Legendary Name in Timeshare Changing the Future for Children
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Christel DeHaan is a well-known name in timeshares and travel as the co-founder (in 1974) of Resort Condominiums International (RCI). But others, outside of timesharing, don’t always realize that she has devoted much of her life to her philanthropic efforts.
Upon selling RCI in 1996, Ms. DeHaan’s schedule permitted her even more time for following her heart and her personal belief and practice, which is, “To care, to share, to make a difference.”
In 1998 she founded Christel House, a 501(c)(3) public charity to help children break the cycle of poverty, realize their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of today’s world.
Today there are seven Christel House programs worldwide; all focused on helping children succeed. Through her efforts, she facilitated the gift of some $6.5 million last year to fund the global programs, which collectively saw more than 3300 students educated.
As DeHaan explains:
I was fortunate to have a mother who mentored me to succeed, who instilled in me the importance of excellence and who instilled in me the responsibility that we must not only care for ourselves, but we must care for other people.
That cycle of poverty is just persistent from generation to generation. There needs to be an intervention that will allow these kids to develop their own potential and skills and talents and give them a seat at the table of life. It’s not just about writing a check. I wanted to be personally involved in creating something lasting that is … transformative.
Learn more about Christel House at: www.christelhouse.org
And more about each of its programs:
