RSF Garden Club decides to invest

RANCHO SANTA FE — The recent sale of the Garden Club property prompted discussion at a recent board meeting regarding the direction it would take with the funds. The property was sold for more than $2.8 million.

Part of its decision was to partner with the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation.

“The Board of Directors unanimously voted to invest $3 million in a Non-Endowment Non-Profit Account with the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation,” said Erin Browne, Executive Director of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. “Investing in this type of fund will allow the assets to remain under the control of the Garden Club to be used for scholarships and grants to organizations as approved by the Garden Club Board of Directors.”

According to Christy Wilson of the RSF Foundation, their organization has had a longstanding and beneficial relationship for more than three decades.

“We are proud to have been selected to manage the fund that will result from the sale of the club. This will enable the Garden Club to continue to make significant and regular grants to nonprofits which focus on horticulture and conservation for many years to come,” Wilson said.

Browne wants people to know that investment performance reports clearly indicate that the Foundation has steadily outpaced comparable foundations over the past 10 years. This includes the 2007-08 period, she said, when market returns were particularly weak.

“We are confident this relationship will create a positive impact on the organizations that benefit from the Garden Club grants and scholarships and the Rancho Santa Fe community as a whole,” Browne said.

Founded in 1926, the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club has remained steadfast in charitable contributions toward horticulture and conservation endeavors.

“As the organization and the community have grown, our mission now encompasses efforts both within and outside the community of Rancho Santa Fe,” Browne said.

For those who are interested in learning more about Ranch Santa Fe Garden Club and being a part of a deep rooted tradition, Browne invites all to visit its website at rsfgardenclub.org for information on membership, events and activities. Its first quarterly meeting is slated for March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Club.

“Everyone is welcome to join the Garden Club,” Browne said.