As an HR professional, Philip Tenenbaum has spent his career helping organizations to see that sometimes their greatest assets are not what they produce, but the employees who do the producing. It was not surprising that his first role with Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston was on the personnel committee helping to help pick the right people to carry out the mission.
“Once you get hold of the mission of Ronald McDonald House, it grabs you and you can’t help but devote your time to the House,” said Philip.
During his tenure, Philip notes, “Over the years working with Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston, the world has gotten more complicated. The needs of the families have changed as well as the medical industry. I got involved with strategic planning to see how to evolve to meet our families’ needs.”
Philip is proud of the growth that the organization has experienced over the last few decades, but true to his spirit, he knows the work could not happen without the staff, “People who are part of Ronald McDonald House are mission driven. It reflects in every aspect of how they run the House. Our employees and volunteers are there because they see the difference they are making in the lives of families that are dealing with the unimaginable.”
As Philip was planning for retirement, he became aware of donor advised funds (DAFs), “We plotted out what part of our assets we wanted to give to charitable organizations during our lifetime, and how we wanted to leave our legacy after our lifetime. After twenty years of service, we knew this organization was high on our list. I have worked with several non-profits over my lifetime, but Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston was my first love. You never forget your first love. It was a no-brainer for us to be part of the Legacy of the Heart Planned Giving Society.”