RANCHO SANTA FE – Few people exemplify the spirit of giving like Stuart and Karen Tanz.
"They truly give so much of their time, money and hearts," said Muffy Walker, a neighbor and friend of the Ranch residents. She met the couple when they moved in next door seven years ago.
CHARLIE NEUMAN / Union-Tribune
Stuart and Karen Tanz received the NeighborHelp Community Service Award for 2005.
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Six years ago, Walker founded a nonprofit organization, NeighborHelp, with a mission to advocate equal opportunities for all members of The Ranch and to raise funds for people in need.
The Tanzes soon made friends with Walker, and when asked to help with fundraising for NeighborHelp, they didn't hesitate, said Walker, the president of the organization. For their commitment and hard work, the Tanzes were awarded the NeighborHelp Community Service Award for 2005.
"There are needy people in Rancho Santa Fe," said Karen Tanz. She mentioned a child who lives in a caretaker's quarters of a resident's home. The boy and his family need help to pay for extras such as after-school programs, sixth-grade camp and field trips. NeighborHelp offers donations.
It's neighbors helping neighbors, Tanz said.
Stuart Tanz serves on the advisory council for the University of Southern California's Lusk Center for Real Estate, mentoring graduate students. He is president and CEO of Pan Pacific Retail Properties, an investment trust specializing in neighborhood shopping centers.
He also serves on the board of the Burnham Institute for Medical Research and is on the policy advisory board of University of San Diego's Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate.
"He's been a major sponsor of many of our events," said Mark Reidy, executive director of the Burnham-Moores Center, which organizes and sponsors real estate conventions.
Karen Tanz's parents were Scottish immigrants who settled in Toronto.
"It was just expected of us when growing up that we'd help others," she said.
Her great-grandmother would make a big pot of soup to share with neighbors.
"If more people showed up, she'd just add another potato," Karen Tanz said.
The Tanzes, who moved to Rancho Santa Fe in 1989, have two children, Sarah, 17, and Zach, 13.
Karen Tanz has been on the board of the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center. She also is involved with Kids Korps, Children's Hospital, San Pasqual Academy and the San Diego Film Festival.
Lauretta Prestera, a former chairman of the film festival, said "Karen wants to make the world a better place. She doesn't forget where she came from, and she genuinely wants to make a difference."
The Tanzes, who are in their 40s, say they will continue to volunteer for local charities as long as they are able.
"They love this community, and their tireless generosity and dedication is greatly appreciated," Walker said.
Diane Welch is a freelance writer from Solana Beach.
