San Diego lives up to its name, “America’s Finest City,” every day thanks to the legacy and generosity of countless San Diegans.
From conserving the region’s natural environment to supporting arts and diversity, generations of local leaders have ensured the region will continue to thrive through the support of endowed legacy funds.
To recognize these individuals who have committed their estate to help the region, The San Diego Foundation hosts an annual luncheon for its Legacy League members.
The occasion is both a celebration of giving and a time to remember the legacy of San Diego’s philanthropists who have passed away but continue their lasting impact on the region.
During the luncheon, attendees had the chance to hear from like-minded San Diegans. Legacy League members Hollyce Phillips and Kim Doren spoke about their commitment to future generations. Each valued the fact that by committing part of their estate to unrestricted funds at The San Diego Foundation they will forever support the shifting needs of the region.
Legacy Leaguers Hollyce Phillips (left) and Kim Doren (right) are all smiles after telling their personal stories of giving.
The annual event also honors one notable individual each year for leadership in the community. This year’s honoree was Philip Klauber.
Philip Monroe Klauber was born in San Diego in 1915 to a family of community leaders. His grandfather, Abraham Klauber, started one of the oldest companies in the city, while his father, Laurence Klauber, was a prominent businessman, serving as Chairman and CEO of San Diego Gas & Electric. Philip’s mother, Grace Gould Klauber, was a tireless community leader and longtime champion of what is now the United Way of San Diego.
Growing up an Eagle Scout in San Diego, Philip knew the importance of civic engagement from an early age. After spending time in New York during WWII following college at Stanford, Philip returned home to San Diego and became deeply involved throughout the community.
While working alongside his father at SDG&E, Philip served as president and member of a long list of San Diego’s nonprofit organizations, which would later earn him the informal moniker, “San Diego’s local historian,” thanks to his penchant for copious note taking.
He believed it was his civic obligation to make a difference in San Diego. From volunteering on numerous boards, to his leadership as a founder of what is now The San Diego Foundation, there are dozens of San Diego organizations in existence today that Philip helped build.
As a tribute to this legacy, Philip and his wife Detty June Klauber committed part of their estate to establish the PM & DJ Klauber Charitable Trust, an unrestricted legacy endowment fund from which earnings will be used to meet the greatest needs of the region.
Want to know more about how you can help San Diego through a legacy fund at The San Diego Foundation?
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
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