Overview
Gateway for Good is a collaborative group of individuals and companies that are committed to changing the world by providing individuals, families, not-for-profit organizations, and companies with a meaningful giving experience. Through our diverse programs, lives are being transformed from the inside out, and communities are being affected from the bottom up.
Our Story
Gateway for Good was created by two professional colleagues that shared the inherent need to keep asking two simple questions,”why,” and “what if...” Both originating from the wealth management industry, they asked, “why does money often create division and conflict?” As counsellors to business owners, they asked, “why can’t we grow your business while having a positive social impact on the world?” Both entrepreneurial in spirit, and wired to make a positive impact on those they serve, they began asking, “why can’t we be the ones to change these paradigms, to impact families and businesses we serve in a meaningful way?”
In search of answers, Yale Levey and Ryan Ponsford began the hunt for tools, resources, and relationships that could address these important questions.
The big “aha” they both came to discover was that, perhaps one of the most significant tools available to all of us to help change these outcomes involved something simple and natural for most of us….. Giving. But the perception and actions of giving would need to be changed. No longer could giving be top down driven, or done with expectation. No longer could philanthropy be an idea reserved for the ultra rich, or driven by those merely looking to get tax deductions or names on buildings. Giving and philanthropy are available to everyone.
And so began the journey. One of first asking questions, then wondering, what if…
In search of answers, Yale Levey and Ryan Ponsford began the hunt for tools, resources, and relationships that could address these important questions.
The big “aha” they both came to discover was that, perhaps one of the most significant tools available to all of us to help change these outcomes involved something simple and natural for most of us….. Giving. But the perception and actions of giving would need to be changed. No longer could giving be top down driven, or done with expectation. No longer could philanthropy be an idea reserved for the ultra rich, or driven by those merely looking to get tax deductions or names on buildings. Giving and philanthropy are available to everyone.
And so began the journey. One of first asking questions, then wondering, what if…
Our Team
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Ryan PonsfordCo-Founder and Board Chair
A whiteboard-loving, dot-connecting, public speaking, principle-driven professional, Ryan seeks to have a meaningful impact on each of the individual lives and businesses he touches.
Years ago, while trying to solve the issue of wealth transition from parents to kids, where kids squander the money and end up hating each other, Ryan stumbled up philanthropy as the tool that could save families from this unfortunate outcome. Recognizing giving not as a far-off destination reserved for rich folks, but rather a way of life that isn’t about money, he began developing giving experiences for kids, families, companies, and faith-based organizations. After launching Main Street Philanthropy, a 501c3 public charity, Ryan and his team began developing giving programs for families, companies, and organizations. Today, through Gateway for Good, the team is on a mission to reunite our divided world through the power of purposeful giving. Ryan lives in North San Diego and can be found coaching youth sports teams, serves on multiple boards, plays music with several groups, living the quote from his Grandfather Ralph, "you'll never do it any younger." |
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Yale LeveyCo-Founder and President
Yale’s professional background and experience originates from the wealth management space. In that role, he stands out as someone who has ascended to a place of expertise where wealth management intersects philanthropic activities, helping his clients, fellow advisors and youth build philanthropy and giving into their activities and behaviors.
Understanding that true wealth is much more than just dollars and cents, it was this awareness that led Yale to pioneer the formation of one of the country’s first holistic wealth consulting firms. He understands that philanthropy and giving is perhaps one of the best tools we have available to reunite a divided world. Yale is the thought leader and innovator you want in the room when you’re looking to design something new that aligns your purpose and passion with profits and impact. With both of his kids in college, Yale splits his time between New Jersey and Vermont and can be often found on the ski slopes, enjoying his morning swim, or in coffee shops and open mic sessions strumming his guitar and singing many of our favorite jams. |
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Merna GillAmbassador and Volunteer Liaison to Rotary International
Merna Gill has been an educator, mentor and advisor to both young and old her entire life. With over 45 years of experience as a teacher, education both formal and informal is her passion. After retiring, Merna joined Rotary in 2017 with a mission to help engage student youth groups which led to development of “best practices” for working with students and sponsoring clubs to help create greater impact.
Having attended a Rotary zoom meeting and learning about the “Make A Difference” experience, she immediately saw the benefit for clubs to inspire, motivate and energize existing members, drive in new members, and expand youth engagement. As Gateway for Good’s Rotary Liaison, Merna serves as a direct interface between Rotary Clubs’, their leadership and Gateway for Good. Though Merna is a virtual member of Rotary Club of Action, she can often be found traveling the country in support of Rotary initiatives regardless of club or location. |
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Ed QuinlanDirector of Strategic Relationships
With years of executive experience with Fortune 100 and national consulting companies in health, wellness, and productivity, Ed leads our team focused on Strategic Relationships. His “roll up your sleeves” approach to optimizing businesses has included all facets of growth including sales, operational excellence, employee empowerment, and overall company health and culture. Ed’s passion for personal and professional development aligns to the Gateway for Good experience of creating meaningful connections along with measurable results.
A Maine native, Ed lives in Carlsbad and is a board member of the San Diego North County Economic Development Council. When not working, he enjoys the San Diego beaches, golf courses, and parks around the county. An avid sports fan you can always find Ed rooting for his beloved Red Sox and Patriots. (And we still let him join the team!) Spend some time with Ed and you'll quickly experience his ideas in action, taking your business and leaders to the next level through powerful giving and connection experiences! |
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Martin GertlerMarketing and Advertising
Marty has spent his business life leading the strategic, marketing and communications development of some of the world’s largest corporations. Following more than 20 years in advertising, public relations and integrated marketing communications, he launched The Gertler Group to bring to clients of every size and in every industry the breadth of experience that comes from some of the leading marketing companies in the world.
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Lane KiefaberStrategic Philanthropy
Lane Kiefaber, is an experienced business executive with a demonstrated history working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Her strengths include working with business owners and executive management in developing sustainable organization business models, growing businesses, developing effective and supportive business infrastructure and leadership, as well as successful programs and events with social impact.
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