Making a difference and giving back to the community is part of Tom’s personal mission and he serves in leadership positions with a number of philanthropic organizations, including the following:
American Heart Association’s Heart and Stroke Walk
Tom Chaired the American Heart Association’s 2016 San Diego Heart and Stroke Walk, held in Balboa Park. Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke is the organization’s mission.
Under Tom’s leadership, the team at Emerald Textiles, participated in the Heart and Stroke Walk every year since the inception of the company with a huge showing and significant fundraising. In 2016, Emerald was the title sponsor of the event in support of improving patient care, advocating for healthy communities, reaching out to at-risk populations, providing education and raising awareness of cardiovascular health as well as heart disease and stroke prevention.
San Diego Museum of Art
Tom is the past president and current member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Museum of Art. Throughout his service he has served on multiple committees including strategic planning, finance, audit, compensation, nominating and development. Along with fellow board members, Tom works with museum staff to ensure the museum fulfills its mission to inspire, educate, and cultivate curiosity through great works of art.
San Diego State University Business School
Tom has served on the Board of Directors at his alma mater, the San Diego State University College of Business Administration. He was responsible for mentoring students, garnering financial support for programs and helping develop relevant curriculum for the business school.
Sharp HealthCare
Tom served as a former member of Sharp HealthCare’s Board of Directors, the healthcare network’s governing body, from 2005-2010. He currently serves as a Trustee on the Board of Directors at the Sharp Memorial Hospital which oversees both Sharp Memorial Hospital and Sharp Mary Birch.
Over the years, Tom served the organization by working on multiple committees, including the informational technology, marketing and audit committees.
The Gildred family has a long history of supporting Sharp, and was instrumental in the founding of Sharp Memorial Hospital with the donation of 12.5 acres of land in 1953, where the campus is still located today.
Plaza de Panama
Tom served as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Plaza de Panama Project from 2010-2018. The committee, chaired by Director and Chairman Dr. Irwin Jacobs, focused on the development and implantation of the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park. The project — which was supported by Former Mayor Jerry Sanders, Todd Gloria and other city councilmembers — proposed rerouting automobile traffic from the plaza into a parking structure, allowing the plaza space to be reclaimed for park and pedestrian uses.
Computers 2 San Diego Kids
Tom supports Computers 2 SD Kids, a non-profit organization that places computers in the homes of low-income families to enhance their children’s academic performance. The nonprofit’s goal is to reach the homes of 28 percent of San Diego County families that are otherwise unable to afford computers.
San Diego Bicycle Club
An avid cyclist, Tom belongs to the San Diego Bicycle Club, which was the first bicycle club formed in San Diego. The club supports bicyclists of all ages through organized training programs and special rides, trips and other events. The club also extends discounts on bicycle equipment to its membership.
Mission Valley YMCA
Tom is a former board member of the Mission Valley YMCA, which includes three facilities: the YMCA on Friars Road, the Toby Wells YMCA in Kearney Mesa and the Krause Family Skate & Bike Park in Clairemont. Comprised of approximately 45 members, the board of directors is responsible for delivering programs to 30,000 YMCA members and managing a budget of $17 million.
Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club
Tom is a founding member of the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club. Rotarians support a range of local, national and international health and social causes.