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A week-end for exchange around family philanthropy
« If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, go together » African saying
OCTOBER 2009 - Mid-September, wise brought together six families of entrepreneurs from all over Europe to share their experiences in terms of philanthropy. The Mérieux family welcomed the participants in the beautiful gardens of the Pensières center, around the lake of Annecy, in what turned out to be the first private meeting of families around the theme of philanthropy.
This informal and down-to-earth get-together allowed donors and their families to share their experience and their challenges in terms of developing a strategic and family-designed philanthropy. "This meeting allowed us to get into the details of success factors and pitfalls to avoid, together with foundations established by families of entrepreneurs, just like us."
By bringing several generations to the table, everyone was able to create connections and exchange perspectives with a distinctive set of players. "You offered us a stimulating and tailor-made forum. Discovering the journey of all these families - all very different - was truly the highlight of the week-end.”
Participants were delighted and drew some interesting lessons from these risk-free sessions, facilitated by professionals. "A very stimulating week-end with a very constructive approach, which allowed us to see how to bring our families together"
wise plans on organizing another week-end around family philanthropy during the course of the summer 2010. For more information, please contact www.wise.net .
© Thierry Parel