By Lookout Staff

March 27 – Bob and Louise Gabriel, who for years have been the driving force behind the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum (SMHSM), donated $100,000 to the local institution, the museum announced Monday.

As president and CEO, Louise, and her husband, Bob, who serves on the museum’s board of directors and is chairman of its Permanent Home Committee, have been leading a fundraising effort to relocation to the newly built Main Library Downtown. “Bob and Louise have each given over 50 years of ongoing service to the community,” said Nat Trives, board member of the museum. “Both were very active in Santa Monica’s Centennial celebration in 1975, are founding members of the museum, and have devoted much of their lives to helping preserve Santa Monica’s heritage.

“Without their assistance, SMHSM would not be on its way to having a permanent home,” Trives said.

The donation comes less than one month after long-time Santa Monica residents and city historians Ron and Ann Funk donated $100,000 to the museum’s $5 million capital campaign for the build-out of the new state-of-the-art museum.

The two donations, along with another $100,000 given late last year by Dr. John E. Gilmore, are the largest made to the campaign, which has reached a third of its target goal since it was launched in late 2006.

“I’ve always said that Santa Monica is the biggest ‘little city’ in the world with so much history,” Bob said. “How proud I am to support the museum’s preservation work, which has been ongoing since Santa Monica’s Centennial celebration in 1975. Our new state-of-the-art museum will showcase for the public the many wonderful treasures gathered together over the years.”

“We feel privileged to be living in beautiful Santa Monica, a place we fell in love with when we first came here from out-of-state and knew this was where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives,” said Louise.

“When we discovered Santa Monica’s history during the centennial, we decided to take an active part on seeing that its history would be preserved and kept alive for all generations to know and value.”

During the past half century, Louise Gabriel has contributed more than 70,000 hours in community service, over half of which has gone to the establishment and development of the museum, according to a statement issued Monday.

Tireless in her efforts to find a permanent home for the museum, she has held numerous positions with the organization, including official historian, photographer, photo archivist, and historical writer, the statement said. She also was the first membership chairman.

Prior to becoming president of SMHSM, Louise served as president of other organizations, including the Santa Monica Salvation Army Auxiliary, Santa Monica Hospital Auxiliary, Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club and Santa Monica College Patrons. She has also served as president of the Santa Monica Boys Club Auxiliary and the Marina Satellites of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Louise has been honored by many service organizations, the City of Santa Monica and Los Angeles County for her dedication and hard work on behalf of SMHSM. She also has received more than 30 recognition and service awards, including the YWCA’s Woman of the Year Award, the Santa Monica Board of Realtors’ Citizen of the Year award and the Recognition for Service award from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Gabriel has been serving the personal and business insurance needs of the community since the founding of his firm, Bob Gabriel Co., in 1954. Known for his smiling face, warm handshake and the friendly, prompt and courteous attention he gives to all his clients, Bob is also the recipient of many awards and honors for his community involvement, according to the statement.

They include the Santa Monica Realtor Citizen of the Year Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award, Kiwanis Club’s Community Service Award and the Boys Club of America’s Medallion for Unusually Devoted Service to Youth.

Bob currently serves on the Santa Monica Hospital Board of Advisors and is an advisory board member of Santa Monica College. He is past chair on the board of directors for the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, served on the Wise Senior Services board, past chair Santa Monica Chambers of Commerce, and past city councilman.

The museum is appealing to the city’s residents and business owners for support, as well as others who at one time may have lived and/or worked in Santa Monica.

To honor contributors, the museum’s Board of Directors has established a Donor’s Circle -- donors will receive special recognition on the Wall of Legacy, a permanent fixture in the new museum. To contribute, or for more information, the public should call 310-395-2290 or visit www.santamonicahistory.org.