Editor’s note: This story is part of a December series honoring outstanding La Jollans who have gone above and beyond to unselfishly help others. Kristi Pieper’s husband, Michael Rossbacher, often remarks that his wife’s alphabet only includes 24 letters. According to him, she’s not familiar with the letters “n” and “o.” The full-time career woman and mother of three adopted children fills her minimal amount of free time volunteering at every opportunity. “You never want to bite off more than you can chew. You want to do a good job, so don’t overextend,” Pieper said with a laugh. “But we all have to learn how to multi-task in life.” Since 1994, the La Jolla native has been heavily involved in the nonprofit arena, running the gamut of organizations from the Junior League to the Parent Teacher Association. She has co-chaired the San Diego Charity Ball, chaired the St. Germaine Children’s Charity Silver Tea, was a six-year member of Las Patronas and sits on the Meals-on-Wheels board. Pieper describes herself as “well-rounded,” explaining that her volunteer efforts have shifted gears along with the changes in her life. When her two oldest children were in elementary school, she focused her efforts at Bird Rock Elementary. Now that they are in middle school, she is the president of the Muirlands Middle School Foundation. Different organizations have drawn her in throughout her life, she said, but the theme is the same. “I really believe that it comes from within — that hope that you can somehow make a difference,” Pieper said. She says her drive to contribute comes from the example set by her parents, who have long been involved with Meals-on-Wheels and other organizations. Now in their late 80s, they have taken an honorary position on the Meals-on-Wheels board, with Pieper stepping in to pick up where they left off. Hoping to impart the same sense of community involvement to her own children, she has tried to expose them to the sources of her inspiration. Years ago, when she was volunteering at the Salvation Army, she would take her children to witness her efforts. This year, she and her husband took the children along as they delivered turkey meals to elderly residents on Thanksgiving. “I really wish for them to see the passion that I feel,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful gift to be able to give.” Do you know a good Samaritan whose efforts deserve to be shared? The Village News wants to hear your stories of La Jollans’ altruistic actions and noble endeavors. Please send bios and photos to [email protected].
