organizational development firm; and Edee Schulze, vice president for student life and dean of students at Westmont.

The event is free, but please reserve your seat at westmont.edu/truewealth. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. at the New Vic, 33 West Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. Bryan will speak at 5:30 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.