Patrons of the Prado is an all-volunteer organization supporting Balboa Park’s cultural oasis by raising funds to benefit the world-class arts, cultural, history, and science centers on the Prado and for programs that provide educational access for San Diego County K-12 schoolchildren to these treasured institutions.
The Patrons of the Prado raise significant financial support for the programs and initiatives of nine beneficiary institutions, including: The Fleet Science Center, Mingei International Museum, Museum of Us, San Diego History Center, San Diego Junior Theatre, The San Diego Museum of Art, The San Diego Natural History Museum, The Old Globe, and The Timken Museum of Art. Funds raised empower the beneficiaries to further their missions more effectively, providing opportunities to introduce innovative programming and allowing them to quickly pivot when services and resources have to change with the community’s needs.
Expanding their mission in 2012, Patrons of the Prado launched the Bucks4Buses (B4B) initiative, which provides funding for programs making educational access for San Diego County K-12 schoolchildren possible. The Bucks4Buses initiative funds transportation and enrichment programs in the Park and on site at schools to spark the imagination and foster a lifelong appreciation for art, theater, history, and science.
Since 1997, Patrons of the Prado have awarded their beneficiaries more than $6.2 million in greatest needs grants and Bucks4Buses educational grants. Members have provided thousands of volunteer hours to promote these extraordinary institutions in Balboa Park.
Patrons of the Prado grants are made possible through the signature event, MASTERPIECE, and other hallmark fundraising projects, including the annual Miriam Summ Fashion Show, which benefits the Bucks4Buses program. The Miriam Summ Fashion Show takes place at Bloomingdale’s on Friday, April 11, beginning at 1:00 pm, featuring fashion style trends, from casual to glamorous.
This year’s signature event, MASTERPIECE: Elegance of the Elements, is co-chaired by the mother-daughter team of Drs. Barbara and Jacqueline Denysiak. Barbara and Jacqueline, along with their committee, are harnessing their creative energies to transform the Natural History Museum into a celebration of the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. MASTERPIECE: Elegance of the Elements takes place on Saturday, August 09, 2025. Mrs. Carole Sachs will be honored with the 2025 ICON Award for her generous and magnificent contributions throughout Balboa Park and San Diego County. The evening ends with stunning views and great vibes at the after-party on the Natural History Museum’s rooftop deck.
To purchase Fashion Show or MASTERPIECE tickets, become a sponsor, or get more information about Bucks4Buses and Patrons of the Prado, please visit www.patronsoftheprado.org .
