January 2023 Donor Spotlight - Lori Moore

To leave a legacy is to provide something for the future that will be valued and treasured by others. That is how Lori Moore sees the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. “I sit at this venue and feel gratitude for living here in San Diego,” says Lori. “This venue is a beautiful space where all can come together and enjoy the magic of family and friendships.” Speaking of legacies, Lori is a 5th generation San Diegan whose family created The Cushman Foundation, a charitable organization that supports various arts, cultural, and human services programs throughout the community. Their home page states, “The Foundation is giving back to the city that has supported their family for generations.”

Philanthropy has been a significant focus for Lori and her family for decades. Still, with her recent $100,000 pledge to name a park bench at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, she has led her family’s giving in a new direction. “We don’t typically support capital campaigns,” Lori explained, “my sister and I love the arts, so this was a big deal for me. I have created many special memories here with family, close friends, and my partner, Marvin, before his passing. The Symphony goes the extra mile for excellence, customer service, and personal attention to detail.”

Lori also expressed that her gift, in large part, was given in recognition of all the San Diego Symphony does to promote arts education and community enrichment. “I am proud of the many programs the Symphony provides to young people in our city and hope they will give kids exposure in a way that, without the Symphony, they may not receive otherwise.” Lori has served as Chair of the Sharp Healthcare board and is a Sharp Memorial board member. The Symphony has supported events where smaller groups of Orchestra musicians perform at Sharp Memorial Hospital in the San Diego Symphony Music and Wellness program. “It makes a big difference for our patients and employees.”

The San Diego Symphony’s ability to provide its programs, venues, and music to the public relies solely on the kindness and generosity of donors like Lori Moore. “To me, that’s what philanthropy is all about. The Symphony provides that opportunity to the San Diego area.” Lori recalled, “When I was younger, I would come down to the Summer Pops with friends, and we would share a picnic and sit on the grass and listen to the music. Now I get to share this amazing experience with my adult children, close friends, and see our community come together and listen to the beautiful sound of the San Diego Symphony in a magnificent setting.”