LCF was humbled and gratified to receive a $250,000 check from the estate of Jim and Rosemary Nix last week. The Nixes were some of Laguna Canyon Foundation’s biggest supporters during their lifetimes. In 2000, they pledged $500,000 to LCF toward their dream of building a nature center in Laguna Coast Wilderness park. Their vision became reality when the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center opened in 2006. Jim and Rosemary made many other generous donations to LCF over the years, including funding for the monument signs at park staging areas. We are honored and forever grateful for their ongoing support, enthusiasm, and generosity.
Many members of LCF’s staff and board, as well as OC Parks staff, worked closely with the Nixes, and all remember them fondly. According to those who knew them, “Jim and Rosemary were such incredibly special and generous people and their legacies shine bright…” “They were so genuine, and interested in LCF and the wilderness parks…” “The Nix Nature Center is a fitting reflection of their interest and commitment. It was my joy to know them.” “[Jim and Rosemary] were both so hands-on and a delight to be with. Those experiences will continue to be some of my favorites for the rest of my life.”
The Nix Nature Center has won multiple awards, including:
AIA California Council Merit Award
American Concrete Institute Award
AIA Orange County, Award of Excellence
AIA San Diego Honor Award
LCF plans to use the Nixes’ legacy gift as the seed money for an endowment – a longtime dream of the organization, and an important step towards long-term financial security and sustainability. Please contact us if you are interested in contributing to the Laguna Canyon Foundation endowment principal or setting up a legacy gift to Laguna Canyon Foundation.