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A natural tendency for philanthropy
Women Of Impact
October 23, 2007
Although she wields a lot more leverage lately, Ginny Brewer says she's tried to do good for
years. The business of saving the planet ... now that's relatively new.
"I have developed this real urgency to help protect our environment," she explains. "I'm just
really worried about our earth's resources and how we're all chewing away at them, especially for
our children and our children's children."
Well before she married MindSpring founder Charles Brewer in 1998, Brewer could look back on
a history of charity efforts in her previous life of running a high-end Atlanta clothing boutique,
Rexer-Parkes.
"I just have a natural tendency for philanthropy," she recalls. "I did a lot of community
work through my business. I did a lot of networking through my customers."
She closed the store in 2003 and entered a much more frenetic world of benevolence through
her husband's successes, and especially his current venture, smart-growthoriented development
company Green Street Properties.
That brought a new awareness that turned Brewer green with enthusiasm. "We all need to do our
part to be better stewards of our earth," she implores. "Green development is a way to help protect
our environment."
It's a passion that Brewer has taken home with her, quite literally, hosting numerous
fund-raisers at her Ansley Park house for such causes as the Southern Environmental Law Center,
Georgia Organics and the Georgia Coastal Analysis Partnership as well as the Atlanta Ballet.
"We've been running a bit of a foundation at our house sometimes," she laughs. "I do feel
like I should share it. It is a good venue for events, so whenever I think it's worthwhile I'll do
it."
Her family's prominence now brings a-knocking ample opportunities to pitch in. "I'm a big
believer in giving back to our community. I've served on the boards of the Botanical Garden, Zoo
Atlanta and the Atlanta Ballet. All of these places have great programs for children, and I really
want to help reach out to children."
Brewer knows she can make a difference, and picks and chooses where she can accomplish the
most.
"I guess I'm in a position to create impact," she concludes. "I have the resources and the
connections to put people together and make things happen, more so obviously than when I was a
starving young entrepreneur. I definitely have more support to make things happen now."
