Planning with Purpose: How We Give Back as Financial Advisors

For Pete’s Sake: Because Cancer Affects the Whole Family

Jon Sobotkin’s story starts where many do in this business: as an intern. That’s when he was first introduced to For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation by Scott Miller Sr., who served on the board. What began as a summer internship turned into a life-long commitment.

Jon is now the chairperson of the For Pete’s Sake Walk Committee, organizing a family-friendly event that raises money to send cancer patients and their families on life-giving respite trips. For Jon, it’s more than volunteer work.

“When I was 16, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few years ago, my sister was too. She passed away not long after,” he shared. “You see the toll it takes. Not just the treatments and doctor’s visits, but the emotional weight on the whole family.”

In honor of his sister, Jon created a walk team called Sharon’s Golden Buddies. Over the past four years, they’ve raised $75,000. This year, they’re aiming for $100,000.

“What these trips do is give people hope. Families come back with a new perspective, renewed strength. It really can change the course of someone’s fight.”

Our clients feel that connection too. Many have joined us for the walk at Citizens Bank Park, bringing their kids and grandkids. We walk through the dugout, into the batting cages, around the field. It’s an experience that brings us closer together as a firm and as families who have all been touched by cancer in some way.

 

 

Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School: Investing in Young Women

For Scott Miller Jr., Gwynedd Mercy is more than just a school. His sisters attended. His daughters are current students. And every year, he mentors young women from Gwynedd through Blue Bell’s externship program.

“It’s important for girls to learn in a strong community of women,” Scott says. “And we want to be part of building that.”

When we host externs from Gwynedd, we treat it like a real-world internship. One of our recent students went on to be the only freshman accepted into an elite college honors program — thanks in part to the experience she gained with us.

Here’s what two of our externs from this year said:

“I really enjoyed learning how the firm helps clients plan for their financial goals. I learned how to use Excel to organize client data and got to see how real financial decisions are made in the office. It was eye-opening.”

“I really enjoyed sitting in on client meetings and seeing how every conversation was different. I also loved working with the college interns, going to lunch with the team, and learning more about personal finance in a real-world setting.”

We also support the school financially through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. That means we redirect a portion of our Pennsylvania tax dollars to fund scholarships for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a private school education.

“For me, it was a no-brainer. You get a 90% tax credit, and the money goes straight to helping a kid attend a great school. It strengthens the community around my own kids.”

And we don’t just write checks. This fall, Scott’s daughter Reese helped lead the Carolyn Keen ’10 Memorial 5K Run/1M Walk, an event in memory of a former student who passed away in high school. Reese served on the planning committee and represented the scholarship fund.

“Watching her take that responsibility seriously, with such empathy and leadership, was one of those proud dad moments. It showed me the kind of values this school instills.”

 

 

Jefferson Moss-Magee Tennis Benefit: Celebrating Grit and Inclusion

In August, we had the privilege of sponsoring the 11th Annual Jefferson Moss-Magee Tennis Benefit at Germantown Cricket Club.

This event featured an incredible wheelchair tennis exhibition of athletes who’ve experienced paralysis competing with incredible speed, skill, and determination. It was deeply inspiring.

Jon Sobotkin jumped into pickleball, Daniel Levinson took to the tennis court, and the rest of our team enjoyed great conversations, a beautiful day, and a reminder of what’s possible when community and purpose collide.

More than 90 players, including 80 tennis and 12 pickleball participants, came together for the cause. In total, over $40,000 was raised to support Jefferson Moss-Magee’s wheelchair tennis program.

We were proud to be the main sponsor of this amazing event and to support athletes who redefine what strength looks like.