San Diego CA— Dorothea Laub, resident of Point Loma and philanthropist, has donated $1 million to the San Diego Automotive Museum in memory of her husband, Richard “Dick” Laub. The gift will be for improvements to the historical building in Balboa Park. In addition, Ray Brock has donated $330,000 to support the Automotive Museum’s capital campaign. Brock’s gift underwrites the cost of the lift installation and Hall of Fame room located upstairs at the museum.
Richard “Dick” Laub, 91, a 36-year Point Loma resident, passed away on May 25, 2013, in San Diego. He served in the United States Navy from 1940-1945 and then earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Kansas University at Lawrence. In 1964, the Laub’s moved to Anaheim, Ca., where they developed a thriving commercial real estate enterprise that has spanned almost five decades. Laub was known in San Diego for advocating for the protection and management of the trees in their treasured Balboa Park by establishing a Water Conservation Program.
“Dick had a real passion for Balboa Park,” said Ms. Laub. “I share this passion and I’m honored to help the San Diego Automotive Museum thrive in his memory.”
Ray Brock has been an automobile enthusiast his whole life, working first in the automotive repair business, and following this, by rebuilding racing engines. He recently set up a scholarship program at Southwestern College, in support of its Automotive Technology program.
“I am so pleased to contribute to the success of the San Diego Automotive Museum,” said Brock. “This beautiful and historical entity deserves all the love and attention we as a community can offer so that it continues in perpetuity.”
This past year the Committee of 100 has repainted the outside of the museum building. With the help of Barnhart Reese, new murals have been reinstalled. The inside has new 18,000 sq. ft. of flooring underwritten by Discount Tire, a donation equivalent of $30,000. On October 16, 2021, the Museum will have its first signature event, All Revved Up, honoring Susan and Bill Hoehn. The Museum will also honor Richard “Dick” Laub on what would have been his 100th birthday.
“We are so honored to be recognized and supported by Dorothea and Ray with their generous donations,” said Lenny Leszczynski, CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum. “With their enthusiasm and trust in our vision, we have made great strides in achieving a refined automotive museum for our community’s education and enjoyment.”
San Diego Automotive Museum Capital Campaign Receives Donations of $1,000,000 and $330,000
May 5, 2021