DEADLINE EXTENDED TO BUY PLAQUE ON PATH
Endowment and community grants program benefit
RANCHO BERNARDO
Looking for a memorable, permanent gift for someone that will not only honor the recipient but help others?
The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation has a suggestion.
The foundation has extended its 2021 Pathway of Pride plaque reservation deadline to Jan. 7. The cost is $1,500, which Pathway Chairman Dave Brooks said is fully tax-deductible.
Proceeds from the plaques benefit the foundation’s annual community grants program and Rancho Bernardo’s community endowment. The foundation uses the funds when special community needs arise, such as after the 2007 wildfires and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brooks said the plaques in Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park are a great way to honor a loved one who is living
or deceased; mark a personal milestone, such as an anniversary; recognize a family, business, faith group or community organization; or even honor a four-legged friend.
Since the pathway’s creation in 1993, 360 plaques have been installed, he said. The foundation planned on holding a plaque unveiling ceremony in September for those purchased this year, but with the pandemic it decided to postpone the event until early spring 2022. This means those who have yet to reserve a plaque still have an opportunity to do so.
“These are things people might want to do (for their family) and can discuss (over the holidays) what they want to do for Mom and Dad or for their dog or whatever,” Brooks said.
He said the foundation’s goal is to add at least 12 plaques this year, which would match the dozen installed in 2020. As of late November, five were reserved and people had expressed interest in an additional three.
The $1,500 price was announced last summer, the first increase since the pathway’s creation 28 years ago. The price had previously been $1,000. Brooks said the change is to cover the increased costs of making and installing the plaques that the foundation has been absorbing over the years.
“$1,000 in 1993 is over $1,800 today,” he said.
In exchange for the price hike, a new benefit will be offered, he said. In the past, people were just invited to the unveiling ceremony of that year’s new plaques. Those who buy one this year will also be given a one-year foundation partner membership, which costs $500. Those who are already members may transfer the plaque membership to someone else or have it applied to their following year’s membership.
Members vote on the community grant recipients and prioritize the grant amounts for that year’s grant cycle.
To purchase a plaque, send an email to pathwayofpride@gmail.com. For details about the foundation, go to rbcommunityfoundation.org.