Community foundationThe Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, a leader in philanthropy and strategic giving across the county announced today that it has received a $5 million bequest from the estate of Tom Halaczkiewicz. The bequest will be directed to The Community Foundation’s Leadership Fund which supports the Foundation’s mission to provide grants to the nonprofit community and to support the donors who are committed to this region.

“Tom’s support of the Leadership Fund is a remarkable statement about his belief in the Foundation and its important role in the community,” said The Community Foundation Board President Ann Robinson. “This gift will ensure we are able to continually assess and address the needs of our county, and expand the opportunities to do good in the community.”

The Leadership Fund

The Leadership Fund at The Community Foundation supports the foundation’s philanthropic commitment to San Luis Obispo County, allowing the foundation to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and philanthropic guidance and services to donors throughout the county.

Tom Halaczkiewicz

Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Halaczkiewicz came to San Luis Obispo to attend California Polytechnic State University then stayed to build his life and his business on the central Coast. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1980 and co-founded Crystal Engineering in 1982. Crystal Engineering designs and manufactures pressure measurement equipment and software used in a variety of industries.

According to associates and friends, Halaczkiewicz was passionate about nature and believed in the strength of the central coast of California community. He died suddenly in 2011 while hiking the mountains surrounding San Luis Obispo, but has left a legacy that will endure in perpetuity, supporting the community he called home.

“Tom cared deeply about the Central Coast and the many friends and colleagues he had here, and his generous gift to the Community Foundation exemplifies his desire to help it remain such a special place,” said Eric Schwefler, Halaczkiewicz’s longtime friend and CPA.

The Community Foundation is a public charitable organization serving San Luis Obispo County on the central coast of California since 1998. It holds more than 350 funds and has provided San Luis Obispo County with more than $26 million in grants to support arts and culture, education, health and human services, and community enhancement in our community in perpetuity. For more information about The Community Foundation or any of its funds, call (805) 543-2323 or visitwww.cfsloco.org.