Seeded with the estates of Joseph and Stephanie Koret, whose Koret of California sportswear line was a leader in ladies’ coordinated fashion, and with a real estate portfolio wisely invested by President Tad Taube, Koret has grown into philanthropy of more than $400 million.
Seeded with the estates of Joseph and Stephanie Koret, whose Koret of California sportswear line was a leader in ladies’ coordinated fashion, and with a real estate portfolio wisely invested by President Tad Taube, Koret has grown into a philanthropy of more than $400 million.
Joe Koret's primary philanthropic interest was in supporting the regional community that helped him earn his fortune. He wanted to feed the hungry, care for the elderly, and provide social services for the needy -- all areas that the Foundation continues to support today through its holiday food program, support for the Jewish Home, and funding of Jewish Family & Children's Services, the Glide Foundation, and St. Anthony, to name a few.
Upon the death of his wife, Stephanie, in 1979, Joe Koret activated a philanthropic foundation with Stephanie’s portion of the family wealth, for the benefit of Bay Area communities and Israel.
Koret was the foundation’s first chairman, a position he held until his death in 1982. After he died, Joe’s portion of his family’s substantial estate also flowed to the foundation, and his second wife, Susan, became board chair for life.
Since 1979, the Koret Foundation has directed nearly $525 million toward creating new philanthropic visions for the Bay Area and for Israel.