Russell Bock

He kept a low profile in the community but his name is synonymous with giving back. Russell Bock was well-known to tax attorneys and accountants for his Guidebook to Taxes (Commerce Clearing House), in print for more than 50 years. His charitable interests ranged far and wide. Mr. Bock provided significant local support for the arts as well as for numerous organizations that support children, seniors, and the environment.

Mr. Bock and his wife, Suzanne, established a private foundation to handle the couple's many charitable interests. The Bocks later converted their private foundation into the Russell and Suzanne Bock Fund. This allowed the couple to recommend grants to their favorite charities and have the Santa Barbara Foundation do all the paperwork. "It seemed an ideal way to achieve the benefits of private giving without all the headaches," said Mr. Bock. Mrs. Bock continues the family's charitable tradition.