Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar On The Ripple Effect of Giving: How Philanthropy Benefits Everyone Involved

When we think of philanthropy, we often focus on the direct transaction: a donor gives, and a recipient benefits. But this is only the beginning. The true power of giving lies in its ripple effect—how one generous act can extend its impact far beyond the original gesture, touching countless lives in its wake. Whether it’s through financial contributions, volunteerism, or emergency aid, philanthropy creates an ecosystem of positive influence that enriches individuals, communities, and society at large.

Few examples illustrate this better than the philanthropic work of Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar. The couple has been steadfast supporters of Arcadia Hospital, offering not just financial contributions but also time, attention, and direct intervention in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical systems were under enormous strain, the Nijjars personally purchased two ventilators for the hospital, stepping in when resources were desperately needed. Their generosity is not just a model of responsive giving—it’s a case study in how philanthropy can change outcomes for entire communities.

Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar explore the many layers of giving, showing how donors, recipients, and even observers all benefit when kindness is put into action.

The Donor: Enriching Lives Through Purpose and Connection

It might seem counterintuitive, but research has consistently shown that donors themselves are among the greatest beneficiaries of their own generosity. Far from being a one-way act of sacrifice, giving enhances the donor’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Numerous studies have linked charitable behavior to:

• Increased happiness and life satisfaction
• Decreased levels of stress and depression
• Enhanced sense of purpose and personal meaning
• Greater social connection and community involvement

For Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar, philanthropy is clearly rooted in both empathy and identity. They don’t just give because it’s the right thing to do—they give because it’s part of who they are. Their support of Arcadia Hospital is consistent, compassionate, and deeply engaged. Purchasing ventilators during COVID-19 wasn’t a symbolic gesture—it was a life-saving one. That kind of targeted, timely giving not only fulfills a critical need but also provides the donors with a sense of agency, efficacy, and belonging.

The act of giving, especially when it’s personal and hands-on, generates a psychological boost often referred to as the “helper’s high”—a natural high caused by the release of dopamine and endorphins. For donors like Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar of Nijjar Realty, this high is accompanied by a deep and abiding connection to the people and institutions they support.

The Recipients: Dignity, Relief, and New Possibilities

The most obvious beneficiaries of philanthropy are, of course, the recipients. But what is often overlooked is how multifaceted this benefit can be. A financial gift might alleviate a tangible need—like purchasing medical equipment—but it can also restore dignity, renew hope, and create new opportunities for individuals and families.

When Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar donated ventilators to Arcadia Hospital, they didn’t just supply machines—they offered a lifeline. For patients struggling with severe respiratory distress, those ventilators were the difference between life and death. For families watching loved ones battle the virus, the donation brought comfort and relief.

But the ripple effect didn’t stop there. The ventilators also alleviated pressure on medical staff, enabled the hospital to serve more patients efficiently, and preserved critical care capacity. In a system stretched to its limits, a single act of giving had an exponential impact.

Beyond emergency response, ongoing contributions from Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar have supported the hospital’s broader mission to provide quality care. Their involvement strengthens infrastructure, boosts morale, and ensures that Arcadia Hospital remains a vital resource for the entire community.

The Community: Strengthening Social Fabric and Civic Trust

Philanthropy doesn’t just change lives, it changes communities. When local institutions receive support from engaged donors, it helps build trust, foster collaboration, and enhance community resilience. Arcadia Hospital, for example, is more than a medical center. It is a cornerstone of the community, a place where people go not only for healing but also for connection and support. When donors like the Nijjars invest in such institutions, they help ensure that everyone in the area has access to critical resources.

Moreover, the visibility of their generosity inspires others to act. This is a well-documented phenomenon known as prosocial contagion, where one person’s giving behavior prompts others to follow suit. Seeing a neighbor, business leader, or public figure step up to help creates a culture of generosity. It reminds people that change is possible and that they have a role to play in it. When a family like Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar supports their local hospital, it encourages other residents to do the same, whether through donations, volunteer hours, or advocacy. In this way, philanthropy strengthens the social fabric and builds a more engaged, compassionate civic life.

The Bystanders: Learning Empathy and Becoming Agents of Change

Philanthropy also influences those who aren’t directly involved, the bystanders who witness generosity and are inspired by it. Children, in particular, learn about the value of giving by observing adults. When they see role models like Mike and Patty Nijjar responding to crises with action, they internalize those values and carry them forward into their own lives.

Even casual observers can be moved by stories of giving. Social media posts, news coverage, and word-of-mouth accounts all have the power to shape attitudes and spark imitation. In this way, a single philanthropic act can catalyze hundreds of other small acts of kindness, creating a ripple that extends far beyond the initial circle of impact.

The Long-Term Effect: Building a Legacy of Care

The most profound aspect of philanthropy is its potential to create lasting change. When giving is consistent, values-driven, and rooted in a long-term vision, as it is in the case of Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar, it builds a legacy. This legacy is not only about what is given, but about how it is given: with humility, with strategy, and with deep respect for the people and institutions involved.

Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar’s ongoing support of Arcadia Hospital is an investment not just in healthcare, but in the future of their community. It sends a powerful message: that everyone deserves access to care, that we are all responsible for one another, and that generosity is a resource that grows when shared.

Final Thoughts: Giving Is a Collective Victory

The ripple effect of giving proves that philanthropy is never a one-sided equation. It benefits the donor by deepening purpose and joy. It uplifts recipients through direct relief and restores dignity. It strengthens communities by reinforcing trust and collective identity. And it inspires bystanders to engage, learn, and lead.

When Mike Nijjar and Patty Nijjar chose to support Arcadia Hospital, not just in times of stability but in moments of crisis, they weren’t just writing a check. They were writing a new chapter of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity. In the end, every act of giving is a collective victory. It is a reminder that even in a world of individual pursuits, our greatest strength lies in what we give each other. And that strength, once set in motion, never stops expanding.