On May 24, Aim High will hold its annual Shorenstein Luncheon. The theme of this year’s luncheon,“Pathways and Possibilities,” was chosen in honor of Doug Shorenstein’s values and ideals.

Twelve years ago, after years of supporting causes near and dear to his heart, Doug realized that he had little idea of what kind of difference his contributions were making. He wanted a more focused and impactful approach to philanthropy. Meanwhile, leadership at Aim High knew that the program was doing good work and making an impact, but also that they could be doing more. However, the program lacked the resources necessary to grow to its full potential. Thankfully, the individual and the organization found each other, and so began a perfect partnership. Doug Shorenstein and Aim High shared a very similar set of values. “Doug believed that education is the pathway to economic success, informed citizenship, and personal satisfaction,” said Glenn Shannon, President of Shorenstein Properties and Vice President of the Aim High Board of Trustees. “Doug believed that Aim High made that pathway available for deserving children from under-resourced communities.” Because of this values-based connection, Aim High found an advocate who was willing to lend his name and network to the Aim High mission. “When Doug originally got involved with Aim High, the organization was at an inflection point where his public endorsement would uniquely help accelerate its growth and deepen its impact,” said Glenn, “As such, he thought the potential benefits to Aim High were significant enough to justify the investment of his capital.” After getting to know the organization, Doug became captivated by the Aim High “magic,” but also the unique opportunities afforded to him by working with Aim High. “Doug was very attracted to the proposition that his investment of time could help Aim High improve its organizational capacity and effectiveness and could therefore fundamentally increase its impact.” With Shorenstein Properties as a catalyst, Aim High rapidly began expanding and serving more students than it ever had previously. Since Shorenstein’s initial investment in 2003, Aim High has added 10 new sites and tripled annual summer enrollment. Though the relationship between Doug and Aim High may have started out as a business partnership, it soon evolved into something more meaningful. “My dad talked so enthusiastically about the program that it seemed like it was an inextricable part of him, like its success was tied to his own self-worth,” said Danielle Shorenstein, Doug’s youngest daughter. “Whenever he talked about Aim High, his voice would change tones from the matter-of-fact way he usually spoke to something filled with much more emotion.” “I don’t think I went a week in high school without my dad bringing Aim High up during family dinners,” said Danielle, “He was so passionate about Aim High’s mission to provide a life-changing opportunity to middle school students and to allow them to change the course of their lives.” Much to his satisfaction, all three of Doug’s children (Sandra, Brandon, and Danielle) worked at Aim High. His hope was that their participation would teach his children a lesson about their own education. “I understood that I could get a lot out of teaching,” said Danielle, “but as a 16-year-old, I didn’t know how much I would get out of working at Aim High. Before Aim High, I didn’t fully appreciate how lucky I was to grow up with a family who was able to send me to incredible schools.”  

Beyond his family, Doug also inspired the people around him. “He really captured the spirit of Aim High,” said Alec Lee, Aim High’s Executive Director, “It’s been a privilege and an honor to know Doug, Lydia, and all three of their children. This summer, and beyond, we will make it a priority to honor his memory and his spirit.”     Though he is no longer with us, it is clear that his generous spirit will live on for many years to come. “I believe that his greatest legacy will be the example and the standard he set that was founded on devotion to family, integrity, excellence, humility and community service,” said Glenn. “I know that others have been inspired by not only what he did but how he did it, and that his legacy will have many positive impacts as others try to follow in his footsteps.”