Letter: Ms. Lisa Maloff’s lesson to South Lake Tahoe

In an ever more vitriolic, self-centered and money hungry culture, the magnificent moments appear to be farther and fewer between. However, in Tahoe, a constant bright spot has been found over the past several years with Ms. Lisa Maloff’s numerous charitable donations. Illustrated by the exhaustive list below, it is overwhelming to envision the impact she has had on our little community. And, while most would argue that the money has all the power to change everything, I disagree.

Ms. Maloff has shifted the mindset in this community, not only for me, but also for many others. Lisa and her loyal friend and fierce protector, Ricky, have given hope and shown the power of true selfless giving. Their free and unbiased contributions have created an immense sense of joy in this community and have inspired positivity and optimism for our future.

Ms. Maloff is the Angel of Tahoe, has an unadulterated sense of giving, expecting nothing in return, and shows selflessness for the greater good. Our community is privileged to witness such acts of love. Ms. Maloff’s kindness absolutely overshadows her wealth.

In my own life, I have seen a change, where I give more openly and freely. The benefit of selfless giving has changed me to be a more open and aware person; acting on the good will that if I give of my time and assets without compensation, the world benefits in a way that is not quantifiable. Lisa has taught me this. Lisa has taught many of us that goodness wins over malice. Her good faith giving has courageously scrutinized this community and filled the inequitable holes and dark places. Lisa creates light.

Obviously, the donations have made a world of difference in this community, but Lisa’s mindset is equally as important for us to learn from. Maya Angelou once said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Thank you, Lisa, for teaching this community how to pay it forward with such grace, care about the whole and not the sum of its parts, and understanding the impact of true, unbiased giving. You bless us immeasurably. I continually pray that I may keep perspective of what truly matters in this life, as you have.

List of Lisa's giving to date:

• Barton Foundation - $10,000,000
• Lake Tahoe Community College - $5,800,000
• George Whittell High School Track- $3,150,000
• Boys and Girls Club of SLT - $555,000
• Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Boat Rescue - $390,000
• South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Boat Rescue - $390,000
• Lake Valley Fire Department Rescue Training Building - $280,000
• Tahoe Youth and Family Services - $225,000
• SLT Police Canine Association - $200,000
• T.R.A.C.K. SLO Track Renovation for Community and Kids - $200,000
• Tahoe Women’s Community Fund - $150,000
• Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Submarine - $120,000
• Tahoe Douglas Rotary - $100,000
• LTUSD – Extracurricular Program - $100,000
• Sports Connection - $50,000
• AVID College Readiness System, SLT High School - $50,000
• Family Resource Center - $50,000
• South Lake Tahoe Middle School Greenhouse Project - $25,000
• Tahoe Turning Point - $25,000
• Bijou Community School Play structure - $10,000
• South Lake Tahoe Little League - $10,000