At the Foundation, we are continually inspired by the vital role advisors play in helping families navigate complexity, articulate purpose, and build meaningful legacies. Our 2026 Capstone Advisor Session brought together a dynamic group of professionals for a morning centered on exactly that—deepening relationships, expanding perspective, and refining the tools needed to guide clients through some of their most important decisions.
During the networking portion of the event, advisors across disciplines —financial, legal, tax, philanthropic, and beyond—took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with peers who face similar challenges and opportunities in their work. The energy in the room and conversations throughout the event reflected the attendees’ shared commitment to excellence and collaboration.
Thought-Provoking Content with Real-World Relevance
The Foundation welcomed Vince Sunzeri, Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley, to the stage where he shared the story about the client he referred to the Foundation. He showcased how the advisor-Foundation partnership can work and how referring a client to a partner that is well-suited to their needs is a win-win for the advisor and the client.
The main session, led by Matt Wesley, offered a compelling exploration of how advisors can better facilitate complex family conversations. At the center of his presentation were the “6 Golden Questions” designed to uncover values, surface tensions, and guide clients toward clarity—specifically in the area of philanthropy, but which often include issues around intergenerational decision-making, and succession planning.
After Matt framed the conversation about multi-generational planning and philanthropic conversations, he invited Brandon Rebboah, Estate Planning Partner at Berliner Cohen, to the stage to be in conversation. They shared what they’d each seen in their practices regarding these complicated, multi-generational conversations and practical implications of some of the theory that Matt laid out. The audience provided thoughtful questions during the Q&A portion of the event and the conversation continued among the audience after the session ended.
What stood out most was the practical nature of the content. Rather than abstract theory, the discussion focused on how these questions show up in real client situations. Advisors were encouraged to think critically about their approach to communication: how they listen, how they frame difficult topics, and how they help families navigate differing perspectives across generations.
Attendees left the session with not only new insights, but also a renewed appreciation for the role of thoughtful, values-based conversation in shaping outcomes that truly reflect a family’s purpose and legacy.
A Hands-On Workshop That Delivered Immediate Value
Following the main event, an optional two-hour interactive workshop was offered—an intimate, application-focused extension of the day’s learning.
This session provided a deep dive into Matt’s eight-question framework, allowing participants to actively work through how these questions apply to their own client scenarios. The emphasis on practice made the experience especially valuable: advisors explored practical language, tested facilitation techniques, and reflected on how to incorporate these tools authentically into their everyday work.
The workshop also highlighted the unique role philanthropy can play as an entry point into broader legacy conversations—opening doors to discussions that might otherwise feel difficult to initiate. Through peer dialogue and shared learning, participants gained fresh perspectives and actionable strategies they can bring directly into client engagements.
The workshop created an environment conducive to honest reflection, meaningful discussion, and professional growth—exactly the kind of experience we hope to continue offering.
Continuing the Conversation
For those who were unable to attend—or who wish to revisit the discussion—the event recording is available here: https://vimeo.com/1196339917?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
- Premier Sponsor: Jordan Park
- Major Sponsor: Berliner Cohen
- Partner Sponsors: Ferrari, Ottoboni, Caputo & Wunderling LLP, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Sensiba LLP, and Viso Insurance Services LLC.
Their partnership enables us to convene conversations like these, bringing together talented professionals committed to serving families with care, wisdom, and integrity. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in this important work.
Looking Ahead
The Catholic Community Foundation deeply values our relationship with advisors and is committed to offering opportunities for these professionals to become inspired and feel equipped to incorporate philanthropy into their practices.
We are encouraged by the strong engagement and thoughtful dialogue that defined this gathering. As advisors continue to navigate increasingly complex client needs, opportunities like this—to connect, learn, and grow—are more important than ever.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support advisors as they deepen their capacity to lead meaningful conversations that shape not just financial outcomes, but enduring legacies.