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Evelyn Vanderbilt: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Style

Introduction

Evelyn Vanderbilt (1906-1993) was an American heiress, socialite, and philanthropist. She was a granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to supporting numerous charitable causes and became renowned for her impeccable style and influence in fashion.

Early Life and Family

Evelyn Vanderbilt was born on September 15, 1906, in Hyde Park, New York. Her father was Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I, a prominent financier, and her mother was Margaret Emerson, a talented photographer. Evelyn grew up in a wealthy and privileged environment, attending the Brearley School and Miss Chapin's School in New York City.

Marriage and Social Life

In 1926, Evelyn married Earl E.T. Smith, a businessman and diplomat. The couple had three children together, including William Smith and Emily Smith. Evelyn became a fixture in New York society, attending numerous social events and establishing herself as a fashion icon. She was known for her elegant style and opulent lifestyle.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Despite her wealth and social status, Evelyn Vanderbilt was deeply committed to philanthropy. She was particularly passionate about supporting healthcare and education. In 1937, she founded the Evelyn Vanderbilt Refugee Foundation to provide aid to refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. She also actively supported the National Maritime Union and served on the board of the National Board of the YWCA.

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Style and Fashion Icon

Evelyn Vanderbilt was renowned for her impeccable style and sense of fashion. She was a regular on the "Best Dressed Women" list and inspired many designers with her elegant attire. Her signature style included tailored suits, wide-brimmed hats, and intricate jewelry. Evelyn became a muse for designers such as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.

Legacy

Evelyn Vanderbilt passed away on October 29, 1993, at the age of 87. She left behind a significant legacy of philanthropy, style, and social impact. Her charitable endeavors continue to support various organizations, and her fashion legacy continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Evelyn Vanderbilt: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Style

Table 1: Evelyn Vanderbilt's Charitable Contributions

Organization	Amount Donated (USD)
Evelyn Vanderbilt Refugee Foundation	$4.5 million
National Board of the YWCA	$2 million
Planned Parenthood	$1.5 million
National Maritime Union	$1 million
New York Public Library	$500,000

Table 2: Evelyn Vanderbilt's Fashion Accomplishments

Achievement	Year
Featured on "Best Dressed Women" list	1934-1993
Muse for Coco Chanel and Christian Dior	1930s-1940s
Listed among the "50 Best Dressed Women of the World" by Time magazine	1958

Table 3: Benefits of Evelyn Vanderbilt's Philanthropy

Organization	Benefit
Evelyn Vanderbilt Refugee Foundation	Provided aid to over 5,000 refugees
National Maritime Union	Improved working conditions for seamen
Planned Parenthood	Supported access to reproductive healthcare
National Board of the YWCA	Empowered women and girls through education and advocacy
New York Public Library	Enriched library resources and promoted education

Why Philanthropy Matters

Evelyn Vanderbilt's philanthropy had a profound impact on society. Her charitable contributions supported important causes, such as:

Introduction

Providing assistance to refugees fleeing persecution and war
Improving the lives of workers and their families
Advancing access to healthcare and education
Empowering women and girls through education and leadership development
Enriching cultural experiences and preserving cultural heritage

How to Engage in Philanthropy

Step 1: Identify Your Passion: Choose a cause or organization that aligns with your values and interests.

Step 2: Research and Evaluate: Gather information about potential organizations and their impact before making a donation.

Step 3: Make a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to donate and establish a regular giving plan.

Step 4: Give Regularly: Consider setting up recurring donations to ensure consistent support.

Step 5: Explore Different Ways to Give: Donations can include financial contributions, in-kind donations (e.g., goods or services), and volunteering your time.

Step 6: Track Your Impact: Monitor the impact of your donations and consider ways to increase your support over time.

Effective Strategies for Philanthropy

Target your giving: Focus on specific causes or organizations that align with your priorities.
Research and evaluate: Ensure that your donations are directed towards organizations with demonstrated impact and strong financial management.
Make a significant commitment: Consider giving larger donations or making multi-year pledges to maximize your impact.
Engage with organizations: Visit programs and meet with staff to gain a deeper understanding of their work.
Leverage your network: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to support your chosen causes.
Use innovative giving methods: Explore options such as donor-advised funds and impact investing to maximize your philanthropic impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who was Evelyn Vanderbilt's husband?
A: Earl E.T. Smith

Evelyn Vanderbilt: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Style

Q: What was Evelyn Vanderbilt's most notable charitable contribution?
A: Founding the Evelyn Vanderbilt Refugee Foundation

Q: Which designers were inspired by Evelyn Vanderbilt's style?
A: Coco Chanel and Christian Dior

Q: What is the legacy of Evelyn Vanderbilt's philanthropy?
A: A lasting impact on healthcare, education, and refugee support

Q: How can I get involved in philanthropy?
A: Identify your passion, research organizations, make a budget, and give regularly.

Q: What are the benefits of engaging in philanthropy?
A: Making a positive impact on society, supporting causes you care about, and leaving a meaningful legacy.