Multi-generational philanthropy creates a shared family experience that strengthens bonds, builds values, and expands a family’s giving legacy across generations. For the Strohl/Sanzel Family, giving together is not only about impact – it’s about connection, purpose, and strengthening their family’s legacy of care. For this family, three generations of generosity began with a single act – and grew into a shared way of giving that continues today.
Early Inspiration Shapes Lifelong Giving
Acts of generosity, even small ones, can leave a lasting imprint.
For Dale Strohl, that imprint began in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the mid-1940s, where the then-preteen went on a holiday shopping trip with his grandfather. As the pair passed a Salvation Army bell ringer, his grandfather reached into his wallet and dropped a $20 bill in the red bucket – that’s the equivalent of more than $300 in today’s economy. At the time, Dale was impressed that his grandfather was putting “folding money” into the kettle while others threw in spare change. But upon later reflection, he realized that the seemingly small act was, in fact, representative of a larger lesson in generosity.
“He had very limited income, so for him to give that much – it was astronomical to me,” Dale recalls. “If this man with very limited means can share and wants to help people, that’s a good thing that I think I want to do at some point in my life.”
That moment stayed with Dale, and two generations later, its influence is still being felt. Joining forces with his daughter Laura Sanzel and granddaughter Maya Sanzel, philanthropy became woven into their family life—shaping one generation and strengthening the next.
“It’s definitely been formative in who I am,” Maya states. “It’s caused me to look for opportunities to share with others and be aware of ways to help. It’s made me the kind of person who inherently wants to help others.”
Laura Sanzel and daughter Maya Sanzel collaborate with Dale Strohl, Laura’s father and Maya’s grandfather, to create meaningful impact through their family philanthropy.
Shared Giving Strengthens Family Bonds
For the Strohl/Sanzel family, giving together creates space for meaningful dialogue and shared purpose. Their conversations about giving are guided by a simple priority: people.
“Our priorities are about making the most impact we can with our money,” says Laura. “When we get together and talk about what’s important to us, it’s usually involving other humans because supporting people is how we want these funds to be used.”
With roots in both Sarasota and New York, the trio don’t divide and conquer their giving; instead, they come together to decide where their values align and where they can make the greatest impact. While Dale emphasizes supporting veterans and first responders, Laura is especially motivated to help families experiencing food and resource insecurity. In an example of meaningful collaboration, the family served as key champions of Gulf Coast’s recent Area of Greatest Need Fund match following recent cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Let’s give something meaningful that can really help a group of people. The more we give, the more people we can help.”
Practical Advice for Families Who Want to Give Together
Sustainable family philanthropy starts with openness and inclusion.
“Stay open to all suggestions,” Dale advises those interested in pursuing their own familial giving path. “Let everybody have a voice and make it a group decision so that everybody feels part of it. Even if it’s a small amount, at least their voice was heard.”
Maya also sees value in partnering with community foundations to ensure giving remains personal and effective.
“When you donate to a more local foundation [like Gulf Coast], you know your money is going to help the most people,” she shares.
Multi-generational giving encourages collaboration, shared purpose, and lifelong engagement with philanthropy. It reinforces the idea that generosity doesn’t have to belong to one person or place. Giving can also be incorporated into family values as a way of extending and expanding a charitable legacy.
Building a Legacy That Lasts
To explore how your family can create a shared giving legacy, connect with the Gulf Coast Philanthropy team to expand your impact across generations: PhilanthropyTeam@GulfCoastCF.org
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