Skip to main content

Setting an Example

Setting an Example

Generational Hands-on Service from the Scripps Family

“I ENJOY BEING VERY HANDS-ON,” says Debbie Scripps. “At Children’s Medical Center, I’ve loved doing a range of things from working in the gift shop to decorating the hospital to spending time with the kids.”Debbie and Ric Scripps, CFT fund holders, understand the value of giving back to their community. As their children have grown into adults, Ric and Debbie have seen them embrace their philanthropic side as well. “We try to be an example for our children,” says Debbie. “So it’s wonderful seeing our sons and their wives find their calling in volunteer work.”

While the Scripps were living in Minneapolis, their youngest son was born prematurely, bringing on many emotions and fear of the unknown and leading Debbie to volunteer at the hospital there. When the couple moved to Dallas in 1980, it was natural to get involved with Children’s Medical Center. Along with hands-on volunteering, the Scripps serve on the boards of many organizations in Dallas, including Children’s Medical Center Foundation and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Ric is a member of the Salesmanship Club, where he mentors young students. “Reading with them and teaching them the value of an education is important. I tell them to never give up,” says Ric. “Keep trying to do your best at all times.”

If you would like to set up a free, confidential meeting with our expert staff to discuss your family's philanthropy, contact Melissa Hardage at 214-750-4251 or mhardage@cftexas.org

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld


In 2018, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld established the Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld Charitable Fund at CFT, a donor-advised fund that they use to support their passion for the arts and equity.

A Passion for Opportunity

A Passion for Opportunity

Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT provides educational opportunities for paraplegic and quadriplegic students in Texas


Established after a tragic automobile accident that left the late Kristofer Robinson paralyzed from the neck down, the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT was created to support the education of paraplegic or quadriplegic individuals. One recent scholarship recipient of the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund is Nathan McClintock.

A Passion for Education

A Passion for Education

Om & Shanti Funds at CFT provides scholarships and opportunities to students


For the Sethis, giving back is a family affair. Parvesh and Jeet Sethi have two charitable funds at CFT: the Om & Shanti Scholarship Fund and the Om & Shanti Fund, a donor-advised fund. Both their family fund and their scholarship fund are centered around providing educational opportunities for students.

A Passion for Community

A Passion for Community

Mary Anne Sammons Cree leaves legacy of giving through CFT's Live Oak Legacy Society


Mary Anne Sammons Cree had a passion for our North Texas community. She spent her life giving back in support of the causes that mattered most to her—the performing and visual arts, museums, education, and nature.

A Passion for the Arts

A Passion for the Arts

Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy fund new works from arts organizations through their fund at CFT


As Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy began their estate planning process, they came to Communities Foundation of Texas for assistance with their planned giving. During their research, they learned about donor-advised funds and decided to open the Cece Smith Lacy and John Ford Lacy Fund at CFT to support their giving during their lifetime.

A Passion for Giving

A Passion for Giving

CFT’s NTX Giving Day becomes an annual celebration for the Ngo family


Joylynn Huynh-Ngo’s children haven’t quite made it out of elementary school, but they know a thing or two about whipping up batches of boba tea, cookies, and lemonade, and sharing their creations with and for the community.