James and Geraldine Bertelsen

In 1946, when James and Geraldine Bertelsen were married, they hoped to begin a family. They remained childless, but their love for children never diminished. Upon their deaths, the Bertelsens left their estate – composed mainly of the value of their home – to establish a scholarship fund at The San Diego Foundation in their family name. Since then, scholarships have been granted out for students at USD, Marquette University, Loyola Marymount and Notre Dame.

Historical Gift: $419,468
Current Value: $557,310*
Grants: $207,500*

*As of June 30, 2005

Major Reuben H. Fleet

Major Reuben H. Fleet is familiar to San Diegans who have visited the Science Center at Balboa Park bearing his name. Major Fleet also established a private foundation and entrusted his descendents with its management. According to their wishes, the Reuben H. Fleet Foundation came to reside at The San Diego Foundation. Through The Foundation, this fund supports homeless children, the poor, the elderly and provides scholarships for science-oriented individuals and organizations. More than 135 organizations have benefited from grants that exceed $13 million.

Historical Gift: $8.57 million
Current Value: $21.4 million*
Grants: $13 million*

*As of June 30, 2005