October 2022 Donor Spotlight - Arlene Inch

For many of us, music has shaped our lives and served as a source of joy and inspiration. This is certainly true for Arlene Inch. Great grandniece of the Austrian composer, Hugo Wolf, Arlene comes from a long line of musicians. “It’s in the genes,” she says. A native of San Diego, Arlene attended Coronado High School, graduated from SDSU, and went on to become Board Chair of TransPak, a shipping company headquartered in San Jose, C.A. After returning to San Diego in 2020, she joined the Board of Directors for The San Diego Symphony and became a member of The Beethoven Society. “I love getting involved, and I love the Symphony – It’s like coming home.”

 Just this year, Arlene gave a gift of $100K to The Future is Hear Campaign to name a park bench on the bayside promenade outside of the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™. Contributions like hers are pivotal for the Symphony’s ability to provide music and entertainment to the San Diego community. She is excited about the future of the Symphony and proud to help drive its ascension to new heights. “It’s just a wonderful way to give back, and I can’t think of a better place.” Arlene exclaimed, “The Rady Shell is a highlight of San Diego that will be world renowned. It’s just so gorgeous!”

 Arlene appreciates that her bench provides an opportunity to visitors of Jacobs Park and its potential to introduce new guests to the Symphony. “If people happen upon a performance or they can’t get tickets or whatever, they can sit there to listen to the music and see the orchestra in action. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to be part of what is happening here, and I love that.”

 This last summer, Arlene was joined by her daughter, granddaughter, and family friend to see Sheryl Crow. “We have three generations of Inch here!” she said as the four of them laughed and mingled while the sun set over San Diego Bay. Thanks to her generosity and that of many others, The Rady Shell will serve as the backdrop for friends and families to enjoy being together for generations to come. “If you want to get involved, this is the place to be,” she says. “We have something very exceptional here and it’s wonderful to be part of it. It is a great way to give and I’m so happy that I did. I will continue to be a backer forever!”