What’s one moment that transformed the course of your life—or your work?

In 2019, a donor reached out to us with an idea that would change the trajectory of The BASIC Fund forever: he wanted to make a unique legacy gift. Included in his estate was something special — a 1964 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Cabriolet. One of only four in existence. Once owned by Alfred Bloomingdale.

That single act of exceptional generosity became the spark that launched a transformation at the BASIC Fund. In 2023 we launched The BASIC Fund Scholarship Foundation, a long-term vision we had pictured but had yet to bring to reality. By establishing this foundation, we are ensuring our own sustainability – making sure we can support students and their families for decades to come. Since it’s launch, we’ve raised 75% of our $40 million goal in just 18 months. And it all began with a Ferrari.

Lately, transformation has been the word echoing through everything we do:  💡 Transforming Lives Luncheon – over $800,000 raised for scholarships this year  🎓 Continuing scholarships – creating life-changing opportunities for thousands of students every year  🏛️ Another extraordinary gift – $20M – one of the largest ever for early educational choice in California, providing opportunities for years to come

As the only scholarship-granting organization (SGO) of its kind in the state, The BASIC Fund has supported 27,000+ low-income students since 1998 — putting them on the path to success and breaking generational cycles of poverty.

The legacy Ferrari has helped us reimagine our scholars' futures, as well as our own. With potentially seismic changes in education legislation on the horizon—we’re preparing for a future where equitable access to a quality education can become a reality for every California family.

One unexpected, extraordinary gift sparked a transformation for us.  What’s something – big or small – that has transformed things for you?