Family Philanthropy: The Holts

Patricia Holt and her husband Nicholas (1927-2006) moved from New York City to Ellsworth in the early 1960s. Nick was born in Cape Elizabeth and came to Ellsworth in 1958 to design the Knowlton Elementary School. The couple decided to settle and raise their three daughters there.

Patty volunteered at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and Ellsworth High School, which her daughters attended. Nick helped found Action Opportunities, a social services agency that is now a part of Downeast Community Partners. The Holts were especially passionate about American Field Service, now called AFS International, the global youth exchange program. They helped establish a chapter at the high school and encouraged their daughters to spend time abroad.

In 1998, Patty set up a donor-advised fund at the Maine Community Foundation; "I had a lot and I wanted to give more away," she recalls. She also wished to be anonymous at the time. The community foundation helped identify new programs for her to support - and the daughters became active advisors of the fund.

Tina, Becky, and Tori are grateful for their downeast roots and the opportunity to know what's happening locally, regionally, and statewide. Patty, who now lives in Portland in the winter, looks forward to summer days at her home in Hancock where she reconnects with her girls and continues a legacy of giving back.