Endowment is the Largest Gift in the Charity’s History
SAN DIEGO – Dec. 10, 2012 – Making an instrumental difference in the care and services offered to families with hospitalized children, the Joseph A. W. Clayes III Charitable Trust has gifted $3.5 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.
The gift will establish the Joseph Clayes III Endowment Fund to provide a permanent, unrestricted source of funding for the organization, which operates 47 guest rooms and a Family Care Center for families with critically ill or injured children being treated at local hospitals.
The Joseph Clayes III Great Room
To recognize the Joseph A. W. Clayes III Charitable Trust and the generosity of co-trustees Trulette Clayes and Brendan Holmes, who directed this gift, the great room in the Ronald McDonald House will be renamed The Joseph Clayes III Great Room.
“The naming is a perfect match for a man who demonstrated a strong philanthropic commitment to society, and was an advocate for children’s health and welfare,” said Trulette Clayes, niece of the philanthropist.
“This room is the hub of the House, where families can gather together, enjoy a meal and support each other through trying times.”
Endowment funding is key to ensuring the future of nonprofit organizations, according to Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. “This extraordinary gift will provide a permanent source of funding that will grow over time, and forever change and brighten the future of our organization.”
This contribution will support thousands of families and give them the critical support they need by allowing them to stay nearby their sick or injured child and help them heal.
Day noted the organization relies on community support from individuals, and from private and public organizations, in addition to the support it receives from local McDonald’s owner/operators, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the charity’s operating costs.
“As a strong believer in investing in future generations, Joseph would be proud of this endowment, as it will help the charity create an emotional and physical sanctuary for families over the coming years,”
said Holmes, Joseph Clayes’ longtime friend and business partner.
Joseph A. W. Clayes
Joseph A. W. Clayes was born and raised in Anaheim, Calif. and became a successful financial and real estate investor, and avocado rancher. He loved theater and studied piano, which drew the co-trustees to the House’s great room when considering naming options, as its grand piano is the center of frequent musical performances for guests.
“My heart goes out to the families that rely on the Ronald McDonald House and I know this contribution will have a positive impact on guests,”
said Trulette Clayes.
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