Hunter’s Stories

Interview with Alan Green

1.   How did you learn about the HBW grants program for Mustique and what inspired you to support it? 

We have a personal connection to the Watson family, having first met on Mustique and have been friends for almost 20 years. During our vacations there our son, Zack, grew up with Hunter. As parents, we had empathy for what they were going through. We were aware of the family’s desire to create a lasting memorial to Hunter and to support innovative young people on St. Vincent, and we wanted to support their efforts.  

2.    What sets the HBW Fund apart from other charities you know or support?

I know how my gift is used, and this is gratifying for a donor.  I met one of the grantees, who expressed gratitude for the financial support and eloquently described the grant’s impact on his life. This personalized the organization, putting a human face on its mission. Intimacy was forged through the presentation by the grantees, and that had a positive impact on my relationship with this charity.  

3.    How does support for the HBW Fund fit into your philanthropic goals? 

Most of my philanthropy is based on my being “touched by a cause”. This cause resonated with me because of how it helps young people on St. Vincent “kickstart” their lives, and because it has a deep
personal aspect.  

4.    Do you think the HBW Fund is using your gift wisely?  

Jerry explained how efficiently this organization operates and how low they keep their costs. As a donor, it seems to me that nearly all of my gift goes toward the mission, and I applaud that. Charitable efficiency should matter to every donor; it is an important message that should be emphatically communicated to potential donors.   

5.    Will you continue to support the HBW Fund and if so, why and if not, why not?

Yes, definitely. 

6.     If you think it’s important for the HBW Fund to grow and expand the reach of its work, how could/would you be willing to help that effort? 

There is a beauty to the size of this organization in its present form. But, the most touching memorial of all would be for this program to grow organically and involve young people in more areas. In doing so, this charity could take flight and help many more people, all in the name of Hunter Watson. In other words, if other young people were to say, “why not here, why not us? we can do this, too”, the impact of this organization could be without boundaries.