The Hidden Villa Classroom ~ Meet the Duvenecks pg#2

The Duvenecks decided that more needed to be done to teach children at a young age to respect others. They founded Hidden Villa summer camp - one of the first of its kind that sought to bring together kids from different cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds. People were skeptical at first, but Frank and Josephine had a strong belief in the power of nature to bring people together. With the help of many other dedicated community members, the Duvenecks were able to make the summer camp a success.

During their lifetimes, Frank and Josephine created many other innovative programs at Hidden Villa. They also used the resources of their home to support the movements of many other who were fighting for a more just society. For example, Cesar Chavez, a very important figure in the struggle for farm workers' rights, was welcomed to use Hidden Villa as a private meeting place.

Before Frank and Josephine died, the Duveneck family decided to give Hidden Villa to the people of the Bay Area by placing Hidden Villa in a non-profit trust. This means that there is a board of trustees that makes the decisions about how to run Hidden Villa in a way that benefits children and the community. Because of the immense generosity of the Duveneck family, Hidden Villa continues to be a place of natural beauty and human kindness where all are welcome.