Work hard, be accountable for your behavior, be good and be thankful….

From the beginning of time, people have used art to express and record their beliefs, ideas and thoughts. Many of the greatest innovators and scientists credit their love of the arts for helping them push boundaries and achieve growth. Cultivating creativity ensures that the next generations will have the skills necessary to see things differently and solve problems. The mission of Patrons of the Prado is to raise funds that benefit arts organizations and museums on Balboa Park’s Prado. Arlene Esgate, Patron of the Prado’s 1st Vice President of Special Events, knows that by supporting the cultural assets of Balboa Park, you invest in our community, our world, and our future.

10 Things About Arlene Esgate & Patrons of the Prado

#1 I grew up in Ottawa, Illinois.

#2 At 14, I got my first job as a Salad Girl in my aunt’s supper club. At 16, I worked as a cashier in a supermarket where we gave Green Stamps!

#3 My favorite restaurant is the Godfather in Kearny Mesa for lamb chops.

#4 “Grateful American” by Gary Sinise is my favorite book of recent.

#5 I love playing a game, but don’t need to win.

#6 If I could have lunch with any one person, it would be my Dad.

#7 Giving back to the communities I love was instilled in me by my family at an early age. Richard and I have been blessed with the time and resources to support many worthy non-profit organizations. I hope in a modest way I am a role model for our 6 children and 16 grandchildren.

#8 This past year, Patrons of the Prado provided funding to transport over 57,000 San Diego County school children, K-12, to Balboa Park to receive world-class cultural arts education at our ten beneficiary arts organizations and museums. Many of these were underserved students who experienced museums and live performances for the very first time.

#9 In 2015, I chaired the Patrons of the Prado “Masterpiece” gala. It was a spectacular centennial celebration honoring Balboa Park’s first 100 years. In addition to raising awareness of the history of the park and reaching an ambitious fundraising goal, we also orchestrated the placement of a time capsule that is buried in the Old Globe’s garden. The capsule contains important memorabilia from the centennial year. What a treat for those who open the time capsule in 2115!

#10 We are proud to support the missions of ten prestigious arts and culture beneficiaries in Balboa Park. Our unrestricted funding helps to enhance their programs and offer new initiatives to benefit the community. Our Bucks4Buses grants transport children to the Park to experience educational programs and inspire cultural fluency for future generations.