Hank and Julie Armstrong have lived a life filled with adventure and service. Though both were born in the same Pasadena hospital and attended Stanford at the same time, they didn’t meet until their twenties. Julie was on a publicity tour for her PR job at Marine World/Africa USA with a tiger cub in tow. When she walked by Hank’s office— he was editor of Sacramento Magazine—their adventure began and their relationship evolved into decades of meaningful work and philanthropy.
Hank moved to Monterey in 1984 after visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium construction site. “When I saw it being built, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I knew I had to be part of it.” He went on to work in marketing and communications at the Aquarium for 34 years, retiring as Vice President of Communications. Julie joined him in Monterey in 1985 and led communications efforts at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber, founded the Monterey County Film Commission, worked with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and retired from the Big Sur Marathon Foundation in 2018.
living and giving together
Married since 1986—with that same tiger (fully grown) making a cameo at their wedding—they’ve devoted themselves to nonprofit careers and service and raised three children, including twin daughters, who all became active volunteers. “One summer they created a chart of ways to help others,” Julie recalls. “By high school, one had her own Meals on Wheels route after years of coming along with me.”
They had heard about the Community Foundation and contributed regularly through the Monterey County Gives! campaign. They contacted the Foundation after their accountant Jan Vanderbilt encouraged them to consult the CFMC after a taxable event. That conversation led to the creation of the Hank and Julie Armstrong Family Fund. Their donor advised fund provided an immediate tax deduction and enables them to recommend grants to their favorite nonprofits, with a focus on human services and environmental organizations.
making a difference
They continue to participate in Monterey County Gives! through their Fund. “We just send Brian an email with our list—it’s easy,” Julie notes. (Brian Thayer is their dedicated Philanthropic Services Officer). Hank adds, “It’s a pleasure to give this way, to do good, and, with the Foundation’s help, to do it well.”
Their commitment extends beyond financial giving. Julie volunteers with Meals on Wheels, Independent Transportation Network (ITN), and serves on the board of a local community choir, Monterey Peninsula Voices. Hank serves on the Big Sur Marathon Foundation and Santa Cruz County-based Ventures board of directors.
Now enjoying life with three grandchildren, they stay active running, cycling, playing pickleball, traveling—and continuing their journey together as true partners in adventure and giving.
Partnering with the Community Foundation is a win-win. You receive tax advantages, support great organizations, and strengthen the Foundation. If you can give, you should. Just do it.”
