JSERRA JUNIOR SOPHIE TONKS, her dad, Ian, and mom, Januaria, or “JJ”, have spent many hours together talking about life, faith and issues of the day.
It was during several of these chats, around Christmastime in 2024, that they hit upon an idea. Maybe it was because “’twas the season,” but they discussed the importance of giving and doing meaningful things in life. Soon they were exchanging ideas and strategies.
IAN TONKS POINTS OUT DETAILS ON THE CHARIPILLAR WEBSITE AS HIS DAUGHTER, SOPHIE TONKS, WORKS AT A LAPTOP. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“Sophie has always been a faith-filled person,” Ian Tonks said. “She’s always been philanthropically inclined, and we’ve always talked about making a difference.”
What began as a casual conversation developed into something bigger — much bigger.
In January, the family launched Charipillar.org, a charity with the immodest goal to raise $1 billion for worthy causes by the year 2036.
“We just wanted to have a really big goal to leave a legacy,” said Sophie Tonks.
Although no 17-year-old can reasonably imagine themselves at 27, Sophie has her dad to provide some longitudinal perspective.
Ian slightly tempers the 10-year, billion-dollar number, but still sees the effort as something with real legs and potential.
Sophie, who also runs cross country and is part of JSerra’s acclaimed DuPont Business Magnet Program, said she is in for the long haul despite a stacked school schedule. “I’m used to the hustle, and I believe you make time for what’s important,” she said. “I’m willing to put in the work. I am not doing this for show or to gain attention, that is not my priority.”
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH WELLNESS
The idea is straightforward. Charipillar exists for its members “to combine personal growth and wellness with charity and giving.” The goal is to create an interconnected collection of members, either as individuals or groups, who will challenge themselves to complete tasks in eight dimensions, or pillars, ranging from physical to spiritual wellness, with attainable goals and positive habits. Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends, colleagues and community partners to support their efforts through donations.
Charipillar has a list of worthy local nonprofits it promotes or actively contributes to, although participants can also go off menu. There are also plenty of guides, resources and sources to inspire and help
newcomers get started, fired up and stay engaged.
“Anyone can come in and find something that fits them,” Ian said. Ian, who works as an entrepreneurial coach with myriad companies, has already talked with Stanford Children’s Hospital and Hoag about potential partnerships. JJ is the family driver for Sophie’s visits to non-profits and potential partners among several unsung duties, and said she is happy to be involved.
“I feel very valuable putting in time helping people and helping build the foundation of this project” she said.
Because Charipillar is only in its nascent stages, Ian said he is awaiting his first batch of data on engagement, registration, donations and other online metrics. The Charipillar site is operated by Charity Footprints, which primarily supports non-profit fitness events and races.
As Charipillar builds its brand and identity, Ian said the goal is to help it grow organically as the membership increases and groups and charities interact.
JOURNEY OF FAITH
Building Charipillar has brought father and daughter closer together on parallel faith journeys. While Catholicism is central to the lives and identity of Sophie and her mother, both born and raised Catholic, for Ian, who was born into a secular family in London, the journey and path have been a little different. His search led him to the nondenominational Harbor Point Church in San Juan Capistrano; however, he credits Sophie as “a beacon in my faith journey.”
JJ, a native of Brazil, was born and raised Catholic, and it was important to the couple to raise Sophie in the faith. It was Ian’s observations of Sophie that led him to Christianity.
“I would pass by her room and each day she’d have a different Bible passage on a whiteboard in her room,” Ian said.
He was also inspired by sunrise services and other activities Sophie and her friends would attend.
“I decided I needed something,” he said about his search for something akin to what his daughter and wife had. Ian began jotting notes and last year self-published a book and website entitled “Becoming a Christ.ian” about his journey.
For Sophie, the journey of charity and faith has only deepened her beliefs.
“It has amplified my desire to continue to give back as much as possible,” she said