In San Diego,
one family has figured prominently, both in business and philanthropy – the
Rady Family.
Through the Rady
Family Foundation, with the patriarch Ernest Rady at the helm, the family has
made considerable donations to a variety of causes and entrepreneurial
endeavors, the most notable of which are the donations to the Rady Children's
Hospital, the Rady School of Management and the San Diego Zoo.
The foundation's
main philosophy is to find worthy causes and to come up with a donation plan
that will allow the beneficiaries to thrive on their own and, in turn, help the
community.
It was through
the efforts of Ernest Rady's son, Harry Rady, that the family was able to set
up a $60 million donation to the Rady Children's Hospital in 2006. The donation
was used for the various needs of the hospital and its stakeholders including
the treatment of youngsters, the operation of the pediatric trauma care
facility, and pediatric clinical research.
In return for the generous
donation, the hospital has taken up the Rady family name.
The Rady School
of Management reflects the passion for entrepreneurship that Ernest Rady has,
having built his own fortune through the various companies he has set up or has
been involved with including the American Assets, Inc., Wachovia, the San Diego
Sockers, and the San Diego Padres, as well as various interests in radio and
telecommunications and oil and gas.
Through the management school, the Rady
family seeks to provide a good headstart for tomorrow's entrepreneurs.
Another notable
beneficiary of the Rady family is the San Diego Zoo. Looking to update an
outdated exhibit, the zoo has found a benefactor in the Rady Family Foundation
which has pledged $10 million to replace the outdated exhibit with Africa
Rocks.
Africa Rocks is an exhibit that features 50 of the continent's animals,
with five exhibits featuring these animals in a virtual habitat that mimics
those found in Africa, including the Rady Falls. The 65-foot waterfall named
after its benefactor will wow visitors with the way it mimics the natural
environment where crocodiles live.
With various
philanthropic endeavors attached to the Rady family name, the underlying theme
that can be gleaned is the empowerment of the beneficiaries, from businesses to
non-profit organizations, to become self-sustaining.
Instead of merely
receiving a sizeable donation, the recipients are enabled to generate their own
resources that will ensure that they grow and thrive without having to
completely rely on external sources.
In conclusion, the Rady family has left an indelible mark on San Diego through their extensive philanthropic efforts and commitment to fostering self-sufficiency among their beneficiaries.
Guided by the visionary leadership of Ernest Rady and his son Harry, the Rady Family Foundation has strategically directed its substantial donations to institutions that play pivotal roles in the community.
The $60 million donation to Rady Children's Hospital has significantly bolstered pediatric care, while the Rady School of Management underscores its dedication to nurturing future entrepreneurs.
Their support extends to cultural and educational advancements, exemplified by the $10 million contribution to the San Diego Zoo's Africa Rocks exhibit, which enhances the zoo's educational offerings and visitor experience.
The Rady family's philanthropic philosophy emphasizes empowering recipients to become self-sustaining entities, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community.
Through their generosity, the Rady family not only addresses immediate needs but also invests in the long-term growth and development of San Diego's institutions. Their approach ensures that these organizations can continue to thrive independently, fostering a stronger, more resilient community.
The Rady family's legacy of impactful philanthropy sets a powerful example of how targeted support can drive sustainable progress and enrich the lives of countless individuals.
