partners in giving
Bob House and Greg Chilton exemplify a profound legacy of service, philanthropy and community leadership in Monterey County. Bob, a respected attorney, founded his law practice in Salinas in 1967. His son, Greg Chilton, joined him in the firm, which became Chilton & House Inc., serving the community for over three decades.
Both have held the position of chair at the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), with Bob serving from 2022 to 2023 and Greg in 2016, marking the first father-son duo to lead the Foundation.
Thanks to their personal experience with and deep knowledge of the CFMC, Greg shares that they have frequently referred the Foundation to their clients. “We’ve always felt that all we have to do is introduce people to the Foundation and let them see who they are and what they can do. People would have the confidence we have in their expertise.”
When clients want to integrate charitable giving into their estate plans, we’ve found that having a partner like the Community Foundation here - local people we can meet with and talk to - is a resource like no other.”
walking the talk
Their philanthropic efforts are not just professional but deeply personal. Bob says, “I believe we have to practice what we preach. I’ve personally set up a Charitable Remainder Trust with the Foundation.” With a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), the donor receives an immediate tax deduction and receives a fixed percentage payout of income for life. CRTs at the Foundation are expertly managed by TIAA Kaspick and backed by the assets of the CFMC. The remainder creates a charitable fund for a purpose they specify to do good work, forever.
To that end, Bob and his wife Millie are involving the next generation in giving. The remainder of the trust, now grown to more than 150% of their contribution 20 years ago, will create a donor advised fund, with their sons, Greg and Mark, designated as advisors to guide future grants.
The Community Foundation is an amazing resource. We’re so lucky to have it benefiting our County and our people. It is one of the best things to happen in our community.”
GIVING TIME AND TALENT
Beyond their professional and philanthropic endeavors, Bob and Greg have held leadership roles in local professional and nonprofit organizations. In addition to both leading the Community Foundation board, Greg is a past chair of Legal Services for Seniors and Bob served as chair of the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation. Their contributions have been recognized by their peers and numerous groups for their dedication to the betterment of our community.
Bob and Greg’s shared commitment to charitable giving and community involvement serves as a testament to the power of leadership, legacy and the spirit of philanthropy.
