Philanthropy abounds in the Coachella Valley with generous people making their mission to be of service to others and create life-long impact. An extraordinarily generous power couple that embodies that mission of giving back in time and treasure is Carol and Tim Rochford. First honored in 2020 as Outstanding Philanthropists, they are honored and celebrated again with a very special award this year coinciding with the local Association of Fundraising Professionals Chapter's 20th anniversary.
They are being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their many philanthropic efforts.
Both Carol and Tim grew up in the Redlands area, were high school sweethearts, graduating from Redlands High School. The sweethearts blossomed into having built
their lives together with a six-decade marriage, family, friends and a remarkable, shared commitment to philanthropy.
Hugely successful in business, Tim developed multiple natural resources companies, notably Arena Resources in 2000 and Texas-based Ring Energy Inc. in 2012, both listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This afforded them the freedom to have turned their attention to the Redlands community they so loved.
Their philanthropy started with the purchase and restoration of many historic buildings in downtown Redlands, underwriting city beautification projects and making significant contributions to the Redlands Historical Museum, including the purchase and restoration of the Burrage Mansion.
Carol and Tim established The Rochford Foundation in 2008. They purchased the Burrage Mansion in Redlands which they dedicated its use to serving disadvantaged, underserved and at-risk local children, focusing on ages 6 to 12. The Burrage Mansion, an 18-acre estate, was built in 1901 by industrialist Albert Burrage. The mansion, as well as the grounds, are offered at no cost to organizations that service children for play days, day and overnight camps and special events.
Additionally, there is no cost to the child-serving nonprofits in the community to utilize Burrage Mansion as a venue for their fundraising events. For the Rochfords, "It's all about the kids."
Tim said his love of helping children was a result of receiving a membership to the YMCA in the fifth grade. It gave him the opportunity to experience several field trips including a Dodgers baseball game and Disneyland, which he ordinarily would have never had a chance to experience. He decided from that membership, which opened up and expanded his world, to pay it forward.
They extended their financial support and hands-on volunteering to the Coachella Valley. Many fundraisers were hosted in their beautiful Rancho Mirage home and at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands. Their generosity has supported more than 40 children's organizations, including locally Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild in support of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Forest Home, Olive Crest, Mama's House, Boys & Girls Clubs, McCallum Theatre, First Tee and Desert Christian Academy as well as other numerous local youth recreation and enrichment programs. While these organizations serve different missions, they share a common purpose that is especially meaningful to the Rochfords, which is improving the lives of children and strengthening the communities in which they live.
Millions of dollars have been donated throughout their lifetime. Their philanthropy extends across health care, education, the arts, recreation and programs that help children, grow, thrive and simply enjoy being kids. The philosophy they live by is simple: "We pay it forward. We want to make a child smile, bring happiness into their life, and we hope that someday they will be inspired to do the same for someone else."
For Carol and Tim, philanthropy is much more than financial contributions. It is about creating lasting memories, opening doors of opportunity and inspiring future generations to embrace the joy of giving.
"We have no regrets in life," Tim said. "Our ultimate goal is to make a difference in the life of a child." Both he and Carol believe that that "doing good is contagious." Their hope is that others will be inspired to participate in philanthropy in whatever manner they can.
Ellen Timothy, Ph.D, former executive director of the Rochford Foundation-Burrage Mansion, who recently died, wrote of them a few years ago, "The Rochford's philanthropy gives thousands of children the message and proof that somebody loves them. Somebody supports them. Somebody believes in them."
The 20th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will take place Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. with emcee Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage. For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact NPD co-chair Kristin Bloomer at 617-429-6070 or via kristinbloomer@gmail.com.
Eva Guenther-James currently serves as board secretary for AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter and is an NPD Awards Committee member, as well as serving on two other local boards. She worked more than 25 years in the local nonprofit sector and eight years in city government.
Josh N. Zahid is the director of major gifts, education at Loma Linda University Health, where he builds philanthropic partnerships to advance education and support the next generation of health care professionals. He is passionate about the power of education, community and storytelling to inspire meaningful change. He has served on the board of AFP California, Desert Communities since 2018.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Carol and Tim Rochford honored by NPD with Lifetime Achievement Award
