Education has always been important to Francis and Barbara Balint. They have worked to instill that value in their six children and seventeen grandchildren, and they believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. That belief is the inspiration behind Balint Charities.

Over the years, Francis and Barbara have generously supported colleges, universities, and educational organizations that share their belief in the power of learning. Their lifelong commitment to education and their generosity toward others have been an inspiration to their family.

In their honor, Kathleen Christesen founded Balint Charities, Inc., creating a lasting family legacy built around two things Francis and Barbara have always valued: the importance of reading and the joy and opportunity that music can bring to a young child’s life.

Francis Balint

When I was nine years old, I found an old record featuring Ira Gershwin playing “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Paul Whiteman band.  I played it over and over again on the old wind-up Victrola also left to die in the basement.  I was hooked!  Music became an important part of my life – not as a performer, but as a listener.  My college interests were mathematics and science, but many of my friends were musicians and I enjoyed many hours listening to them.  Our family home, when our children were young, was filled with all types of music, from jazz to classical to “America’s Songbook”.  I am happy to extend that love of music to children everywhere.

Barbara Balint

The love of books has been with me for a lifetime.  A happy summertime memory for me was being allowed (at the age of 7 or 8) to walk seven blocks to the public library in our small town.  I would check out several books and then slowly start walking home, reading as I went.  Sometimes I would arrive home with only a couple of them left to read!  So the next day I would walk back downtown and repeat the process.  What a wonderful summer – so many books!  I wish every child could have that opportunity to find the joy in reading.  Being read to, the first step, is what Balint Charities is all about.