“The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family.” — Mother Teresa
Every act of kindness has a beginning, and for most of us, that beginning is found within our families. It is there that we first learn to love unconditionally, to show up for one another, and to understand that helping others is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
For local philanthropist Robin Salzman, those values became the inspiration behind the Giving With Grace Foundation, which she and her husband, Jack, established to support organizations creating meaningful change throughout our communities. Through grants that uplift women and children in crisis, support animal welfare, and advance other life-changing causes, the foundation reflects the couple’s enduring commitment to service.
“People often ask me what inspired us to create the Giving With Grace Foundation,” Robin shares. “They expect the answer to begin with business or success, but the truth is much simpler than that. It begins with family. Every meal shared, every lesson passed from one generation to the next, every helping hand offered becomes part of the legacy we leave behind.”
As someone who has spent decades working alongside nonprofits throughout the Lake Norman region, Robin has witnessed firsthand the healing power of compassion.
“Whether it’s supporting children and families, honoring veterans, caring for animals, encouraging education, or standing beside neighbors during life’s difficult moments, I’ve witnessed something extraordinary,” she says. “People are at their very best when they are helping others.”
Our emotional wellbeing is strengthened through meaningful connections with the people we love and the communities we build together. Our spirits are renewed when we give of ourselves. In a world that often feels unpredictable and challenging, family and friendship remind us that we are never meant to navigate life’s journey alone.
“Community is simply family with a larger table,” Robin smiles. “I hope the Giving With Grace Foundation becomes more than a source of financial support. I hope it becomes an invitation for others to discover the joy that comes from giving. In a world that often celebrates more, perhaps the greatest gift we can offer is simply more kindness, more grace, more time, and more love.”
Robin Salzman is a longtime Lake Norman philanthropist, community volunteer, and president of the Giving With Grace Foundation. She and her husband, Jack, are the owners of The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen in Cornelius, and together they are dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening the community through generosity, compassion, and service.
