The Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills, California

Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills, California in 2010 celebrated fifty years of educating kids from the Los Altos School District (and surrounding county schools) on how to live simple harmonious lives. They do this through environmental programs such as sustainable farming and organic practices. They also teach how to build a community of equality and social justice where all people have an equal opportunity-- demonstrating living in harmony with one another and with our environment.

The founders of Hidden Villa Josephine and Frank Duveneck believed the best way to serve the community was by example. According to Marc Sidel, Associate Director of Development, "the need to work towards social justice and sustainability are just as pertinent today (if not more), as it was during the lifetime of Josephine and Frank Duveneck. Their generosity and visionary leadership serve as an inspiration for everything we do at Hidden Villa."

Frank Duvenek was a well-known painter in California and expressed his love for the natural world he desired to sustain in his many pieces of art he created in his lifetime. Hidden Villa contains many of Frank Duveneck paintings displayed in the main house that now serves as the staff meeting room and offices. The Duvenecks also began reaching out to the disenfranchised and became an example in the community of their passion for justice.

Their history of service goes back to the early days when the Duvenecks moved into their new custom-made family home at Hidden Villa in 1930, and soon turned it into a center for social activism. "The Duvenecks sheltered refugees fleeing from the Nazis in Europe, assisted Japanese-American families during and after their internment in camps, and provided a haven for Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers movement"

Today the foundation continues to champion social activism. They offer over two hundred thousand dollars in camp scholarships each year to children who would otherwise not be able to afford it. The organization operates only on donations from individuals and businesses (no government funding or endowment). This generous institute has truly lead by example for these last fifty years. Josephine and Frank Duveneck would be proud of the legacy they left for generations, not only for children from Los Altos School District, but for all visitors to enjoy year-round.

The offerings at Hidden Villa include
--Summer camps
--Workshops
--Activities in the arts
--Environmental education for diverse cultures and multi-generations
--Local musical events

Open to the public Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. to Dusk. Closed to the public on Mondays, except on holidays. Summer Hours - Closed to the public for summer camps. See website-open special summer public weekends. Parking fee- $5

Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Source:
Interview with Marc Sidel, Hidden Villa Lost Altos California March 25, 2010
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/