Las Patronas awards $207K to six area nonprofits at La Jolla luncheon

by Ashley Mackin Solomon

La Jolla-based women’s philanthropy group Las Patronas distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars among San Diego nonprofits during its beneficiary luncheon Jan. 14 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

The group awarded more than $207,000 total to six major beneficiaries that received at least $20,000 each. The money came from the $900,589 raised from Las Patronas’ 79th annual Jewel Ball, themed “Back En Pointe,” on Aug. 2.

The rest will be distributed to other beneficiaries that receive less than $20,000 each.

The major beneficiaries are:

• Camp Stevens, for a passenger van to expand access to its programs

• Ivey Ranch Park Association, for a wheelchair-accessible minivan for people with physical, emotional and developmental challenges

• Neighborhood House Association, for kitchen equipment to support the preparation of more than 1 million annual meals for children and adult day care centers

• Fleet Science Center, for a vehicle to support its offsite programs

• San Diego Youth Services, for a minivan to serve San Diego’s only emergency shelter for minors

• San Diego Youth Symphony, for a van to transport students and more than 300 instruments for community programs across the county

“Our beneficiaries … are the real reason we are here,” said “Back En Pointe” chairwoman Katherine Emmert-Kozo. “Your courage, perseverance and unwavering commitment to others inspires us more than words can fully express. You carry the weight of real challenges every single day. And yet you continue to lead with compassion, hope and determination.

“You remind us that philanthropy is not about transactions, it’s about trust, shared humanity and standing together in moments that matter most. Philanthropy is more than generosity. It’s an investment in people, potential and progress.”

Last year's Jewel Ball chairwoman, Katherine Emmert-Kozo (center), stands with co-chairwomen Karen Benito (left) and Jenny McGowan. (Ashley Mackin-Solomon) — Last year’s Jewel Ball chairwoman, Katherine Emmert-Kozo (center), stands with co-chairwomen Karen Benito (left) and Jenny McGowan. (Ashley Mackin-Solomon)

Emmert-Kozo thanked the organizations “for opening your doors and sharing your stories … and allowing us the privilege of walking beside you.”

The 80th Jewel Ball, themed “Festa di Venezia,” will be led by chairwoman Jenny McGowan and co-chairs Laurel Hanson and Sara Carpenter. It will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Beach & Tennis Club.

To learn more about Las Patronas and the Jewel Ball, visit laspatronas.org.