Paul Christensen: Patron of the Arts, Champion for Education

Paul Christensen sees memories everywhere he walks in Vancouver. There were schoolyard shenanigans at Hough Elementary, piano lessons on 18th Street and swim days at Memory Pool. Most of his life has unfolded between Columbia and 39th Streets, including the years he spent growing his family and business, Realvest Corporation.

Paul credits much of his success to his community, so it’s no surprise that he has become one of Vancouver’s biggest advocates. His civic involvement began in 1986 when a friend asked him to help bring a Goodwill Rehabilitation Training Center to Clark County. He said yes and watched the center quickly become a reality. The experience opened his mind to the possibilities and promise of philanthropy.

His next big project moved closer to home when he set his sights on revitalizing the neighborhood where he grew up. With a guiding belief that schools are the heart of any community, Paul established the Hough Foundation at his childhood elementary school. The organization provides Hough students and families with greater opportunities through enrichment programs, social services and meaningful classroom assistance.

Paul’s vision was bigger than a neighborhood though. He wanted to make Realvest a major force for local good, but he wasn’t sure how. In 1993, he reached out to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. With their guidance and support, Paul created the Realvest Community Fund, which allowed his staff to direct grants to local nonprofits supporting education, underserved communities, the arts and civics causes.

Today, Realvest’s impact is just as present as the memories Paul has made in Vancouver. The company has contributed more than $5 million to area nonprofits. Their gifts have helped launch the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, grow the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra into a regional asset, open doors to affordable housing and so much more.

Recently, Paul took his visionary giving a step further. Working with the Community Foundation, he established a supporting organization that allows his business to continue operating and supporting its dedicated team of 60 employees while funneling even more profits toward local causes.

The Realvest Foundation recently distributed its first round of grants, which provided $296,000 to local causes. This arrangement is the masterpiece Paul has been carefully composing his entire life, and there is no greater joy for him than to see it play out in his hometown.