Friends of Balboa Park reported Thursday a landmark donation from longtime benefactor and local philanthropist Dorothea Laub to restore and support the historic Balboa Park Carousel.
The gift brings Laub’s support of the carousel to $1 million, one of the largest sums contributed to the nonprofit Friends of Balboa Park since it was established in 1999.
“For an organization our size to receive such a significant amount from a single benefactor is humbling, especially at this time,” said Executive Director John Bolthouse. “It also demonstrates the generosity of San Diegans and the power of philanthropy to still come together in such uncertain times to support Balboa Park.”
Laub’s donation enabled the organization to reach its $3 million capital campaign goal, which was established when the nonprofit acquired the carousel in 2017 after nearly 100 years of family ownership.
Of the $3 million, approximately $1.5 million went to the purchase of the carousel. The remaining funds are earmarked for restoration. Work has continued throughout the pandemic to restore the animal rides, improve lighting and upgrade the structure.
“We are thrilled Dorothea’s generous gift helped us reach the $3 million fundraising goal,” said Friends board member and carousel capital campaign chair Ann Wilson. “Dorothea’s gift comprised a third of the overall campaign, and we could not have done this without her.”
Laub has donated more than$2.5 million to numerous projects to benefit Balboa Park in recent years, including funding for new lighting and repairs to the Palm Canyon pedestrian bridge completed in 2020.
