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In 1996, Christel DeHaan sold Resort Condominiums International, the company she cofounded in 1974, and with the help of a staff made up of some former RCI employees, became one of the country's most generous philanthropists. The Christel DeHaan Family Foundation already has awarded $24.5 million to more than 200 arts, education and human service organizations.

"There is an abundance of need out there," says DeHaan. "My involvement is driven by the passions I have of helping children, the arts, human needs and education."

DeHaan credits her mother with instilling in her a commitment to giving. "My mother was a tremendous force in my life. She made sure that no matter where we were in life, we had a caring and a concern for other people. It was regarded as noble in our family to contribute to those less fortunate."

Education will be a major focus for DeHaan and her foundation for the next several years. She has announced a new initiative, Project E, to improve K-12 education in Indiana.

"Education has always been a passion of mine. Now it is the number one concern of the nation, but two years ago, we knew that our achievement in Indiana schools is at the bottom. The focus of Project E is on children and planning for the future; because if they are better equipped, the state will be better off."

DeHaan is well aware of the challenges ahead of her and seemingly undaunted by them. "We have made a multi-million dollar, multi-year commitment until we see changes," continues DeHaan. "I believe it will take eight to 10 years."

At the same time, DeHaan is devoting tremendous time, energy and money to Christel House, a public charity whose mission is "to help orphaned, disadvantaged and impoverished children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their societies."
The first center, Christel House de Mexico, is open and providing services to nearly 500 children. Under the Christel House model, children from orphanages, shelters and impoverished neighborhoods attend Christel House Learning Centers to receive educational instructions including English and computer skills, life-competency courses, vocational and academic scholarships, social and workplace integration, and health services.

Christel House India is under development and will accommodate as many as 800 children when it opens in mid-2001. Other Learning Centers projected to open in 2001 will be located in Venezuela and Romania.

DeHaan approaches philanthropy just as she did RCI. "I knew I wanted to do something that was a breakthrough in some ways. Philanthropy is not just approving grants but it is making a difference in systemic ways. It is a business and it needs to be run like a business. I have had tremendous commercial success; I transferred everything from that to philanthropy. Money must be spent very wisely. What kind of return are we going to get on the money we spend? Is there a plan, who are the people leading the parade, how is the organization measuring outcomes?"

Her support of several arts groups — including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Dance Kaleidoscope — indicates she hears the right answers from local organizations.

DeHaan has some advice for other women donors: "Find something that is extraordinarily important to you. Make sure the world becomes a better place because of your involvement."