Ojai suffers loss of major philanthropist
By Jesse Phelps

Ojai lost one its most important benefactors Thursday, when Jimmi Clapp died at age 90.
Clapp, named Ventura County's Philanthropist of the Year in 2001, leaves behind a long list of friends and organizations touched by her generosity during her 33 years in Ojai. A partial list would include the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, Ojai Valley Museum, Rotary Clubs, Four Winds School, St. Joseph's Health and Retirement Center, Humane Society of Ventura County and the American Heart Association.
"She quietly went about supporting so many local groups that there are few who haven't been touched by her," said Tim Dewar, Humane Society's director of public relations. "She has earned a cherished place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her."
Supporting youth, particularly through the Youth Foundation and the Nordhoff High School Music Department, was a priority for Clapp. "She genuinely cared about kids and she often spoke about her upbringing and how much attention she got from her parents ... I think she really felt anguish about children growing up without the kind of love she received," said Caryn Bosson, executive director of the Youth Foundation. "She was exceptionally generous and it was always my hope that people would look at what she had done and be inspired."
Rae Hanstad, Ojai City Councilperson, said that Clapp "was one of Ojai's most noteworthy philanthropists and a cheerful model of altruism. The entire valley will miss her active participation in improving Ojai's quality of life."

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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