Tag Archives: Frederick Wehba

Bora Bora: Island of All Dreams, Says Fred Wehba

Fred Wehba It’s getting cooler and that means that many of us will start daydreaming about warm weather. Fred Wehba is here to explain why we don’t have to simply dream, we can bask in warmth and sunshine all year long in French Polynesia.

ZRYLW: Good evening and thank you for joining us today.

Fred Wehba: Always a pleasure.

ZRYLW: We understand that travel is one of your passions.

Fred Wehba: It is, indeed. I love seeing God’s beautiful artwork laid out in new landscapes.

ZRYLW: Are there any particular destinations that you hold most dear?

Fred Wehba: There are so many. The world is such a beautiful place. However, I have to say that Bora-Bora is about my favorite destination, especially this time of year when most of the country is preparing for cool weather.

ZRYLW: That is in French Polynesia, right?

Fred Wehba: That’s right. It’s part of the Society Islands.

ZRYLW: Is there anything unique about the island?

Fred Wehba: It is surrounded by a barrier reef and lagoon. The waters are the most perfect blue you’ll ever see. The island itself is home to an ancient pair of volcanoes, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia.

ZRYLW: We hope they are extinct…

Fred Wehba: They are, yes, but they are still an imposing site!

ZRYLW: It seems like such an out-of-the-way place. Does it have an economy of its own?

Fred Wehba: Actually, Bora-Bora’s economic stability is largely reliant on tourism.

ZRYLW: Are there many resorts?

Fred Wehba: It is not a huge island but there are many accommodation options, ranging from moderate to luxury.

ZRYLW: What would a typical day be like for a visitor to Bora-Bora?

Fred Wehba: For the most part, the tourist attractions are centered on the area’s almost unnaturally blue and temperate waters. You could spend an entire day lounging on the beach and snorkeling the shallow lagoon.

ZRYLW: What about if I’m afraid of sharks?

Fred Wehba: For the most part, it’s a very safe area with water clear enough to see any danger. There are a couple of different island-based dive operators that offer shark and stingray tours.

ZRYLW: Is it an expensive trip?

Fred Wehba: Accommodations on the island range from basic up to very luxurious.

ZRYLW: What’s the best way to explore the lagoon?

Fred Wehba: You can rent a small boat (which I highly recommend) because it is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

ZRYLW: What is the average temperature?

Fred Wehba: Throughout the year, the temperature hovers in the mid-80s with a low in the mid to upper 70s.

ZRYLW: That sounds like an absolute dream!

Fred Wehba: It is known as the “Island of All Dreams” for a reason. The only caveat is that December through February brings higher rainfall.

ZRYLW: So when is the best time to go?

Fred Wehba: July, August, and September are typically the driest, followed closely by May and June. But really, there isn’t a bad time to take a vacation to Bora-Bora, no matter when you go!

C. Frederick Wehba Examines America’s Tradition of Charitable Giving

C. Frederick Wehba

Businessman and community service leader C. Frederick Wehba understands the challenges for charities and philanthropic organizations relying on the donations of the American public. With the U.S. economy in a holding pattern, C. Frederick Wehba has witnessed a hesitance on the part of many people to make donations, for fear of compromising their own personal financial situations. Here, C. Frederick Wehba shares about his own experiences with assisting the community.

ZRYLW: It’s so nice to talk with you once again, Mr. Wehba.

C. Frederick Wehba: I’m grateful to be here and share my story.

ZRYLW: As an active member of your community, how do you see the future of philanthropy?

C. Frederick Wehba: As the U.S. economy shows signs of improvement, the hope is that Americans will experience an increased desire to give to charities.

ZRYLW: What are the most prevalent reasons why citizens are deciding not to donate to charities right now?

C. Frederick Wehba: Due to the unemployment rate and resulting financial hardships, it’s only natural that charitable donations would shrink.

ZRYLW: How much do Americans donate to charity?

C. Frederick Wehba: In each of the last few years, the total exceeded $214 billion.

ZRYLW: From where were these statistics drawn?

C. Frederick Wehba: Tax records of the Internal Revenue Service are used to formulate the data.

ZRYLW: Are these tax records public knowledge?

C. Frederick Wehba: The IRS offers general information to the public each year that describes how much money has been given to charity.

ZRYLW: Is the financial information of individual households protected?

C. Frederick Wehba: Yes, absolutely. The data concerning individuals or families is protected for the safety of all Americans.

ZRYLW: From your perspective, what is the common thread among people who do choose to be philanthropic?

C. Frederick Wehba: Whether or not they feel personally connected to a specific organization or cause, they find tremendous benefits in giving donations.

ZRYLW: Why do you feel that citizens are more likely to give back to the community?

C. Frederick Wehba: Donating time and money often makes people feel a greater sense of purpose.

ZRYLW: What about yourself? Is there a particular reason for your own community service?

C. Frederick Wehba: It’s fair to say that I’m primarily guided by my religious beliefs.

ZRYLW: In summary, how can U.S. charities get back on the right track?

C. Frederick Wehba: It’s time to reframe the conversation and get to the heart of what truly matters.

ZRYLW: And that is…?

C. Frederick Wehba: For the generations of tomorrow, our efforts today are going to make a considerable difference in their well being. It’s important to keep our children’s and grandchildren’s futures in mind.

ZRYLW: Thanks for joining us today, and being such an inspiration!

C. Frederick Wehba: All credit goes to my family members and friends, who have encouraged me with every step. But you are certainly welcome, and thank you for having me.

Whether he’s supporting the Boy Scouts of America or one of his community’s local churches, C. Frederick Wehba is always eager to be involved in local development initiatives. C. Frederick Wehba believes that volunteerism has defined the United States and given rise to some of the greatest achievements in our society.

 

BentleyForbes Shares Virtues of the Boy Scouts of America

BentleyForbes The founder of BentleyForbes has been a champion of the Boy Scouts of America since the company began in 1993. In this interview, he explains why BentleyForbes is heavily involved in the organization’s wealth of opportunities for today’s young men.

Zrylw: Welcome, and thank you for your time this morning.

BentleyForbes: It’s an absolute pleasure to be with you!

Zrylw: Tell us about your involvement with the Boy Scouts of America…

BentleyForbes: The Boy Scouts of America is truly one of the finest youth organizations in the U.S. The Boy Scouts put an emphasis on physical and mental fitness for young men from the ages of 11 to 17.

Zrylw: Why is this mission so critical in today’s society?

BentleyForbes: The American value system remains in a state of flux. With so many social options available to kids today, making the right choice can be incredibly difficult.

Zrylw: How so?

BentleyForbes: The youth of America are subjected to countless unethical corporate and individual acts in the media, not to mention their schools and communities.

Zrylw: Where do the Scouts come into play?

BentleyForbes: According to various studies, Scouts are generally more satisfied with their professional and personal lives. The value of these relationships cannot be underestimated.

Zrylw: What specific traits do you find are most notable among Scouts?

BentleyForbes: Scouts have excelled in leadership roles as a result of the self-confidence and strength that they have drawn from their experiences.

Zrylw: What experiences, for example?

BentleyForbes: Being of service to others is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. By learning how to respect other people and their property, Scouts gain invaluable life skills.

Zrylw: Such as…?

BentleyForbes: Especially in today’s society, it’s important to feel pride about America and all of its abundant opportunities. Taking care of the environment is one of the chief lessons learned by Scouts.

Zrylw: That’s a noble goal!

BentleyForbes: Indeed. These ethical standards establish a strong and unyielding foundation that serves young men for the rest of their lives.

Zrylw: What is the long-term impact of their involvement?

BentleyForbes: The opportunities granted by the Boy Scouts of America carry forth into the rest of their lives. Because of their association with the Scouts, young men improve their interpersonal relationships.

Zrylw: How can adults help out the cause?

BentleyForbes: As part of volunteering, adults can work directly with youth to develop and sustain a brighter future for the United States.

Zrylw: Is a certain level of experience necessary to volunteer?

BentleyForbes: Scouting volunteers come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. People and businesses from nearly every industry are involved in helping youth become competent, caring and responsible citizens.

Zrylw: What can adults learn from these endeavors?

BentleyForbes: Scout volunteering allows people to learn a variety of new skills and create lasting friendships within the community.

Zrylw: Where can adults find out more information about volunteering?

BentleyForbes: On the Scouts website, simply type in a zip code to find the nearest council.

Zrylw: Tremendous! Thanks for sharing!

BentleyForbes: You’re quite welcome.

Commercial real estate company BentleyForbes is one of the leaders in its industry, with current holdings in Dallas, Houston, Chicago and a number of major markets throughout the U.S.