The American Dream.
Eva Nemeth was born into a war-torn world in 1935. Left alone to protect herself and her two young sisters in Budapest during World War II, she survived both the German occupation and the Soviet offensive and liberation to meet, marry, and to emigrate to the United States with her husband Alex. From those humble beginnings, Eva and Alex started their journey that led them to San Diego where they enjoyed success and their “American Dream.”
Eva and Alex loved people and animals. They always sought to improve their lives, especially those most helpless. After Alex’s death in 2010, Eva continued that spirit of philanthropy, culminating with the creation of the Alexander and Eva Nemeth Foundation in 2017.
The Nemeth Foundation has given millions to many charitable causes throughout California including:
$1.3 million to the Zoological Society of San Diego. This donation established a secondary facility for the Frozen Zoo, the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living cells from threatened and critically endangered species. The Alexander and Eva Nemeth Species Conservation Archive safeguards the duplicate site of this irreplaceable collection.
$1.1 million to Parkinson’s Institute in San Francisco. The contribution helped fund state of the art lab equipment which will help advance the detection and treatment of Parkinson’s.
$1.1 million to Sharp Healthcare for the NICU Follow-Up Clinic for NICU children from 2 to 6 years of age.
$66,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego to remodel the Children’s classroom.
$40,500 to San Diego Opera to fund general transportation for underprivileged children.
Other donations to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Las Patronas, Soroptimist Society, St. Paul’s PACE, Birth Choice, Girls on the Run, The Todd Hanson Foundation, Jewish Family Service and USO San Diego.
The Nemeth Foundation will continue to give generously to causes around California consistent with the mission of the Foundation. In early March, Phyllis Parrish is organizing a private dinner to help introduce the Nemeth Foundation to leaders of the community and to honor their continued contributions to America’s Finest City.
