The first thing that strikes you is their humility.
Pat and Chris Weil, donors at The San Diego Foundation, have given more than $2 million in scholarships and countless hours in mentorship to local students, but you would never know it when first meeting them.
“Under-the-radar philanthropy” is the way Pat likes to describe it.
Instead of granting large sums to major organizations, the Weils give in a hyper-targeted way that has provided opportunities for hundreds of San Diego students who may not otherwise have the chance to pursue higher education.
“We like to give in ways where we can be part of the full cycle, at the beginning, the middle and the end of things,” shared Chris. “There’s something about being hands-on that’s really gratifying.”
Prioritizing Education
As the first in their families to graduate from college, Pat and Chris understand firsthand the value of education.
Their philanthropy reflects a deep understanding and awareness of the opportunity that higher education affords an individual. Through their scholarship giving at The San Diego Foundation alone, they have helped hundreds of students pursue higher education, many of whom would not have been able to pursue a four-year degree without financial support.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, only a fraction of students in California capable of earning a degree actually do, and many low-income and minority students are greatly underrepresented in colleges and universities.
The couple’s MKC Scholarship Fund (named for their children, Matthew, Kit and Caitlin) provides scholarships to students from numerous local schools.
Pat and Chris’ philanthropy is the perfect example of the broader charitable movement that is bridging the education gap among underserved communities.
The couple’s MKC Scholarship Fund (named for their children, Matthew, Kit and Caitlin) provides scholarships to students from numerous local schools, including Gompers Preparatory Academy, Borrego Springs High School and The Preuss School, a local charter school for low-income students who strive to become the first in their families to graduate from college. Their giving is personal and they cherish the opportunity to see each student thrive beyond college.
“Over the years, we have had the opportunity to stay connected with many of our student recipients,” shared Pat. “It has been a delight to watch so many of them grow and develop.”
One of those former scholarship recipients is Macy Olivas, who was awarded The Patricia & Christopher Weil Family Foundation’s MKC College Scholarship in 2009 and serves as Executive Director of The Patricia & Christopher Weil Family Foundation.
“Without the financial support of the Weil family, I would not have been able to graduate from college in four years,” explained Macy. “And now as Executive Director of the Weil Family Foundation, I am able to achieve my dream of giving back to the communities and people that helped me get to where I am today.”
Macy is one example of the many students whose lives have been touched by the humble generosity of Pat and Chris Weil.
Join Pat and Chris in strengthening the future for first-generation college students in San Diego by setting up a scholarship fund today.
