ELAINE KRIEGER

KRIEGER, ELAINE 1935 to 2010 Elaine passed away on Wednesday, August 25th, at the age of 75 from complications related to a stroke suffered on April 1st. Blessed with an artistic mother and politically influential father, Elaine brought her love of the arts, and ability to get things done, from Manhattan to San Diego in the early 70's. Upon her arrival, and with experience in TV Production including the Price Is Right, Elaine hit the ground running, immediately establishing herself as a key player in local productions including the Jerry Lewis telethon, American Cancer Society, and the COMBO fundraising events. In 1987, when the public schools started eliminating programs for the arts, her combined talents as show producer and fundraiser blended to make the impossible, possible. Elaine's deeply held belief that the arts are a gift for the young to discover, gave birth to the largest event of its kind in San Diego history. Former first lady Laura Bush, in a letter to Elaine, said, "There is no more important resource to this nation than our children, and I am delighted to send my warmest greeting to all the children and parents who are attending the forth annual KIDZARTZ FESTIVAL." KidzArtz would have an 11 year run drawing an estimated 50,000 children and their parents annually to Balboa Park for a two day celebration of music, dance and hands on experience led by notables from almost every creative endeavor imaginable including artisans both local and international. Gary Meads, (meadsdurket), creator of the Emmy winning KidzArtz TV campaign, said, "She was an incredibly sincere and dedicated person who never looked to make a buck off KidzArtz - something rare these days. She did it out of genuine passion." Her tiny physical presence was eclipsed by her high level of energy that prompted so many to ask, "Who is that woman...?" A wide eyed child wearing a paint splatterd apron, or with lips puffed up to a Tuba as big as they were, "That's Elaine Krieger!" Elaine's love of the arts was matched by her charitable contributions. Gifts in her honor are suggested for San Diego Hospice and Children's Hospital. Elaine will be buried next to her mother in New York and is survived by Kathrine Gregori, Ada Kopetz Korf. and the countless number of children whose lives may have been changed because of her. For further details please contact Kathleen at 956-821-7591.