Irving J. Symons Foundation Receives $17 Million

By Bill Johnson Published Jun 22, 2005 02:30 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 02:23 pm

Sonora, CA — The Sonora Area Foundation is $17 million richer thanks to a gift from the estate of the late Sonora businessman Irving J. Symons.

The Irving J. Symons Foundation for Tuolumne County is a non-profit corporation that supports the Sonora Area Foundation. Officials say the money will be used to provide community grants for youth and other public concerns.

Symons created the Foundation bearing his name in 2001 as part of his estate plan. He was also a key person in the creation of the Sonora Area Foundation 15 years ago.

Under the plan, the $17 million in real estate holdings and securities will be transferred to the fund to support grants from the organization.

The Symons foundation was reportedly the biggest donor to the new Sonora High School Football Field with a contribution of $250,000.

Symons passed away December 26th of last year at the age of 97.