A resident and philanthropist has bequeathed to her city what may be the largest such donation for Coronado since the days of sugar magnate and hotelier John D. Spreckels.
After the death of 50-year resident Frances “Fran” Harpst in April, officials were surprised to learn that the city would be named a beneficiary of her trust. The value of the gift to be officially accepted today is estimated at up to $5 million.
“It’s quite an honor that she thought to give Coronado 10 percent of such a large trust,” said Mayor Casey Tanaka. “I couldn’t think of any other donation to the city of that size except for the donations of John D. Spreckels.”
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