New Prebys Gift to KPBS
Conrad Prebys' gift will support the MASTERPIECE Trust and KPBS.
San Diego developer and philanthropist Conrad Prebys, whose recent gift to SDSU named the new Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, has recommitted major support for KPBS and the MASTERPIECE Trust with a third gift of $500,000.
Since 2012, Prebys has donated $1.5 million to the MASTERPIECE Trust — $750,000 has directly benefitted KPBS.
“We are incredibly grateful for all Mr. Prebys has done and continues to do for KPBS and MASTERPIECE,” said Tom Karlo, KPBS general manager. “Due in large part to Mr. Prebys’ generosity, KPBS has been able to create more programming devoted to local news, arts and the San Diego culture. We are honored to have his support for local public media.”
The MASTERPIECE Trust is a fundraising initiative in collaboration with PBS stations across the nation. Half of Prebys’ gift is earmarked for KPBS to support local programming in San Diego. The other half will go directly to the trust for investment in the series’ future.
“I read four newspapers every day,” Prebys said. “The first thing I do every morning is look up KPBS and see what’s on MASTERPIECE. With this knowledge, I look forward to the great programming I will watch in the evening.”
About the trust
Established after MASTERPIECE’s 40th Anniversary in 2011, The MASTERPIECE Trust creates an opportunity for donors and families to help provide a future for the renowned series.
It was initiated by WGBH Boston, where MASTERPIECE is produced. Currently the longest-running primetime drama on American television, MASTERPIECE is known for the highly-regarded television series "Downton Abbey."
"I am such an admirer of Mr. Prebys for all the work he has done for the city of San Diego," said MASTERPIECE executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "We are grateful for his generous support of MASTERPIECE and of our ongoing partnership with KPBS."
Since its inception, the MASTERPIECE Trust has raised $6,880,000 with nearly $4 million from San Diego philanthropists.
About KPBS
KPBS, a public service of San Diego State University, features news and entertainment programming on local, national and global topics to serve the San Diego region.
