The Gift of Giving
Charities
It is truly hard to grasp the prolific scope of Marie's philanthropy but she leaves a profound legacy as she was exceptionally generous with her time, talents, and treasures and joyfully undertook enormous tasks for her beloved charitable causes.
Episcopal Community Services
Marie was a longtime supporter of Episcopal Community Services (“ECS”) whose mission is to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all San Diegans,
providing services in the areas of homelessness, mental health, poverty, addiction and
early childhood education. Marie served four terms on the Board of Directors, given generously of her expertise in real estate and fundraising, raised awareness for ECS’ mission through her connections in the community, played a central role in their book
drive, and served as auction chair and gala chair for their signature fundraising events. To donate visit:
The Imbabazi Orphanage
The Imbabazi orphanage in Rwanda was founded in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Since it opened its doors, it has provided care for countless lost and orphaned children and through Marie’s donations remains a haven of love and safety. She continually spread the word about nurturing and empowering Rwanda’s children and the local communities through education, skills training, and income-generating opportunities.
To donate visit.
Balboa Park
Over the last twenty years, Marie donated to many projects to enhance Balboa Park
and most recently funded the sconce restoration in Plaza de California through the
Friends of Balboa Park. For numerous years, Marie was also a member of and Silent Auction Chair for the Patrons of the Prado.
To Donate to Friends of Balboa Park Visit: https://friendsofbalboapark.org/donate/
To donate to Patrons of the Prado visit: https://www.patronsoftheprado.org/donate
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Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
To the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, “Auntie” Marie has literally been their next-door angel and they say they have been touched by God’s angel who does good on earth by always serving others before self. Marie made it possible for thousands of low-income
boys and girls to receive swim lessons, play youth sports, and attend day camp. She has helped send kids to college and ensured that families surviving violent loss were able to attend grief camps at YMCA Camp Marston in Julian. To donate visit:
Rady Children’s Hospital
Marie has been a loyal supporter of Rady Children’s Hospital and an extremely valued member of the Charity Ball Gala Committee spending innumerable hours on the Past Chairmen’s Tea, planning other aspects of the Gala, and personally writing donor
appreciation cards with her legendary hand-crafted thank you note talents.
To Donate visit:
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Since the 1970s, Marie has been active as a member and a donor with the Zoological Society of San Diego and is a champion of and true friend to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
and their staff, regularly supporting new exhibits and always quick to ask, “What do
you need?” and then carrying through with fulfilling that need. Marie has chaired the Rendezvous in the Zoo (“RITZ”) auction committee since 2012 and helped with the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration event which raises money for the San
Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's conservation efforts.
To Donate Visit:
Patrick Henry High School
Marie’s support for Patrick Henry High School began when her son, Scott, was attending the school. She organized the effort to paint the high school for the first time in
twenty-five years, made significant contributions to the Grad Night program, and became a wonderful supporter and Title Sponsor of the Patrick Henry High School Alumni
Association Golf Tournament. This resulted in the donation of over $500,000 worth of computers, sports and teaching equipment, and college scholarships to Patrick
Henry and its students.
To donate visit:
St. Paul's Senior Services
St. Paul’s Senior Services has provided homes and care to generations of San Diego’s
seniors. Marie has generously supported their programs and services and has actively participated in their fundraising special events and the coordination of many of the auctions. Each year, Marie ensured that hundreds of seniors served by St. Paul’s
received a gift bag of greatly treasured and much needed essentials always
accompanied by at least one or more special treats such as tins of cookies or holiday blankets.
To donate visit:
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
Marie impacted almost every one of our St. Dunstan’s ministries from scholarships for graduating high school seniors, to a complete Parish House kitchen remodel, to donuts for Sunday morning social time. She was a strong supporter of our Prayers and Squares ministry which provides prayer quilts for people facing a serious illness and stuffed bears for young children. She purchased gift cards from our Scrip fundraising program, making them available to people in need of extra funds for food or gas. She provided and served wine and beer for our major fundraisers such as the annual Rummage Sale Gala. It was not unusual for members of the parish to receive small gift packages from Marie which usually included a sheet or two of postage stamps and a cartoon.
To donate visit:
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Other notable charities Marie loved
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Cowles Mountain Community Foundation
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La Mesa-Spring Valley Educational Foundation
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