The Spirit of Humanitarian Leadership

Pat and Florence King’s transformational support to CHOICE Humanitarian began in 2004, and over the last 21 years, this inspiring couple has become some of our organization’s most passionate supporters. The Kings have funded life-changing projects in Kenya, Nepal, Guatemala, and the Navajo Nation, uplifting tens of thousands of underserved individuals. Their visionary approach to philanthropy has been instrumental in empowering impoverished communities through initiatives focusing on food security, education, and economic development. 

“Pat and Florence embody the spirit of humanitarian leadership,” said Heather Hammond Cruz, CEO of CHOICE Humanitarian. “Their generosity and dedication have directly impacted the lives of over 120,000 people in rural Guatemala alone. Beyond their financial contributions, they inspire others by visiting communities, working alongside locals, and investing in innovative solutions to disrupt global poverty and build self-reliance.” 

Making an Impact in Utah and Abroad 

Pat and Florence King’s influence include both local and global initiatives. Their philanthropic efforts have significantly advanced social good in Utah and abroad. Some of these include: 

• Geraldine E. King Women’s Resource Center: Honoring Pat’s late mother, this state-of-the-art facility provides emergency shelter to 200 women experiencing homelessness in and around Salt Lake City every night. Beyond providing safe emergency shelter, this facility provides essential basic needs such as meals, clothing, hygiene items, a place for women to wash clothes and shower, as well as being a welcoming environment for companion animals. The center plays a key role in the Utah community for those building a path from homelessness to self-sufficiency. 

• The Pat and Florence King Family Self-Reliance House: The Other Side Village is a self-reliant, master-planned neighborhood in Salt Lake City, designed to transform the lives of adults experiencing chronic homelessness. As major supporters, the Pat and Florence King family is sponsoring the construction of a home within the community, as well as serving as lead sponsors of the preparatory program’s transitional housing four-story facility—named in recognition of the King family—where individuals learn and practice life skills towards a path of stability and independence. 

• CHOICE Humanitarian Guatemala LIFE Program: Launched in 2020 in partnership with CHOICE Humanitarian, this initiative supports rural Guatemalans in sustainably reducing global poverty. The program enhances several areas of community-led development including food security, education, economic development, and emergency relief. In recent visits to the field, Pat has been able to meet and interact with several of the participating communities. So far, over 120,000 individuals have directly or indirectly benefitted.  

Along with these examples, the Kings are supporting over 50 human services activities through organizations such as the Boy and Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army, Neighborhood House, Guadalupe School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Community Services, and the Alzheimer's Association, as well as entities that provide a special focus on assistance and scholarships for low-income students, first generation students, and minority populations. 

A Legacy of Leadership and Inclusion 

The Kings’ commitment to equity is evident in their dedication to creating opportunities for underserved populations. Notably, their support in Guatemala empowers marginalized indigenous women through midwife training, family gardens, and access to medical care. Food security and reliable family income are key factors in alleviating multidimensional poverty, and the Kings’ contributions are allowing for long-term sustainable impact in the communities that CHOICE serves.    

Inspiring a New Generation of Philanthropists  

Beyond their financial donations, the Kings lead by example. Pat’s hands-on involvement, including visits to remote Guatemalan villages, demonstrates his deep commitment to the communities that he and Florence support. Each year, hundreds of Utah residents do similarly by volunteering for CHOICE Expeditions, a program that invites humanitarians to visit and serve in one of the nonprofit’s seven countries of operations.  

Said Dr. James B. Mayfield, co-founder of CHOICE Humanitarian, “Pat and Florence King’s unwavering belief in humanity has created a ripple effect of hope and transformation. Their philanthropy serves as a model of how one family’s vision can address urgent needs while empowering communities to achieve long-term self-reliance.” 

Honored with the Philanthropic Leadership Award

Last fall, Pat and Florence King were awarded the prestigious Philanthropic Leadership Award during the 2024 Utah Philanthropy Day ceremony. Nominated by CHOICE, the award recognized the Kings’ extraordinary contributions to humanitarian causes in Utah and worldwide, exemplifying leadership in their transformative philanthropy that changes lives. 

The award recognizes individuals whose sustained generosity and vision have significantly advanced social good. It celebrates leaders whose contributions inspire others to take action for the betterment of their communities and beyond. 

The yearly ceremony—hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Utah Chapter, Utah Nonprofits Association, and UServeUtah—brings together hundreds of philanthropists, nonprofits, and corporations involved in corporate social responsibility. The Philanthropic Leadership Award is one of just eight prestigious awards. The Kings were deeply deserving of this recognition, and in collaboration with mission-driven Utah organizations, their legacy of generosity will continue to inspire and impact future generations. 

Learn more about prestigious Philanthropic Leadership Award, an award that recognized Pat and Florence King in 2024 for their transformative philanthropy and worldwide leadership.