Eleven-piece Calphalon cookware sets, KitchenAide hand mixer, and monogrammed bath towels: All the normal trappings of a wedding registry. But this summer, a San Francisco couple took a different route. In lieu of gifts, Allison Broude and David Freidberg asked guests to give charitable contributions to area organizations. Aim High was among the nonprofits selected. When Allison and David began planning for their Healdsburg wedding earlier this year, they wanted to be sure it was more than a celebration. “We wanted to bring awareness to some of our favorite causes.” Allison says.

Having taught kindergarten and first grade for the past seven years, education was priority for Allison. She wanted to sponsor a organization that served youth in need. After some research, she discovered Aim High. Allison was drawn to Aim High’s focus on the achievement gap and utilizing summer break to expand opportunities for young people. In addition to Aim High, Allison and David selected the American Humane Association, the Humane Farming Association, and MAZON, a Jewish hunger advocacy organization, as their wedding beneficiaries. Quite the deviation from traditional wedding gifts, guests were thrilled to make charitable contributions. “They really felt like their gift was making a difference,” Allison says. “Plus, they were able to choose which organization resonated with them personally, so it individualized the process.” Congratulations, Allison and David, and thank you for generously supporting joyful summer learning.