It all began with a conversation in the grocery store.
Michael Alpert had recently retired from practicing law when he bumped into a longtime friend – a judge working in San Diego’s juvenile court system. They spoke about the challenges young people face, and the programs designed to support them. The judge later invited Michael to get involved.
That unexpected moment sparked a new chapter of community engagement, one focused on creating opportunities for youth and families navigating complex systems.
Michael’s wife, Dede, was already deeply rooted in public service. What began as local volunteering grew into a career in the California State Legislature, where she championed education and the overall well-being of children and families.
“I saw the difference that quality education and opportunity mean to kids,” Dede said. “A good education – and a good start – can make all the difference in life.”
Over time, the Alperts noticed a pattern: the systems meant to help families didn’t always work the way they were supposed to. But when local organizations had the right support, they could step in and make a lasting difference.
Why the Y
One of their favorite nonprofit organizations to support? The YMCA of San Diego County.
Their youngest daughter serves on the board at the Toby Wells location. Through that lens, they quickly realized the nonprofit is more than just a well-known name. It’s a place where real support for children and families is happening every day.
“Children are our future, but to me, they’re also the present,” said Michael. “When I see kids that are happy and thriving and playing baseball and going to the parks, it makes me happy.”
The more the couple got to know the programs, the more they realized how much the Y’s work reflected their own values.
From early learning to afterschool care to inclusive activities for kids of all abilities, it wasn’t just about keeping kids busy. It was about helping them grow up with confidence, support and a sense of belonging.
“It just touches your heart when you see the kids actually speak about what these activities – what the Y actually means to them,” Michael shared.
Partnering for Impact
The Alperts’ belief in community-centered solutions is felt deeply at the YMCA, especially at the Toby Wells branch, where their support has helped expand access to programs that working families rely on all the time.
“Dede and Michael are such an instrumental part of the Toby Wells YMCA family,” shared Kari Logan, the branch’s Executive Director. “They’re just pillars in our community.”
Through their fund at San Diego Foundation (SDF), the Alperts provide more families with affordable, high-quality care, including early childhood education, afterschool activities and summer programming.
“They’ve helped support access,” Logan explained. “They’ve given opportunity for families in our community to take advantage of different childcare options that are safe, nurturing and helping build confident future leaders.”
That support also extends to the YMCA’s adaptive programming, ensuring that children of all abilities can have the same level of access to opportunity.
“Inclusion is our jam here,” the Executive Director shared. “The Alpert family has been instrumental in helping us live that value. We believe every child should have the same opportunities to thrive.”
A Commitment to Community
What began with that simple grocery store conversation has grown into a legacy of thoughtful, community-driven giving.
Dede and Michael’s approach to giving is grounded in a deep desire to create meaningful opportunities for others, especially children and families across the San Diego region.
Through their SDF fund, they’ve been able to support the causes closest to their hearts in ways that are thoughtful, strategic and built to last.
“We can always turn to the San Diego Foundation,” Michael said. “They help us with our choices, they give us suggestions, they provide input. And it feels like we’re doing a much better job with our money. Our money’s going to make a much bigger difference because we’ve made wise choices with the assistance of the Foundation.”
The Alperts’ story is a reminder that lasting change can start with small conversations and a decision to show up for your community.
Now, through its Fifty & Forward campaign, SDF is building on 50 years of impact and setting its sights even higher: granting $500 million for Education, Children & Families and the Environment, while raising $1 billion to shape San Diego’s future for generations to come.
Join donors like Dede and Michael in creating transformational change on the issues that matter most to you, and to the San Diego region. Learn more about SDF’s Fifty & Forward Campaign at SDFoundation.org/50.
