There’s something afoot in philanthropy. Couples are finding quality time by volunteering—together. Whether chairing a formal gala or teaching in Africa, couples are working as a team for a common cause and unexpectedly reaping a few benefits for themselves.

Michael & Letita Kim with fellow Symphony Supper co-chairs Patricia Ferrin Loucks & Charles Loucks

It was a rarity back in 1998 when Patricia Ferrin Loucks and Charles Loucks first chaired an event together. A growing family prevented them from doing so again until earlier this year when the San Francisco Symphony asked the Loucks to co-chair the Symphony Supper fundraiser with another couple, Letitia & Michael Kim. Patricia says that not only was it unusual for a couple to chair an event, men participating at all was just not done.

Although organizing fundraising events in the past may have been “women’s work,” young contemporaries are shifting away from the old-school approach as more men are stepping forward to offer their time and skills. Christopher Contos works in marketing for a software company and, in addition to volunteering for the Elios Society, he was the co-chair, with Michelle Curtis, this year for the Symphonix Opening Gala. He says men bring a new perspective to the table. “I think the committee looked to me for a different insight,” says Christopher. As an example, he points out that the décor for the gala this year was a bit more masculine, and people responded positively to that.

Venture capitalist Michael Kim is on the board of the Asian Art Museum and has chaired several fundraisers with his wife. “The Asian Art Museum is a very important cultural institution,” he says, “and in this current economy, resources are declining, so my wife and I want to do our part.” In addition to working with the Loucks on the Symphony Supper, the Kims chaired the opening gala for the Asian Art Museum’s “Lords of the Samurai” exhibit this past June.

Susan Engle, manager of events at the Asian Arts Museum, says having the Kims work as a couple greatly benefited the museum. Combining the skills of the two professionals helped sell out the opening gala. “We were just very lucky having such a magnificent couple working with us,” says Susan. “We approach every event differently, but with the success of the Kims, we will look to work with couples in the future.”

Emebet Bellingham, co-founder and president of The World Family, a humanitarian organization working to improve health care in Ethiopia, says the organization has quite a few couples volunteering locally and traveling to Africa to work on-site. “It’s always great to have couples,” says Emebet. “The common interest bonds them and creates a stronger tie and commitment to us.”

Both Charles Loucks and Michael Kim say they enjoy working with their spouses. “It was great working with Letitia,” says Michael. “As an attorney, she’s a very methodical, organized worker, and so am I. Putting our skills together made us a stronger team.”

Charles says it’s great for him to be working with his wife, rather than just watching from afar. “When I’m involved too, it’s more satisfying.”

For artist Mel Prest, volunteering with her husband, Andrew Kleindolph, gives her a chance to see him in a different light. “Andrew is a really funny guy, and he’s great under pressure,” says Mel. “Volunteering allows us to be together in a different way.”

Mel and Andrew volunteer regularly with The World Family, packing boxes of donations at the local warehouse. Last summer they decided to travel to Gara Dima, Ethiopia, to work with the organization. An electronics teacher, Andrew taught a small community how to make LED solar charging lights and Mel taught drawing. “Volunteering together is a symbol of an already great relationship,” says Andrew.

In addition to benefiting the community and their relationships, the Loucks also believe that working together for charities has served as a good example to their children. “When the kids see us supporting events and getting involved, they have a greater appreciation for the importance of giving back,” says Charles. The couple even brought their ten-year-old son to one of the planning meetings. “We told him that this is what we do,” says Patricia. “He dressed up in his suit, and he liked being a part of something important.”

The trend is continuing for the Loucks who are co-chairing Holiday Heroes with Stacey & Christopher Caen. This annual Wender Weis Foundation for Children fundraiser is coming up on December 7 and will feature a full day of holiday activities for children, including appearances by celebrity athletes. Patricia admits that with children and schedules it is more challenging to volunteer, but families are willing to juggle.

“People want to see friends and keep connected,” Patricia says. Getting out there and working together—it’s the winning ticket for everyone.

Moya Stone is a freelance writer and senior editor of SFBaystyle.com