Giving Back
Philanthropy as a Way of Life
Photographs by Monika de Myer
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Nina Christine Yacavino believes generosity begins close to home—and extends far beyond.
Nina, you have a reputation as a passionate philanthropist. What’s your philosophy?
I truly believe that philanthropy should be an extension of everyday life. Financial contributions are important, of course, but every person has the ability to make a meaningful difference through simple acts of kindness.
You believe philanthropy is about more than writing a check?
The simplest gestures can create a ripple effect that spreads kindness. Even a single hour of volunteer service can have lasting impact. For example, each year I create small bud vases filled with flowers from my garden and deliver them to the hospital to brighten patients’ rooms. There are so many ways to make a difference. Fostering a puppy for The Seeing Eye, volunteering with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, donating extra food to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry or dropping off household items at Market Street Mission are all ways we can contribute.
Although you spend most of your time in New York and Florida, some of your favorite causes are locally based?
That’s true. Although we divide our time between New York City and Palm Beach, there’s something about Mendham that simply can’t be replaced. Our local landscape—with its quiet elegance, horse farms and country roads—is extraordinarily beautiful. I try to attend and support local events that benefit organizations like The Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Harding Land Trust, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, The Garden Club of Somerset Hills, Essex Hunt Club, New Jersey Audubon and The Raptor Trust. A few years ago, a group of friends produced a beautiful fashion show benefiting Grow It Green Morristown. Supporting local charities is a meaningful way to preserve the spirit of our community.
When did your passion for philanthropy begin?
It all stems from my grandfather’s example. When I was just 10 years old, he took me to my very first gala to benefit the New Jersey State Opera, which he founded, and I was thrilled to be seated next to Brooke Shields. My grandfather generously supported institutions like the Garden State Ballet, Boys & Girls Club of Newark and the New Jersey Symphony. Caldwell University’s Vincent Visceglia Arts Center, named in his honor, provides artists with a supportive place to create. Although I may never match my grandfather’s level of giving, his example inspires me.
You also created your own non-profit initiative?
Yes. Years ago, I established a donor-advised fund that has become an important part of my philanthropic approach because it allows me to thoughtfully support the organizations closest to my heart. That same purpose inspired me to create Karma Love Perfume, a luxury fragrance crafted in the South of France with a singular mission—to support charitable causes. Over the years, Karma Love has graced the silent auction tables at countless fundraising galas.
Besides supporting local non-profits, you also champion worthwhile causes along the East Coast?
That’s right. In both New York and Palm Beach, I support organizations that celebrate the arts and preserve culture. I’ve long admired the Princess Grace Foundation because its mission is to nurture the next generation of exceptional artists in theater, dance and film. I also support French Heritage Society, National Trust for Scotland, New York Botanical Garden, The Frick Collection, Susan G. Komen, Palm Beach Symphony, Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Historical Society, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach and the Central Park Women’s Committee. I hope my own small example of giving with purpose encourages others to support the organizations that speak to them.
Giving Back
Philanthropy as a Way of Life
Photographs by Monika de Myer
Nina Christine Yacavino believes generosity begins close to home—and extends far beyond.
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
Nina, you have a reputation as a passionate philanthropist. What’s your philosophy?
I truly believe that philanthropy should be an extension of everyday life. Financial contributions are important, of course, but every person has the ability to make a meaningful difference through simple acts of kindness.
You believe philanthropy is about more than writing a check?
The simplest gestures can create a ripple effect that spreads kindness. Even a single hour of volunteer service can have lasting impact. For example, each year I create small bud vases filled with flowers from my garden and deliver them to the hospital to brighten patients’ rooms. There are so many ways to make a difference. Fostering a puppy for The Seeing Eye, volunteering with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, donating extra food to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry or dropping off household items at Market Street Mission are all ways we can contribute.
Although you spend most of your time in New York and Florida, some of your favorite causes are locally based?
That’s true. Although we divide our time between New York City and Palm Beach, there’s something about Mendham that simply can’t be replaced. Our local landscape—with its quiet elegance, horse farms and country roads—is extraordinarily beautiful. I try to attend and support local events that benefit organizations like The Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Harding Land Trust, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, The Garden Club of Somerset Hills, Essex Hunt Club, New Jersey Audubon and The Raptor Trust. A few years ago, a group of friends produced a beautiful fashion show benefiting Grow It Green Morristown. Supporting local charities is a meaningful way to preserve the spirit of our community.
When did your passion for philanthropy begin?
It all stems from my grandfather’s example. When I was just 10 years old, he took me to my very first gala to benefit the New Jersey State Opera, which he founded, and I was thrilled to be seated next to Brooke Shields. My grandfather generously supported institutions like the Garden State Ballet, Boys & Girls Club of Newark and the New Jersey Symphony. Caldwell University’s Vincent Visceglia Arts Center, named in his honor, provides artists with a supportive place to create. Although I may never match my grandfather’s level of giving, his example inspires me.
You also created your own non-profit initiative?
Yes. Years ago, I established a donor-advised fund that has become an important part of my philanthropic approach because it allows me to thoughtfully support the organizations closest to my heart. That same purpose inspired me to create Karma Love Perfume, a luxury fragrance crafted in the South of France with a singular mission—to support charitable causes. Over the years, Karma Love has graced the silent auction tables at countless fundraising galas.
Besides supporting local non-profits, you also champion worthwhile causes along the East Coast?
That’s right. In both New York and Palm Beach, I support organizations that celebrate the arts and preserve culture. I’ve long admired the Princess Grace Foundation because its mission is to nurture the next generation of exceptional artists in theater, dance and film. I also support French Heritage Society, National Trust for Scotland, New York Botanical Garden, The Frick Collection, Susan G. Komen, Palm Beach Symphony, Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Historical Society, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach and the Central Park Women’s Committee. I hope my own small example of giving with purpose encourages others to support the organizations that speak to them.