I am delighted to confirm my plans to devote the major part of my estate to charitable causes. This is a decision my late husband, Ray Dolby, and I made many years ago, and will enable our sons, Tom and David, and their families to carry on these efforts to improve our communities. For some time we have made significant contributions through the Ray and Dagmar Family Fund to areas that are not typically at the top of charitable giving lists: support for reproductive rights, stem cell research, and most recently brain health research, with a focus on mood disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.

We also believe that contributing to a decent life for those less fortunate whether at the beginning or the end of their lives is a great privilege. We would like to see children have a healthy start in life and receive proper educational opportunities at all levels. We place special emphasis on equality and support for women and girls. This includes full reproductive freedom through education, advocacy, and access to services. The care of seniors with cognitive impairment as well as advocacy and support for Alzheimer’s research has become a mission for our family. In the same vein we are committed to lifting the veil of shame around mental illness and allowing those affected to live to their full potential.

While these areas of focus have great personal meaning to our family, we will adapt our giving responsibly to the changing needs in the world around us.

I am happy to join this group who is pledging to share their fortunate circumstances in many inspiring ways.

Dagmar Dolby
San Francisco, May 2017