GB Magazine April 2025 Edition: Magazines in San Diego

$5.95 US

BUSINESS PHILANTHROPY COMMUNITY

APRIL 2025

Contents

6 WWL

April

8 Celebration

Messengers Of Hope

Co-Publishers

12 Entrepeneurs

Hoehn Motors

14 About San Diego

A Very Succesful Failure

16 Youth

Dream Big & Play On

18 Reception

La Vie En Rose

22 Health

The Fire Within

Each Of Us

24 Perfil

Paul Downey

26 Escapadita

The Ultimate Bucket List

28 Gala

Fantasy Under The Sea

MACHU PICCHU, PERU

SAN DIEGO AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

32 Health

Planned Parenthood

34 Nutrition

Feeding San Diego

36 Luncheon

Lions Of Judah

44 Museums

Patrons Of The Prado

48 Gala

Meet Me In Capri

66 Community

Home Start

68 Benefit

Pairings With A Purpose

72 Celebration

Cool Women

87 Official Program

Father Joe’s Villages

Children’s Charity Gala

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ESTEBAN VILLANUEVA

ESTEBAN@GBSAN.COM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DANITZA VILLANUEVA

DANITZA@GBSAN.COM

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROSARIO HEER

DIANNA IPPOLITO

SANDY SPEAR, IN MEMORIAM

JOSÉ LUIS VENEGAS

EDITORIAL DESIGN

SHERDELLAH ANUNCIADO

PHOTO EDITORS

ROSARIO HEER

JOSE MARTINEZ

WEB DESIGN

JOSE MARTINEZ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

KEN KRAMER

PAPA DOUG MANCHESTER

NICHOLE NAOUM

LORI WALTON

TRANSLATIONS

CAROLINA WALLACE

CIRCULATION MANAGER

DANIELA HANI

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

CAMERON NICHOLS

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

(619) 260-8353

INFO@GBSAN.COM

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4 APRIL 2025 | GBSAN.COM

52 Community

Climate Science Alliance

54 Luncheon

Ladies Guild

60 Youth

Changing Lives Of San Diego

Youth

62 Heroes

The Legacy Of Apollo

64 Community

Shaping The Future Together

/GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

ON THE COVER: DRS. AJAY NIRULA &

LISA KRIJGER

LOCATION: TOM HAM’S LIGHTHOUSE

@GBMAG

@GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

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Bonnets - Bowties- Bourbon

The Guild Hotel

Saturday, May 3rd

3pm - 6pm

An Afternoon Derby Celebration

Watch the Derby Live

Cocktails - Heavy Hors d’oeuvres - Live Music

Hat Contest - Boutique Shopping

Register Today

Single Ticket | $160

Couples Package | $300

Proceeds benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s

Sophie’s Organic Garden and Aquatic Center.

www.stmsc.org/events/

For more information on how you can be involved, please contact the Events Team at events@stmsc.org

WWL

WHAT WE LOVE

APRIL

1

Athenaeum Jazz

Athenaeum Jazz Spring 2025 Series offers an intimate

celebration of jazz with acclaimed artists such as the

Bill Frisell Trio and the Ben Wendel Quartet. Enjoy live

performances on April 9 and April 24 in stunning venues,

ideal for music lovers and community enthusiasts alike.

www.ljathenaeum.org/jazz

3

Mission Fed Art Walk

Mission Fed ArtWalk is San Diego’s

41st annual fine art festival will be

held in Little Italy on April 26-27, unites over

250 artists with interactive art, live music,

and delicious food. Enjoy a vibrant weekend

full of creativity and unforgettable familyfriendly

experiences in downtown San Diego.

www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfed

2

Women in Blue

Set for Tuesday, April 22, Women in Blue

2025 is a celebration dedicated to honoring

and empowering the women in law enforcement

and community safety. Hosted by the San Diego

Police Foundation, the event supports vital initiatives

that enhance police-community relationships across

San Diego.

www.sdpolicefoundation.org

4

Celebrating Women in Science

The Celebrating Women in Science

Gala at Fleet Science Center honors

trailblazing women and supports STEM

education. Held in Balboa Park on April 26,

the event fuses inspiration with fundraising,

championing educational programs and

community initiatives that empower women

scientists in San Diego County.

www.fleetscience.org


CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE 2025

PEACE MAKERS

On April 5th, 2025, the National Conflict Resolution Center hosted

its 37th annual Peacemaker Awards with over 700 attendees!

Congratulations to the 2025 Peacemakers!

NATIONAL

PEACEMAKER

LOCAL

PEACEMAKER

PHILANTHROPY

IN PEACEMAKING

Bryan Stevenson

Founder and Executive Director

of the Equal Justice Initiative and

New York Times best-selling

author of Just Mercy.

Monarch School Project

K-12 school in San Diego for youth

experiencing homelessness

Frederic B. Luddy

National philanthropist and founder

of cloud computing company

ServiceNow, and 2023 recipient of

the Horatio Alger Award.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER (NCRC)

America today is characterized by deep divides along political, cultural, and

socioeconomic lines. We recognize the pain this causes each of us individually and our

society as a whole. That is why the National Conflict Resolution Center is relentless in our

mission to equip people with the communication skills to navigate these divides, helping

them to have successful conversations even when they are uncomfortable. We must be

able to talk to one another – not always to reach agreement, but to disagree better.

Since our humble beginnings more than 40 years ago, NCRC has been guided by the

belief that it’s possible to transform conflict into resolution – to one day heal our divides

and build a more equitable, just society.

To learn more, visit ncrconline.com

Manchester Family Foundation proudly supports NCRC.

APRIL 2025 | GBSAN.COM 7

Celebration

Messengers

of Hope

The Salvation Army of San Diego

welcomed the 2025 Women

of Dedication for a Patron

Coffee at the Door of Hope

Campus. The morning proved

to be a joyful occasion introducing the

newest Women of Dedication honorees,

celebrating Honorary Chairs Fern

Murphy, Pattie Wellborn, Betty Brayshay,

and Joan Henkelmann, and connecting

with inspiring women who make a

difference in our community.

Maggie Watkins, Fabienne Hanks,

Judy Burer and Mary Alice Brady

Janice Kurth and

Suzanne Newman

Ingrid Chapman

and Mildred Neal

Susan Polizzotto

and Sally Oxley

Pamela Lennen

and Ferol Henkels


Janean Stripe, Colleen

Peterson and Molly Cartmill

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO

UKULELE ORCHESTRA

OF GREAT BRITAIN

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025 • 7:30 PM

BALBOA THEATRE

This ensemble fights the serious side of life with all their might. With charm and

British wit, they take audiences on a fast-paced sprint through all musical genres:

from ABBA to ZZ Top, from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, from bluegrass to Lady Gaga.

“A comedic musical

powerhouse.”

— The Dartmouth

ADDITIONAL SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

JOE LOVANO’S PARAMOUNT QUARTET

featuring Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano, and Will Calhoun

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 · 7:30 PM

JAZZ SERIES • THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL

AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025 · 6 PM & 8:30 PM

CONCERTS @ THE JAI

THE MUTTER BRONFMAN FERRÁNDEZ TRIO

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 · 7:30 PM

REVELLE CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES · BALBOA THEATRE

CAMERON CARPENTER, organ

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 · 7:30 PM

ST. JAMES BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

WYNTON MARSALIS: LOUIS

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025 · 7 PM

JAZZ SERIES · BALBOA THEATRE

SHEKU KANNEH-MASON, cello

& ISATA KANNEH-MASON, piano

SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 · 7:30 PM

RECITAL SERIES • THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL

TheConrad.org | 858.459.3728


Celebration

El Salvation Army de San Diego

dio la bienvenida a las 2025

Women of Dedication para

compartir el Patron Coffee

que se realizó en el campus

Door of Hope. El evento matinal

demostró ser una alegre ocasión para

presentar a las nuevas homenajeadas

Women of Dedication del corriente

año, conectar a inspiradoras mujeres

que están haciendo la diferencia en San

Diego y honrar también a las anfitrionas

honorarias Fern Murphy, Pattie Welborn,

Betty Brayshay y Joan Henkelmann.

Karin Donaldson, Linda Bruno,

Pattie Wellborn and Sandra Schafer

Nayda Locke and

Louarn Sorkin

Vivian Tuck and

Joyce Glazer

Susan Davey and

Caroline Wohl

Fabienne Hanks

and Dee Ammon

Clarice Perkins

and Marla Black


Joan Henkelmann

and Amy Reardon

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APRIL 2025 | TO GBSAN.COM LEARN MORE 11

Entrepreneurs

Hoehn Motors

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN CARLSBAD

F

or 50 years, the

Hoehn Family of

Dealerships has

been a driving

force in North

County San

Diego. This year,

the family-owned

automotive

group proudly

celebrates a

golden milestone

- five decades

of exceptional

service, deep

community

roots, and an

unwavering

commitment to

excellence in

Carlsbad and

beyond.

The Hoehn story

began in 1975 when T.W. Hoehn, Jr. acquired a small

Oldsmobile dealership in Carlsbad with a modest

selection of Mercedes-Benz and Honda vehicles. His

sons, Bill and Bob Hoehn, joined the business after

college, setting the foundation for what would become

San Diego’s most respected automotive group.

“In 1974, there were four dealerships out here.

North County San Diego was really undeveloped.

Bill, Susan and Ted Hoehn celebrating the

completion of Hoehn Porsche Carlsbad in 2019

It was mainly

agricultural

fields,” Bill

Hoehn,

President of

Hoehn Motors,

shared with GB

Magazine. “We

were in the right

place at the right

time. Southern

California was a

boom area.”

The timing

could not have

been better. As

North County

San Diego

developed, so did

Hoehn Motors.

The Honda

and Mercedes-

Benz businesses

expanded

into their own

facilities in 1984,

followed by the

acquisition of

Porsche and

Audi franchises

in 1985. Today, the company represents seven worldclass

brands and employs over 400 team members across

multiple locations.

What sets Hoehn Motors apart is not just the premium

vehicles they sell, but their approach to business. “My

dad used to always tell me, our employees were our most

important asset,” says Bill Hoehn. “If we took care of our

employees, then they would take care of the business.”


“Business

has changed

tremendously over

the last 50 years,”

notes Bob Hoehn.

“But we have stuck

to the core values

from the beginning

and that is still the

way we try to model

ourselves. The

principle has always

been that we wanted

to be the place where

people aspire to work.”

This philosophy has

created remarkable

loyalty, with many

employees building

decades-long careers

with the company. “We

wouldn’t be here today

without our employees,

and we would not have

the reputation that

we have in San Diego

without their hard work

and customer service,”

added Susanah Hoehn,

The Hoehn

Family of

Dealerships

represents

seven worldclass

brands

and employs

over 400 team

members

across multiple

locations

Breaking ground on Hoehn Motors in 1975

The opening of Hoehn Honda in 1984

The Hoehn legacy of community involvement

fourth-generation

family member.

Community

involvement has been

another cornerstone

of the Hoehn legacy.

Beyond selling cars, the

family has established

a culture of giving

back through various

initiatives. “We have a

corporate chaplain...

We have built homes

in Tijuana and heated

shelters in San Diego,” Bob Hoehn shares,

highlighting just some of their community

efforts over the years.

The fourth generation - Ted, Jo Hannah,

and Susanah - entered the business after

2008, ensuring the family legacy continues.

“The cool part of our business is that we

are local, family owned and operated in

San Diego - so we get to really know our

customers,” shared Ted Hoehn.

“It is a privilege to step into a business

with such a strong legacy, but also a huge

responsibility,” shares Jo Hannah Hoehn.

“We strive to continue the culture to make it

even stronger, especially in a

world where family businesses

are becoming scarcer.”

As Hoehn Motors celebrates

this golden anniversary,

the company reflects on

their journey from a small

dealership to a cornerstone of

the Carlsbad community while

looking ahead to the next 50

years. With their commitment

to excellence, family values,

and community service,

Hoehn Motors continues to set

the standard for automotive

retail in San Diego County.

www.hoehnmotors.com


About San Diego

A VERY SUCCESSFUL FAILURE

BY KEN KRAMER

Imagine it

is well over

a century

ago and you

are trying

to build a

railroad

across the great Over three million eucalyptus trees were

planted northeast of Del Mar in 1906.

United

States of

America.

What

would

you need?

Turns out,

one of the

biggest

challenges

you would

face was

not the

steel track

itself, it

was finding the timber

for all those millions

of ties that lay beneath

the parallel rails. And

when you consider

that each tie was 8 x

8 inches square and

eight feet long and

numbered about three

thousand per mile

over hundreds and

hundreds of miles at a

stretch, the demand for wood became truly colossal.

That is exactly the dilemma that faced Mr. Walter E.

Hodges of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1906, who looked at


Walter Hodges envisioned a forest of

railroad timber in San Diego County.

Lake Hodges was built to meet

the water needs of a growing area.

an area north and

east of Del Mar in

San Diego County

and suffered

a moment of

inspiration. It

would be the

perfect spot, he

reasoned, for the

Santa Fe to create

its own forest.

Thus, more than three

million blue gum

eucalyptus trees were

planted and grew quite

magnificently as the

railroad anticipated

an abundant and

renewable supply

of railroad ties in

perpetuity.

It was an

agricultural

experiment of

astonishing

size …and it

did not work.

Oh, the trees

grew just

fine and can

still be seen

in the area

today. It is

just that they

could not hold a railroad spike. They split and warped

and alas, were not up to the job. Faced with such poor

results, the Santa Fe was looking to cut its losses when

developer Ed Fletcher came along with an idea. The

PHOTO CREDITS: RANCHO SANTA FE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

land itself still had great value and was

situated in such an attractive location,

he imagined there could be a wonderful

community built of orchards and homes

and country estates, where “gentleman

farmers” could be among their own

kind amidst the winding roads and yes,

eucalyptus trees, and even though the

railroad timber thing was not a success,

the Santa Fe would end up making money

anyway. And so it was, that an absolutely

beautiful place we all know very well today

was born, and how in 1921 and forever

thereafter, it came to be called Rancho

Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Railroad needed millions

of trees to meet its demand for wood.

And as for Walter Hodges? Well, all that

new development in Rancho Santa Fe

and downstream would need water of

course, and so on behalf of the Santa Fe

Land Improvement Company, he laid the

groundwork for a water project that would

later come to be known as Lake Hodges.

Interesting isn’t it, how things “tie”

together, when you know the story About

San Diego?

Ken Kramer is creator,

writer, and host of the

television series “Ken

Kramer’s About San

Diego,” seen every

Thursday night at 8:00

on KPBS. His articles

About San Diego also

appear each month in

GB Magazine.


Youth

Dream Big & Play On

High-pitched

squeals, bursts of

laughter, and the

pitter-patter of

little feet - these

are the joyful

sounds that greet

visitors as they step through the

doors of San Diego Children’s

Discovery Museum (SDCDM).

For the past 25 years, these

sounds have echoed through its

halls, a testament to the Museum’s

enduring impact on the littlest of learners.

Founded in 2000 as a traveling kite-making program,

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is the

product of a group of parents, led by Katie Stokes, who

dreamed of creating a community space that would

ignite creativity, fuel imagination, and encourage

little ones to explore the wonders of the world in a


The mission has

remained the

same: to spark a

love of learning

so all children

can discover their

wildest dreams

safe and nurturing environment.

What started as a simple idea has

since blossomed into something

extraordinary.

Fast forward to today, and that

dream has grown into a vibrant

hub of hands-on learning. From

its humble beginnings in a

750-square-foot storefront to its

now expansive 13,500-square-foot

facility with indoor and outdoor

exhibits, the Museum has served

more than 1.3 million children and families. Through

every exhibit, program, and experience, its mission has

remained the same: to spark a love of learning so all

children can discover their wildest dreams.

The Museum’s commitment to its mission does not

stop within its walls - it stretches across the entire

San Diego community. In 2015, SDCDM launched

its Mobile Children’s

Museum, providing

accessible and affordable

hands-on education

to all corners of

San Diego County.

With a fleet of four

vehicles, the Museum

brings its beloved

interactive exhibits

directly to schools

in under-resourced

communities, providing

full scholarships for

over 90% of its visits.

Many of the barriers

that often prevent

families from accessing

high-quality early

childhood education

- such as transportation,

income, and disability - are

broken down thanks to San

Diego Children’s Discovery

Museum’s unwavering belief in

providing reduced admission

and dedicated programs for

children of all abilities.

“For many families, access

to supplemental educational

resources is limited,” Christina

Piranio, CEO of San Diego

Children’s Discovery Museum

shared with GB Magazine.

“Play-based learning and

interactive experiences are a

crucial element of education

that develop a wide range of

skills foundational for a child’s

success in school, life, and

work. Our goal is to bridge that gap and provide every

child with the opportunity to explore, imagine, and

experiment.”

As the Museum looks to the future, it remains

dedicated to empowering the next generation of

problem-solvers. “We want to inspire lifelong learners,”

Christina adds. “Through our onsite experiences and

mobile STREAM programs,

we are shaping the future of

early childhood education, one

playful moment at a time.”

Ensuring that all children have

access to these transformative

experiences requires continued

investment in the Museum’s

future. To celebrate 25

years of impact, San Diego

Children’s Discovery Museum

is launching a fundraising

campaign to support free

and reduced-cost admission

for under-resourced families,

scholarship visits to Title-I

schools, new exhibits, and

essential updates to the

Museum’s growing facility.

“The support of our

community means that the

sounds of play will continue to fill our halls and that

all children will have the opportunity to dream big and

play on,” Christina concludes.

To learn more about San Diego Children’s Discovery

Museum’s 25th anniversary, make a donation, or get

involved, visit www.sdcdm.org.


Reception

LA VIE

en ROSE

The San Diego Opera is

celebrating sixty years, and in

honor of the celebration, the

Opera Ball Chairs Veronica and

Miguel Leff hosted a pre-party

at their beautiful home. The evening

honored the past chairs of the Opera

Ball throughout the decades in support of

San Diego Opera’s artistic and learning and

engagement programs. General Director David

Bennett greeted the guests as they enjoyed

opera entertainment as well as

fantastic food and drinks.

Eliana, Miguel, Veronica

and Ariela Leff

Brian and Melissa Davis with

Joanna and Brooks Herman

Gloria and

Joseph Shurman

Linda Spuck, Robert

Kaplan and Marina Baroff

Susan Clifton and

Mary Walshok

John Rebelo, Sarah B. Marsh-Rebelo,

David Bennet and Joan Henklemann


Bruce Stasyna, Abigail

Allwein and Archer

Reception

La Opera de San Diego festeja

sus sesenta años y en homenaje

a este momento, Veronica y

Miguel Leff, anfitriones del

Opera Ball, llevaron adelante

en su hogar un pre festejo donde

homenajearon a los anteriores

anfitriones de este importante evento.

El Opera Ball se realiza en busca de

continuar apoyando a los programas

artísticos, de aprendizaje y compromiso

con la ópera que lleva adelante la

institución. El director general David

Bennett, invitó a los presentes a

compartir espectáculos de

ópera junto a deliciosa comida

y bebida.

Bo and Esther Fraser with

Felipe, Carolina and Alberto Leff

Diana and Eli Lombrozo

with Yolanda Walter-Meade

Elizabeth Fittro

and Michael Quin

Mark and

Julie Burgess

Marci Lizerbram

and Ben Naman

Janet and

Jonathan White


Julissa Poggi with Joseph

and Nancy Walters

Kevin and

Sheri Ahearn

Sonia Kuster and

Leonard Kornreich

Bernadette Belleci

and Wallace Brithinee

Kimberly and

Don Reckles

Bill and Clarice

Perkins

Angela and

Matt Kilman

APR 5 - JUN 2, 2025

Part 2 of 2

MAY 19, 2025

[ REGISTER ]

sdautomuseum.org


Health

The Fire Within Each of Us

BY ADAMA DYONIZIAK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH

colleagues,

and my

children

are the

fire in my

“Patients,

life that

keeps me going,” was warmly stated

by Dr. Preeti Mehta, acute care

physician at Scripps Memorial La

Jolla, and mother to two daughters

Nila and Maya. Being of service

to the community and to family

has been the cornerstone of Dr.

Mehta’s life as one of four sisters

growing up in India. Her parents,

an engineer and a nurse, shaped

her worldview as a child. “Trust

that the universe is working for you

and that it will help you succeed.”

As a new physician in Mumbai,

Preeti cared for the Indian people

of this urban city with their broad

spectrum of medical conditions.

Dr. Mehta decided to expand her

horizons with further training and

experience in Internal Medicine

at Boston’s Newton-Wellesley and

Massachusetts General Hospital.

With guidance from her mentor, Dr.

Joel Rubinstein, she honed the due

diligence of her diagnostic skills to

go hand-in-hand with her caring

bedside manner.

Now, as the current Board

President of Champions for Health

(CFH), and the President Elect for

the Board of the San Diego County

Dr. Preeti Mehta

Medical Society (SDCMS), Dr. Mehta continues to tap into this network

of physicians so that they too can become involved with CFH and make a

difference in the lives of uninsured, vulnerable patients. “One of the most

exciting aspects about joining the SDCMS was the foundation arm that is

CFH. Champions for Health is a direct avenue to give back to the neediest

patients who are unable to access healthcare.” Preeti is also on the CFH

Physician Recruitment Committee and has successfully steered specialty


care physicians

to provide pro

bono services for

Project Access

San Diego. “Be

the change that

you want to see

in the world

is a quote by

Mahatma Gandhi that

shapes how I see the

world in a new light. I

picked my specialty of

working in a hospital so

that I can treat patients

in the most vulnerable

times of their life. I love

interacting personally

with my patients and have

grown so much as a human

being by listening to their

stories. Helping patients

in that moment in time

and making a difference in

their lives gives me great

satisfaction.”

Joining the SDCMS and

accepting the nomination

for President allows

Dr. Mehta to be a voice

and strong advocate for

her patients and fellow

physicians. Her leadership

will continue the good

Preeti Mehta with her daughters and Toni Atkins

Champions for Health is a

direct avenue to give back to

the neediest patients who are

unable to access to healthcare.

Preeti with Nila and Maya

work of the

SDCMS and

CFH. This

year’s joint

event, United

In Wellness

Gala: Lighting

The Way To

Health on

Saturday June 14th at

a new event space in

downtown San Diego,

Eve at the RaDD,

celebrates Dr. Mehta’s

presidency and is a

fundraiser for Project

Access San Diego. This

CFH program provides

free specialty care

services and surgeries

to uninsured adults,

ages 18+, with income

of 139%-322% Federal

Poverty Level (FPL).

Our 200 physicians,

hospitals and surgery

centers volunteer their

care and services, while

our staff guide the

patients through the

process and provide free

medical interpreting,

transportation,

diagnostic tests and

medicines.

United In Wellness Gala

Lighting The Way To Health

Saturday June 14th

Eve at the RaDD

www.unitedinwellnessgala.org


Perfil

Paul Downey

30 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP FOR SERVING SENIORS

President & CEO Paul Downey (seated in blue suit) and CEO

Designate Melinda Forstey (standing in purple top) and a

group of clients at the Potiker Senior Family Residence.

After 30 years of dedicated leadership,

Serving Seniors offers President &

CEO Paul Downey warm wishes

on his retirement after 30 years of

service. Paul’s vision and efforts on

behalf of Serving Seniors have been

nothing less than transformative for

the organization and for the thousands of older adults

whose lives have changed for the better.

Paul began his association with Serving Seniors as a

volunteer serving meals, four decades ago. He found a

deep appreciation for the organization and especially

the people it supported. Following Paul’s appointment

as President and CEO in 1995, Serving Seniors has

grown into a nationally recognized organization

leading the effort in San Diego County to ensure older

adults are kept housed and enjoy healthy, purposeful

lives regardless of income.

Advocacy leadership at the national, state and local

levels has been a hallmark of Paul’s tenure, including

serving as chair of the National Association of

Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, advocacy chair

and board member for the American Society on Aging,

and chair of the California Commission on Aging.

Paul was invited to participate in two White House

Conferences on Aging and has testified hundreds of

times before Congress, the California State Legislature,

Board of Supervisors and local City Councils.


During his tenure, Paul

also:

Ӱ Built Serving

Seniors’ nutrition

program to serve

1.5 million meals

annually.

Ӱ Conceived the

concept for a stateof-the-art

senior

wellness center with

philanthropists

Gary and Mary

West. The result

is the Gary and

Mary West Senior

Wellness Center,

a center that has

received national

and international

accolades.

Ӱ Oversaw Serving

Seniors’ development of

more than 700 units of

affordable housing for

low-income seniors.

Ӱ Recognized the hidden

epidemic of older adult

homelessness more

than 25 years ago and

initiated Serving Seniors’

robust efforts, including

transitional housing, to

address the problem.

Ӱ In 2021, Paul led

the Serving Seniors

Needs Assessment

report, a groundbreaking study focusing on older

adult homeless in San Diego, with its findings and

proposed solutions driving community conversation

and public policy with a new recognition of the

realities of aging and poverty.

President & CEO Paul

Downey with client, Joy

President & CEO Paul Downey and CEO Designate

Melinda Forstey at the Potiker Senior Family Residence.

Ӱ

Initiated

Serving Seniors’

innovative

wraparound

service model

including case

management,

healthcare,

meals, social

activities

and civic

engagement,

now a national

standard.

In lasting recognition

and thanks, the Board

of Directors named

Serving Seniors’

newly opened

housing community

in Clairemont

the Paul Downey

Senior Residence. “I never

imagined seeing my name on

a building. I am overwhelmed

by this honor,” Paul shared

with GB Magazine. “It

represents a lifetime of effort

to deliver the high-quality

affordable housing our older

adult neighbors deserve in

San Diego.

Chief Operating Officer

Melinda Forstey will assume

the President and CEO role

upon Paul’s retirement, with

his enthusiastic support.

For three decades, Paul

Downey has been a tireless and dedicated advocate

on behalf of the growing population of older adults

experiencing homelessness in San Diego County, in

California, and beyond throughout the United States,

serving as their voice and their champion in the belief

that housing and dignity in aging are fundamental

human rights.

www.servingseniors.org


Escapadita

The Ultimate Bucket List

10 LIFE-CHANGING DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

BY ANGELA RICE, CO-FOUNDER OF BOUTIQUE TRAVEL ADVISORS

Bucket list travel is not just about

checking destinations off - it is

about transformative experiences

that leave a lasting imprint. At

Boutique Travel Advisors, we curate

extraordinary journeys tailored to

each traveler’s dreams. Here are ten

must-visit destinations offering adventure, luxury, and

unforgettable moments.

1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

A wildlife sanctuary best explored by expedition

cruise, the Galápagos offer encounters with giant

tortoises and sea lions. “Galápagos is an adventurer’s

dream!” shares Julie Rose, BTA Travel Coach. She is

leading a small group aboard HX Expeditions in early

2026. Ideal travel months: December to May.

2. Tanzania & Botswana Safari, Africa

A safari offers unparalleled wildlife encounters and a

deep connection to nature. “The wildlife, the people,

the sense of belonging – it is something only Africa

can impose on your heart,” says Jackie Kotsovos, BTA

Luxury Advisor. Best time to visit: June to October

during the Great Migration.

3. Antarctica Expedition

The last truly untouched frontier, Antarctica offers

towering glaciers and unique wildlife. “To visit a

region that pushes the limits of life on Earth inspires

us,” shares Esteban Villanueva GB Magazine Publisher

and BTA Luxury Travel Advisor. Luxury voyages by

Silversea and Seabourn ensure an intimate experience.

Best time: November to March.

4. Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season

A fleeting yet magical spectacle, sakura season

transforms Japan into a pastel dreamscape. “Japan

blends rich culture and modern energy,” says Becca

Samuels, BTA Luxury Advisor. Best hanami spots:

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path.

Peak bloom: Late March to mid-April.

Galapagos

Africa

Egypt

Antarctica

Peru

Norway


Chile Australia Antarctica

Japan

Italy

Egypt

5. The Northern Lights in Norway

A mesmerizing celestial display best viewed in Norway,

Iceland, or Finland. “A Northern Lights experience is

not just about adventure – it is about

embracing life’s magical moments,”

shares Angela Rice, BTA Co-Founder.

Best viewing: September to March.

6. The Great Barrier Reef,

Australia

A diver’s paradise with over 1,500

species of fish. “Each snorkeling trip

is a new underwater marvel,” notes

Bri Crowder, BTA Luxury Advisor.

Best time: June to October. Luxury

options include Ritz-Carlton’s

yachting experience and Lizard

Island Resort.

7. Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley, Peru

A journey through history and breathtaking

landscapes. “Machu Picchu remains one of our

favorite adventures,” shares Rebecca Hogan, BTA

Luxury Advisor. Families can take the train or hike the

Inca Trail. Best time: May to September.

8. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

A coastal paradise of lemon groves and picturesque

villages. “I would love to taste the limoncello and

To visit a

region that

pushes the

limits of life

on Earth

inspires us

explore its historic charm,” says Jessica Barkley, BTA

Advisor. Luxurious stays at Le Sirenuse and Borgo

Santandrea. Best time: May to October.

9. Egypt & The Nile River

A journey through time aboard a

luxury cruise. “Standing in front of

the Pyramids was surreal,” recalls

Kim Parizek, BTA Luxury Advisor.

Top experiences: Uniworld’s cruises

and Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor. Best

time: October to April.

10. Patagonia & Torres del Paine,

Chile

A landscape of rugged mountains

and glaciers. “Patagonia is a must for

nature lovers,” says Janet Semenova,

BTA Co-Founder. Explore via expedition cruise or

trek the Torres del Paine circuit. Best time: November

to March.

Each of these destinations offers a once-in-a-lifetime

experience, crafted for travelers seeking adventure,

luxury, and authenticity. Boutique Travel Advisors has

the experience, connections, first-hand knowledge

and the drive to ensure your travels are selected and

curated to your exact style and expectations, anywhere

in the world.

www.travelbta.com


Gala

Fantasy

Under

The Sea

La Jolla Music Society

WinterFest Gala Chair Susan

Hoehn welcomed patrons to

a magical underwater-world

filled with “Fantasy Under

the Sea.” The décor for the dinner

and afterparty was an absolute

delight to all. Guests also enjoyed an

unforgettable performance featuring

London Symphony Orchestra and

international superstar Yunchan Lim,

who made his San Diego debut. The

gala supports La Jolla Music Society’s

Learning and Engagement programs,

which reach 11,000 school children

and adults in multiple locations

throughout San Diego every year.

Bill and Susan Hoehn and Ted

Hoehn with Matt Clermont

Steve and

Beyka Murray

Rip Patton, Nancy Linke Patton,

Leah Rosenthal and Todd Schultz

Victor Woo and

Leonard Kornreich

Don and Stacy

Rosenberg

Muffy Walker, Peggy

Preuss and Marina Pastor


Sheryl Scarano

and Susan Major

Judy Adler and

Laura Applegate

Gala

La presidente de la gala

de La Jolla Music Society

Susan Hoehn, fue quien

dio la bienvenida a los

mecenas para compartir

la mágica velada acuática “Fantasy

Under the Sea”: El decorado de

la cena y de la fiesta deslumbró a

todos los presentes que quedaron

extasiados con la presentación de

la Orquesta Sinfónica de Londres y

de la estrella internacional Yunchan

Lim, quien hizo su debut en San

Diego. La gala tiene por fin apoyar

los programas de aprendizaje y

compromiso que lleva adelante

La Jolla Music Society, con un

alcance anual de 11,000 niños en

edad escolar y adultos de diversas

localidades de San Diego.

Mary Ann Beyster

and Allison Boles

Ernie Dronenburg with

Robin and Hank Nordhoff

Robert Gleason, Marc Matys

and Ferdinand Gasang

Sue and Peter

Wagener

Rosamaria Ruggeri, Maurizio

Zanetti, Rita Bassi and John Gallup

Angel and Fred Kleinbub

with Yolanda Walther-Meade

Bill and Shelby Strong with

Sheryl and Michael Durkin


Clayton Lewis, Maureen

Shiftan and Tom Rasmussen

Katherine and

Dane Chapin

F R I D A Y , M A Y 2 , 2 0 2 5 6 P M

T H E S E A B I R D O C E A N R E S O R T & S P A

A COASTAL AFFAIR BENEFITING

Berenice Blake, Jenna Liu,

Vivian Lim and Nancy Forcier

JOIN THE WAVE OF IMPACT AT THE

BRILLIANCE GALA AS WE

CELEBRATE AN UNFORGETTABLE

EVENING WITH AWARD-WINNING

CUISINE, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT,

SPECIAL GUESTS, AND AN EXCITING

AUCTION, ALL WHILE MAKING

WAVES OF CHANGE FOR A

BRIGHTER TOMORROW.

2025 HONOREES:

H O P E A W A R D :

M A U R E E N M C N U L T Y

Carol Lam with Mark

and Sarah Burnett

V I S I O N A R Y A W A R D :

U S C A L Z H E I M E R ’ S

T H E R A P E U T I C

R E S E A R C H I N S T I T U T E

R E S E A R C H C H A M P I O N

A W A R D :

R E M A R A M A N , P h D .

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

T I C K E T S A N D T A B L E S

A V A I L A B L E N O W :

Diana and Eliezer

Lombrozo


Health

Planned Parenthood

CELEBRATING 62 YEARS OF CARE

For more

than six

decades,

Planned

Parenthood

of the

Pacific

Southwest (PPPSW)

has been a trusted

provider of

compassionate, highquality

reproductive

health care for patients

across San Diego,

Riverside, and Imperial

counties. On Friday,

May 2, PPPSW will

celebrate 62 years

of service with its

annual Anniversary

Dinner at the Hilton

San Diego Bayfront,

bringing together 800

supporters committed

to protecting and expanding

access to reproductive health

and rights.

This year, PPPSW welcomes

its new President and CEO,

Jenny Black. A seasoned leader

and staunch advocate for

reproductive rights, Jenny brings

with her a wealth of experience

from her time leading Planned


President & CEO Jenny Black

Darrah DiGiorgio

Johnson will be

presented with

the Fearless Voice

Award to honor

her unwavering

commitment and

leadership for the

past 19 years.

Parenthood South

Atlantic. She steps into

the role following the

remarkable tenure

of Darrah DiGiorgio

Johnson, who has

dedicated 19 years to

advancing PPPSW’s

mission and impact. To

honor her unwavering

commitment and

leadership, Darrah will

be presented with the

Fearless Voice Award.

Event Chairs Robin

Hensley and Peter

Salvati, longtime

supporters of Planned

Parenthood, invite

guests to an engaging

evening that will

not only celebrate

PPPSW’s legacy but

also reaffirm the

urgent need to safeguard access

to reproductive health care. A

current PPPSW Board Member,

Robin’s dedication to the cause

began decades ago when, just

out of college, she volunteered

at a Planned Parenthood clinic

in the Bay Area. Her passion

for reproductive rights has only

grown stronger over the years.

“Having choice about whether or

when to become parents, and to

have quality information and care

along that path, is vital to every one

of us,” Robin and Peter shared with

GB Magazine. “It shapes our lives,

it shapes our opportunities, and it

enables us to become our best selves

for our families and communities.”

The fight for reproductive freedom

has never been more critical. As

Robin and Peter note, millions of

people have been stripped of their

ability to access comprehensive, safe

care. “We see how rights and access

- which we and our family have

benefited from and taken for granted

- are being taken away, methodically

and with

everincreasing

speed. It is

scary and

infuriating.

So, it is

important

to be voices

that proudly

speak up

in this

environment

and to

encourage

others to do

the same.

We know

that Planned

Parenthood’s

health

services,

education

initiatives,

and advocacy

influence the

trajectory of people’s lives. And it is rewarding to be a

small part of that effort.”

The Anniversary Dinner is more than just a

Fearless Voice Award recipient Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson

Event Chairs Robin Hensley and Peter Salvati

celebration - it is a call to

action. Funds raised from the

event fuel the compassionate,

essential services patients

receive at PPPSW’s 19 health

centers. Thanks to a matching

gift challenge from a generous

anonymous donor, the impact

of every gift will be doubled,

dollar for dollar, up to a total of

$150,000.

For those who believe in

the fundamental right to

reproductive health care,

the Anniversary Dinner is

an opportunity to stand in

solidarity and invest in a future

where access to care is a right,

not a privilege. Join PPPSW

on May 2 for an unforgettable

evening of inspiration, impact,

and commitment to the fight

ahead. Visit www.planned.org/dinner to join the

Honorary Committee, purchase a ticket, or contribute

to the match.


Nutrition

FEEDING SAN DIEGO

SCHOOL PANTRY PROGRAM ALLEVIATES

HUNGER ACROSS THE COUNTY

Principal Joe Prosapio (far left) with

volunteers at Berry Elementary’s

first school pantry distribution.

Principal Joe Prosapio, “Mr. P” to

his students at Berry Elementary,

understands the importance of

nutrition for his community. “Kids

often have the fastest meals, and then

they come to school without energy,”

he says. “When kids have nutritious

food, they come ready to learn.”

Unfortunately, many families in San Diego cannot

afford healthy options.

In October 2024, the Berry Elementary School Pantry

opened as part of Feeding San Diego’s school pantry

expansion. This pantry is one of 17 new pantries

launched at K-12 schools throughout the county.

Jessica, a mother of two at Berry, attended the first

distribution and left with fresh fruits and vegetables.

“It is a relief to have someone who cares about those

struggling day by day,” she said.

Addressing a County-Wide Issue

Over 100,000 children in San Diego County face food

insecurity, according to Feeding America. Feeding San

Diego aims to operate 100 school pantries by 2030.

While more than half of this goal has been met, there

are still about 30 schools on the waitlist, and that

number is growing.


The School Pantry

program brings

nutritious food

directly to schools.

On distribution days,

school spaces become

free farmers’ markets,

where parents pick

up fresh produce

and pantry staples to

support their families’

nutritional needs.

Building Student

Success

At Hancock Elementary

in Tierrasanta, Principal

Irene

Hightower

was relieved

when the

school joined

the program

in 2024. “We

were shocked

to find out

that so many

families were

looking for

additional

IT IS A RELIEF

TO HAVE

SOMEONE

WHO CARES

ABOUT

THOSE

STRUGGLING

DAY BY DAY

food,” she says. Hancock’s student body is

98% military families, with 71% qualifying

for free and reduced lunch. For Hightower,

the pantry is a crucial resource to support

student success.

“Students cannot function without proper

food, clothing, or health resources,” she

explains. “If a parent can come to the

school for resources, it helps students thrive

academically, socially, and emotionally.”

A survey from Feeding San Diego shows that 58% of

parents reported their child’s grades improved, while

Switchfoot band members Tim Foreman and

Chad Butler pass out food at a distribution

at Libby Elementary. The Switchfoot Bro-Am

Foundation has committed to funding a

school pantry there through 2027.

A child receives an apple at a school

pantry held at Hancock Elementary

in Tierrasanta, a school with a high

population of military families.

59% saw improvements

in attendance.

Additionally, 80%

of parents said their

families are eating more

fruits and vegetables

since receiving food

from the pantry.

Supporting Local

Families

Each school on the

waitlist, like Hancock

Elementary, has

a similar need for

resources.

While Feeding

San Diego

aims to open

pantries at all

30+ schools,

it requires

significant

investment

and support.

Mr. P believes

in the power

of generosity.

“For someone

to step up

and provide

the money

to ensure

children get

good food,

that’s what our

world needs

more of.”

To help

fund the

expansion of the School Pantry Program, contact

Sandy Rabourne at (858) 283-8978 or visit

www.feedingsandiego.org.


Luncheon

Lions

of

Judah

The Jewish Federation

of San Diego’s hosted

their annual Lion

of Judah Luncheon.

Event Co-Chairs Jill

Beck, Melissa Brill and Laurie

Hoshaw welcomed Georgia

Hunter, author of We Were

the Lucky Ones, a New York

Times bestseller inspired

by her family’s history as

Holocaust survivors. Her

powerful story has also been

adapted into an eight-part

limited series. Lions of Judah

wear their pins proudly as

an internationally recognized

symbol of philanthropy,

commitment, Jewish values,

and sisterhood.

Kay Gurtin and

Hilary Isakow

Sharon Davidson and

Charlene Seidle

Debbie Deverett, Laurie Hoshaw,

Melissa Brill and Jill Beck

Theresa Dupuis and

Charlene Steinhauer

Jeane Somers

and Lynne Glazer

Silvana Christy, Jerri-Ann

Jacobs and Oby Einsberg


Linda Platt and

Andrea Oster


Luncheon

Jewish Federation de San Diego

llevó adelante su almuerzo anual

Lion of Judah, con Jill Beck, Melissa

Brill y Laurie Hoshaw como

anfitrionas del evento. Ellas fueron

las que dieron la bienvenida a la autora del

libro bestseller del New York Times We

Were the Lucky Ones, novela inspirada en

su historia familiar como sobrevivientes

del Holocausto, y que también fuera

convertida en una poderosa miniserie.

Lions of Judah porta sus emblemas

con orgullo como demostración de su

filantropía internacional, su compromiso y

hermandad con los valores judíos.

Nataly Bramzon, Kira Finkenberg,

Ronit Droker and Danielle Weizman

Lori Shearer and

Elizabeth Siegler

Lauren Sommer, Shayna

Kaufmann and Rachel Schindler

Emma Paterno and

Michael Rabkin

Jennifer Dolin and

Lorraine Fisher

Susan Shmalo and

Miriam Norten

Danielle Miller and

Margo Engelstein



Luncheon

Bob Rubenstein, Ronnie Diamond,

Marie Raftery and David Fuhriman

Lara Woolf Grusd

and Erica Weinberg

Sharon Wax and

Heidi Gantwerk

Mary Ann Scher

and Helene Ziman

Shirley Pidgeon, Liz Nederlander-

Coden and Annie Nagorner

Danielle Beck

and Juli Bear

Judi Zaguli, Beth

Dabby and Elise Dabby

Estela Mitrani

and Sarah Schatz


Presents

A Night of Amore Soirée

In Recognition of Child Abuse Prevention

Join Us in Celebrating Laura Tancredi-Baese’s

Life Long Service & Dedication to Home Start

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 • 5:30 - 10:00 PM

Join our Home Start family for a truly extraordinary evening of celebration and philanthropy at the

Casa Valencia private estate on the lush grounds of the Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe.

Enjoy live entertainment, powerful stories of lives transformed, silent & live auction excitement, and more.

Buy Your Tickets Today! BlueRibbonGala.com

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

PREFERRED TABLE SPONSOR

Dr. Carol Gallagher

and Cynthia Kellogg

FRIEND SPONSORS

Excedeo • Laura and David Watkins • San Diego Foundation

TABLE SPONSORS

Sponsorship Opportunities Available | Contact Mark Lagace, Director of Philanthropy • 619-692-0727 x144 • mlagace@home-start.org


Sponsors confirmed as of 3/7/2025

Luncheon

Layse Sollender Judy Belinsky

and Alexandra Hirschhorn

Darren Schwartz

and Julie Datnow

Lisa Braun Glazer

and Suzi Feldman

Stacy Rosenberg

and Sonia Israel

Carole Turk and

Terri Bignell

Dustin Biton and

Dana Gordon

Rachel Lukens

and Allison Leeds


Deena Libman and

Perri Wittgrove

We offer lifelong services and support for anyone facing a

developmental or intellectual disability.

We help to empower individuals not just to persevere but

to truly thrive and build a life of their choosing.

We advocate for opportunities for individuals to actively

participate in all aspects of community life from school and

work to recreational activities.

Regional center services can truly make a positive

difference in your life!

Visit our website and start your request for services by

completing the online initial contact form.


Museums

P

atrons of the Prado

is an all-volunteer

organization

supporting Balboa

Park’s cultural

oasis by raising

funds to benefit the

world-class arts,

cultural, history,

and science centers

on the Prado and

for programs that

provide educational

access for San

Diego County K-12

schoolchildren to

these treasured

institutions.

Patrons of the Prado

INVESTING IN THE ARTS, SCIENCE, HISTORY,

AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS SINCE 1997

The Patrons of

the Prado raise

significant financial

support for the

programs and

initiatives of nine beneficiary institutions, including:

The Fleet Science Center, Mingei International

Museum, Museum of Us, San Diego History Center,

San Diego Junior Theatre, The San Diego Museum of

Art, The San Diego Natural History Museum, The Old

Globe, and The Timken Museum of Art. Funds raised

empower the beneficiaries to further their missions

more effectively, providing opportunities to introduce


Sara Napoli, Dr. Julie Novak, Dr. Jacqueline

Denysiak, Dr. Barbara Denysiak, and Marla Marshall

innovative programming and allowing them to quickly

pivot when services and resources have to change with

the community’s needs.

Expanding their mission in 2012, Patrons of the Prado

launched the Bucks4Buses (B4B) initiative, which

provides funding for programs making educational

access for San Diego County K-12 schoolchildren

possible. The Bucks4Buses initiative funds

transportation

and

enrichment

programs

in the Park

and on site

at schools

to spark the

imagination

and foster

a lifelong

appreciation

for art,

theater,

history, and

science.

Since 1997,

Patrons of the Prado

have awarded their

beneficiaries more

than $6.2 million in

greatest needs grants

and Bucks4Buses

educational grants.

Members have

provided thousands

of volunteer hours

to promote these

extraordinary

institutions in

Balboa Park.

Patrons of the

Prado grants are

made possible

through the

Bucks4Buses visiting

The Fleet Science Center

signature event, MASTERPIECE, and other

hallmark fundraising projects, including the annual

Miriam Summ Fashion Show, which benefits the

Bucks4Buses program. The Miriam Summ Fashion

Show takes place at Bloomingdale’s on Friday, April

11, beginning at 1:00 pm, featuring fashion style

trends, from casual to glamorous.

This year’s signature event, MASTERPIECE: Elegance

Patrons Tea Party with Icon

Award Honoree Carole Sachs

of the

Elements, is

co-chaired by

the motherdaughter

team

of Drs. Barbara

and Jacqueline

Denysiak.

Barbara and

Jacqueline,

along

with their

committee,

are harnessing

their creative

energies to

transform

the Natural

History Museum

into a celebration

of the four

elements: earth,

water, fire, and air.

MASTERPIECE:

Elegance of the

Elements takes

place on Saturday,

August 09, 2025.

Mrs. Carole Sachs

will be honored

with the 2025

ICON Award

for her generous

and magnificent

contributions

throughout Balboa

Park and San Diego

County. The evening ends with stunning views and great

vibes at the after-party on the Natural History Museum’s

rooftop deck.

To purchase Fashion Show or MASTERPIECE tickets,

become a sponsor, or get more information about

Bucks4Buses and Patrons of the Prado, please visit

www.patronsoftheprado.org.


Page Tab

oin us!

Saturday, May 3, 2025

San Diego Food Bank

6:00 PM

Cocktails, Specialty

Hors D’Oeuvres & Silent Auction

7:30 PM

Dinner, Live Auction & Program

9:00 PM

Live Entertainment & Dancing

Supporting Our

Food 4 Kids Backpack Program

RSVP NOW

SPECIAL THANK YOU

to Our 2025 San Diego Food Bank Gala Sponsors

Sponsorships, Tables

& Event Information

Title Sponsor

Dr. Irwin M. Jacobs

Bar Sponsor

Cork Pull

Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

VIP Reception Sponsor

Specialty Hors

D’Oeuvres Sponsor

Entertainment

Sponsor


SanDiegoFoodBank.org/Gala 858.863.5113 events@sandiegofoodbank.org

A Message from Our Co-Chairs

We are excited to welcome you to the 13th

Annual San Diego Food Bank Gala and can’t wait

to raise a glass with you under the stars.

It is our honor to serve as this year’s gala

co-chairs and support the vital work of the

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

With your generosity and partnership, we know

this year’s event will be a tremendous success.

We look forward to seeing you on May 3rd.

With Great Appreciation,

Amy Jacobs & Jennifer Anderson

Gala Co-Chairs

Amazing Appetizers Crafted by Talented Chefs

Get ready for a culinary adventure at the San Diego Food Bank Gala!

Guests will indulge in specialty hors d’oeuvres from San Diego’s top chefs,

followed by a multi-course dinner and dessert.

A huge thank you to our talented chefs for donating their time and

ensuring an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish!

Photos by Ayano Kling

Chef Jeff Roberto

Sushi on a Roll

Chef Travis Swikard

Callie

Chef Daniel &

Chef Dante Romero

Two Ducks, The Lion’s Share

Chef Jill Aniban &

Chef Jennifer Sanchez

UCSD

Chef Ricardo Heredia

& Chef Evan Cruz

Cohn Restaurant Group

Chef Josh Reynolds

Ponyboy

Chef Heather Lang &

Chef Amanda Palomino

Kitchens For Good

Chef Sadie Rose

Mission Hills High School

Chef Adrian Mendoza

Knead

Chef James Foran

Grossmont College Culinary Arts

Special offerings provided by

Bread & Cie and Venissimo Cheese


Gala

Meet Me

in Capri

A

dedicated committee

from The Bird Rock

Foundation transported

guests to Capri for a

night of Italian elegance.

The “Meet Me in Capri: La Dolce

Vita” gala featured live music,

entertainment, silent and live auction

items, dinner, dancing and so much

more! The special evening supports

Bird Rock Elementary in La Jolla.

Asha Bleier, Melissa

Kang and Kari Crenshaw

Leslie and

Matt Murphy


Mariko Uyeda and

Amber Anderson

Lilian and Jamie

Meronoff

Bobbi-Jo Dobush

and Francisco Este

Sandy and

Drew Arden

Charles and

Jennifer Ridley

Enjoying

the evening

Glenn and

Jessica Donovan


¡Tu hogar para todo Padres!

ayer & Coach Appearances

Toda la temporada, no se pierdan...

La tarjeta exclusiva Padres Club

La Suite temática de Los Padres

Los premios especiales y experiencias en la cancha

Las entradas y artículos de regalo

Las presentaciones de entrenadores

y jugadores

Y mucho, mucho más!

RESERVA HOY!

CASINO SOCIO OFICIAL DE LOS

PARA ACCEDER AL CASINO SE DEBE SER MAYOR DE 21. JUEGUE DE MANERA RESPONSABLE.


Gala

Un comprometido

comité del The Bird

Rock Foundation

transportó a los

invitados una elegante

noche italiana en Capri. La gala

“Meet Me in Capri: La Dolce

Vita” contó con música en

vivo, entretenimientos, subastas

silenciosas y en vivo, cena, baile

y ¡mucho más! La velada destinó

sus esfuerzos al apoyo de la

primaria Bird Rock de La Jolla.

Alyssa Berardi, Lorraine

Turner and Annika Soderfelt

Caroline and

Brett Lowenthal

Rhiannon and

Kyle Buchholz

Christine and

David Willsey

Jamie and

Marc Azar

Kristi Benedetto

and Jaimme Jones

Jason Hill, Nate Benedetto

and Andrew Newman

Ian and Rachelle

Harding


Megan and

Travis Young

Chantel and

Eric Vanderhye

Preethika Adyanthaya, Parisa

Weiss and Carol McGuinness

Sean Johnson and

Dan Auerbach

Enjoying the evening

Kaivon Arfaa and

Christa Duncan-Arfaa

Join Freedom Dogs for the

International Award-Winning

San Diego Beach & Bay

Half Marathon. Run through

San Diego’s most beautiful

beaches, picturesque bays,

iconic resorts, and must-see

destinations.

Run for a Cause Sunday, April 12, 2025

Freedom Dogs is the Official Charity

of the 2025 San Diego Beach &

Bay Half Marathon. Register at

SanDiegoBeachandBayHalfMarathon.com

www.FreedomDogs.org


Community


DELIVERING A DECADE OF CLIMATE HOPE

At San Diego Gas & Electric ® (SDG&E), our employees feel a strong sense of purpose beyond

delivering clean, safe and reliable energy services to our 3.7 million customers. As part of our

commitment to the communities we serve, we support a variety of initiatives through shareholder

contributions, employee giving programs and volunteerism. Our philanthropic strategic priorities

include climate action, emergency preparedness and safety, economic prosperity and K-16 STEM.

We understand that for our region to thrive and become more sustainable, it is important for all of us to do

our part to ensure no one is left behind.

When we bravely center

community and care,

nothing is impossible. That

is the ethos of the Climate

Science Alliance, an

organization who has, since

2015, worked to safeguard

natural and human

communities in the face of

a changing climate. Their

team chooses “climate

hope” rather than “climate

doom,” walking side-byside

with community-based

partners on a wide range

of climate adaptation and

resiliency efforts. A spirit of

“climate hope” helps them

realize the future they want

for the places they live and


love—on their own terms. Now entering their 10th year, the Alliance is poised to

elevate community-led climate action in a way they have worked toward for more

than a decade.

At the core of the Climate Science Alliance is their network of partners, made up

of more than 460 organizations, agencies and community allies. “I see our network

as a constellation of flickering stars, activating at different times for different

reasons but always connected,” says Dr. Amber Pairis, the organization’s founder


and executive director. “We

are committed to providing a

space where partners can find

solace and support in this

connection - where sharing

space means sharing power.”

By prioritizing trust, respect

and reciprocity in their

work, the Alliance strives to

create a safe and nurturing

environment for people to

share ideas, build and grow

relationships, and ultimately,

expand the impact of their

individual work through

collaboration with their

network.

An Environmental

Champions grant from

San Diego Gas & Electric

(SDG&E) in the early

years of the Alliance

acted as a catalyst for the

organization to advance

climate literacy through

their inaugural Climate

Kids program. Today, the

continued partnership

and support from

SDG&E has expanded

climate-informed and

community-led efforts

throughout the San

Diego community. Most

recently, the Alliance

convened regional educators for a training session

on their newest education resource, the Climate

Science & Fire Traveling Trunk. This “trunk”

is essentially a free, mobile climate curriculum

to support K-12 educators with science, art and

storytelling activities to teach about southern

California’s fire adapted ecosystems. Not limited to

traditional in-classroom school programming, these

resources are brought into communities to inform

and build resilience about extreme fire events in a

way that protects people and nature.

In the past year, the


team spent over 8,000

hours in the community

to build and sustain

partnerships, and to better

understand priorities and

needs around climate

adaptation. This was

reflected in a historical

regranting effort to

support community-led

efforts, including investing

$575,000 in Tribal-serving

and Indigenous-led

organizations; $230,000

in capacity building; and

$70,000 in small projects

awards and professional

development for

individuals. These

investments go

beyond financial

awards, matching

partners with team

members who provide

technical expertise

and administrative

assistance to

ensure projects and

participants are fully

supported.

“As a team, we are

here to be in-service

to community and are

committed to being bold in tackling climate challenges

in a way that creates lasting transformative impact and

we can’t do this without our donors,” says Pairis. “It

is hard work, but I like to think it is ‘heart work’ just

the same.” The Climate Science Alliance is celebrating

their 10th birthday all year long and will regularly

announce opportunities to join in on the celebrations.

To learn more and get involved, visit

www.climatesciencealliance.org.


Luncheon

Ladies Guild

An all-volunteer group Ladies Guild

hosted their annual fundraiser for

Father Joe’s Villages. This year’s

fantastical theme of “Alice in

Wonderland,” had the women

dressed in a whimsical and playful palette for

a philanthropic luncheon, silent auction and

entertainment, all in benefit of neighbors

experiencing homelessness in San Diego. Father

Joe’s Villages is committed to helping all people

in San Diego exit or avoid homelessness

through wraparound services – including

health care, affordable housing, and

employment support.

Rose Benedict, Mary Ellen Harshberger, Claudine

Niski, Claudette Harshberger and Lore Cook


Myrna Davalos, Valerie

Callanan and Liza Heredia

Linda Arviso and

Shelley Curren

Kim Witham

and Margie Mills

Edna Frounfelter, Gayann

Greene and Janet Milliken

Carol Thompson

and Connie Sherry

Kim Witham, Jane

Kinsey and Ann Link

Shirley Giese

and Kathy Estey


JOIN US

ILLUMINATION

Lighting a Path to Belonging

THE TRUECARE GALA

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 5PM

OMNI LA COSTA

CARLSBAD, CA

THANK YOU TO OUR RADIANT SPONSORS!

All funds raised will go towards health programs and services

that promote the development, growth, and sense of belonging

for infants, children, teens, and young adults.

OUR MISSION

To improve the health status of our diverse communities by providing quality health

care that is comprehensive, affordable, and culturally sensitive.

For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit truecare.org/gala.


Luncheon

Un grupo de

voluntarias de

Ladies Guild, llevó

adelante su evento

anual para recaudar

fondos destinados a Father

Joe’s Villages. La fantástica

temática de este año “Alice in

Wonderland” tuvo a las damas

vestidas con caprichosos

atuendos en una divertida

paleta de colores durante

el almuerzo solidario, donde

hubo una subasta silenciosa

y entretenimiento con el fin

de asistir a los vecinos que

padecen la situación de calle

en San Diego. A través de

sus servicios que incluyen

salud, viviendas asequibles

y apoyo para conseguir

empleos, Father Joe’s Villages

se compromete a luchar

para que no haya vecinos en

situación de calle.

Amongst friends

Mary Crippen and

Cheryl Kevane

Maggie Moorehad

and Halle Bohling

Monica Voss and

Cynthia Baylis

Keep Life-Saving Blood on the Move

For 75 years, San Diego Blood Bank has connected

diverse communities to save and improve lives in

Southern California. From mobile blood drives to

emergency hospital deliveries, our bloodmobiles and

transport vans make it all possible. Help us keep our

mission in motion by making a gift that will directly

impact local patients.

Donate at SanDiegoBloodBank.org/vehicles.

Local patients like Mason are

grateful for your generosity.


Heidi Dorman and

Denise Billheimer

Linda Corrales and

Ruth Rodriguez

Debbie Derderian

and Marlene Ricci

Margie Ryan and

Sherry Kelleher

Sandra Banaga

and Sue Hofstee

Carol Waldron

and Claudine Niski

Mingei

International

Museum

Fashioning

an ICON

Virgin of Guadalupe

Imagery in Textile Design

Historic

Footprints

Native American Ledger Drawing

Koba | Wild Horse (Kiowa | Cáuigú), Driving the Horses — Koba-Russell

Sketchbook, 1875. Pencil, colored pencil, ink on paper. PILA Collection,

Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Library.

SPRING 2025 EXHIBITIONS mingei.org Folk Art, Craft, and Design Balboa Park


Luncheon

Bev Moser, Julie

Babbitt and Alice Freeh

Supporting the cause

Laura Sperry, Linda

Hewett and Kara Peone

Karen and

Alan Yamanishi

Nora Holland and

Emily Maloney

Diane Kunberger

and Carol Warren

Ann Folstad and

Debra Clark


Pat Chagnon

and Kristy Keith

Gayle Mcmahon

and Rhina Greeson

Mary Peterson

and Pam Mullins


Youth

Changing Lives of

San Diego Youth Since 1941

For over

80 years,

the Boys

& Girls

Clubs of

Greater

San

Diego (BGCGSD)

has been committed

to serving youth

between the ages of

five and eighteen

and reaching young

people in need. As

a community-based

agency with 72% of

its Clubs’ members

living in low-income

households, the Clubs

offer young people

what they need and

want most - adults

who respect and

listen to them; a safe

environment where

they can have fun

and be themselves,

and enriching

activities that channel

youthful energy into


“Matthew is a bright and resilient

10-year-old who calls the Boys & Girls

Clubs of Greater San Diego his second

home. As a member of a military family,

Matthew has moved across six different

states in his short life, each time facing

the challenges of change and uncertainty.

With his father currently deployed,

Matthew struggles with anxiety and

worries about his father’s safety.

The Boys & Girls Clubs has been a

constant source of comfort and stability

for Matthew. It is a place where he feels

safe and understood, especially since the

Club recognizes the unique challenges

faced by military families. The Boys &

Girls Club has played an essential role in

his life, offering him a sense of belonging

and joy that he does not always find

elsewhere. He loves the Club.”

– Club Parent

*name of child has been changed for privacy reasons

challenging pursuits. Through its programming,

BGCGSD focuses on three priority outcomes:

achieving academic success, building good

character and citizenship, and making healthy

lifestyle choices.

Since its inception the BGCGSD has been a trendsetter.

The William J. Oakes Branch opened in

1941 serving young boys - the second oldest Club

in California. In 1981 the Boys Club of Escondido

merged with the Girls Club of Escondido to become

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Escondido - 9 years before

the national name change. The Club would undergo

two additional mergers to form the Boys & Girls Clubs

of Greater San Diego in 2009.

Today BGCGSD has 23 locations and serves nearly

22,000 youth annually within a 2,000 square mile

radius. BGCGSD’ s newest undertaking includes

transforming the Geneius Branch located in Encanto

to serve as the first prototype for the “Club of

the Future.” This high-tech Club will feature a

makerspace, e-sports/games, STEM lab, and computer

lab, encouraging creativity and learning.

Funds raised through three fundraising events, the

Borrego Springs Golf Classic (held in February),

the Don Coryell Charity Golf Classic (on June 20,

2025), and annual gala, An Evening of Changing

Lives (on September 13, 2025) support scholarships

and educational programs like STEM and Exact

Path, a diagnostic-driven learning tool that helps its

members refine their skills in math, reading, and

language arts. Scholarships are particularly important

as they allow all young people to attend the Club

despite financial hardship. Programs and activities

are designed to maximize opportunities to help young

people build self-esteem and grow into responsible

and caring citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San

Diego is committed to Changing Lives.

Join us in empowering youth in San Diego County to

thrive and build a brighter future. For more information

on how you can change lives, visit www.sdyouth.org.


Heroes

The

Legacy

of Apollo

On May 31, 2025, the San Diego

Air & Space Museum will host

an extraordinary black-tie gala,

bringing together pioneers

of deep space exploration for

an evening of storytelling,

inspiration, and celebration.

This exclusive event will honor the individuals whose

leadership, courage, and innovation shaped the course

of human spaceflight. As the world prepares for the

next era of space exploration, this gala will serve as

both a tribute to the past and a look toward the future,

where new generations will continue to push the

boundaries of what is possible.

The highlight of the evening will be the presence of

Apollo 16 Moonwalker Charlie Duke and legendary

NASA Apollo Flight Director Gerry Griffin. These

two figures played integral roles in some of the most

daring and historic missions in human history. Duke,

as one of only twelve astronauts to have walked

on the Moon, will share his experiences of lunar

exploration, detailing what it was like to stand on

another world and the challenges of deep space travel.

Griffin, a key leader behind the Mercury, Gemini,

and Apollo programs, will provide insight into the

strategic decision-making and leadership that made

the success of the Apollo missions possible. Their

stories offer a rare, firsthand glimpse into the golden

age of spaceflight, bringing history to life for those in

attendance.

The Legacy of Apollo is more than just a reflection on

past achievements - it is a celebration of the ongoing

journey of space exploration. The lessons learned from

the Apollo era continue to shape current and future

missions, from NASA’s Artemis program to ambitious

plans for Mars and beyond. By hearing directly from

the pioneers who paved the way, attendees will gain a

deeper appreciation for the advancements that continue

to build on their legacy. Their stories of resilience,

ingenuity, and determination will serve as an inspiration

to all who dream of reaching for the stars.

62 APRIL 2025 | GBSAN.COM Apollo 2025

In addition to Duke

and Griffin, other

legendary figures from

the world of aerospace

and space exploration

will be announced. These

distinguished guests

will offer additional

perspectives on the

evolution of space travel,

sharing their unique

experiences and expertise.

Whether through panel

discussions, personal

anecdotes, or behindthe-scenes

insights, the

evening promises to be an

unforgettable opportunity

to engage with the

icons who helped shape

humanity’s presence

beyond planet Earth.

Charles Moss Duke Jr.

The evening’s stories

of resilience, ingenuity,

and determination will

serve as an inspiration

to all who dream of

reaching for the stars.

The gala will

take place in the

San Diego Air &

Space Museum’s

stunning setting,

surrounded by

exhibits and

artifacts that

tell the story

of aviation

and space

exploration.

The museum’s

mission is to

preserve and

celebrate the

achievements

of those who

dared to dream,

making it the

perfect venue

for such a

momentous

occasion. Guests

will enjoy an

elegant evening

of fine dining,

conversation, and

camaraderie with

fellow enthusiasts,

all while being

immersed in

the legacy of

spaceflight.

Limited seating is available for this exclusive

black-tie event. Those interested in attending

are encouraged to secure their tables or

tickets early to ensure they do not miss the

chance to witness history in the making.

Formal attire is required, adding to the

evening’s prestige and significance.

For more information and to reserve a seat at

this extraordinary event, visit

www.sandiegoairandspace.org/apollo

Gerald D. Griffin


Community

Shaping

the Future

Together

Boys to Men Mentoring held

their Annual Meeting reflecting

on the impact and outlining

the vision for the year ahead.

Board Chair, Bruce Crenshaw

along with Executive Director Rose

Courtney welcomed attendees to

connect with fellow supporters and

engage in meaningful conversations to

empower young lives, together.

Del Lewis, Nancy Nearman and Joe Sigurdson

Larry Kesslin, Punit Gyanendra and Jared Wells

Elizabeth and Bruce Crenshaw

Ed Courtney and John Rubey

Boys to Men Mentoring

llevó adelante su reunión

anual para reflexionar

sobre el impacto y

lineamientos a seguir

durante el próximo año. Su

presidente, Bruce Crenshaw

junto a la directora ejecutiva

Rose Courtney, fueron quienes

dieron la bienvenida a los

presentes a formar conexiones

con los colaboradores y lograr

conversaciones de impacto para

poder empoderar las vidas de

los jóvenes.


Nick DeVico and Vivian Mcdonald

Cheryl and Jim Floros

Jim Benedict and Rose Courtney

The most dazzling night of the year is almost here,

and it’s going to shine brighter than ever!

An Evening With Broadway Divas!

Saturday, May 17 | 5:00 p.m.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad

Tickets now on sale!

Step into the spotlight and become

a patron sponsor today!

North Coast Repertory Theatre

Benefitting North Coast Rep’s artists

and educational programming.

For more information contact Kristen Van Hoesen:

kristen@northcoastrep.org | 858-481-2155, ext 225

NorthCoastRep.org

L-R: Ashley Blanchet, Sara Jean Ford, Angela Ingersoll


Community

HOME START

SHARING ANOTHER SUCCES STORY

A

few years ago, Desiree fled her

hometown in a different part of

the state. After high school, she

had begun dating a young man

who became extremely physically

abusive. Fearing for her safety

and life, she made her way to San

Diego. She enrolled in college, got a job, and was in

her last year of school about to earn her degree and

graduate. Life was looking promising.

Unfortunately, Desiree suddenly became very ill. She

lost her ability to walk and to work, and she had to leave

school. Soon she had no money left for rent and became

homeless. Desiree was pregnant, bouncing between

sleeping at friends’ houses and in her vehicle. She then

found herself with a newborn and became even more

desperate.

Thankfully, that is when a friend told her about Home


Desiree with Laura

Tancredi-Baese

Start and their Maternity Housing Program. She

reached out to the staff, and soon Home Start provided

her and her beautiful one-month old daughter with

their own apartment. This past year and a half, Desiree’s

Case Manger has been at her side for her new chapter of

life and remains a constant encourager.

Today, the future is looking much brighter. This brave

young mom plans to return to school and finish her

degree, find a decent-paying job, and raise her

daughter well.

You can be part of helping more families like this by

attending Home Start’s Blue Ribbon Gala.

On Saturday May 3rd, guests will come together at an

exclusive private residence in Rancho Santa Fe managed

by Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. This is San Diego’s

premier fundraiser for child abuse prevention and raises

critical dollars for Home Start to serve our community’s

most vulnerable children and families. The evening will

feature powerful stories of lives

changed like Desiree’s, a threecourse

dinner, auction excitement,

live entertainment, and dancing.

Additionally, the 2025 Blue

Ribbon Gala will be extra-special

as it will celebrate CEO Laura

Tancredi-Baese’s upcoming

retirement. The evening will

reflect on and recognize her

18 years of tireless dedication

to serving San Diego children,

families, and individuals.

For more information, tickets or

sponsorships, please visit:

www.blueribbongala.com.

Hace algunos años, Desiree huyó de su ciudad natal rumbo a

otra parte del estado. Luego de terminar el secundario había

comenzado a salir con un joven que se volvió físicamente

abusivo y debido al miedo que le provocaba escapó a San

Diego, donde se inscribió en la universidad, encontró un

trabajo y estaba por terminar el último año de estudios, la

vida le sonreía, estaba por graduarse.

Desafortunadamente se enfermó, no pudo trabajar ni caminar y tuvo que

dejar de estudiar. En breve se quedó sin dinero para el alquiler y pasó a la

calle y Desiree estaba embarazada. Comenzó a alternar dormir en casas de

amigos y su vehículo. No pasó mucho tiempo antes de encontrarse con una

recién nacida, con lo cual la situación se volvió más desesperante.

“I was running from

a situation I did

not want to be in…

Now I’m not alone

anymore. I am so glad

to have this support.”

—Desiree

Por suerte un amigo le comentó sobre

Home Start y su programa Maternity

Housing, y decidió pedir ayuda, se

acercó al equipo de profesionales y en

seguida le dieron un departamento

para ella y su beba de un mes de edad.

Durante este último año y medio, la

administradora de su caso la acompaña

día a día en este nuevo capítulo de su

vida y sigue a su lado para brindarle

el apoyo que necesita.

Hoy en día, su futuro se ve más prometedor, planea volver a sus estudios,

obtener un título, un trabajo decente y así poder criar a su hija.

Pueden ser parte de este proceso y ayudar a más familias como está

participando de la gala Blue Ribbon de Home Start.

El sábado 3 de mayo habrá una recepción en una

exclusiva casa de Rancho Santa Fe administrada por

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. El fin de la reunión es el

de recaudar fondos para las víctimas del abuso infantil,

para su prevención y los programas de Home Start que

asisten a las familias y niños más vulnerables de nuestra

comunidad. La velada contará con una cena de tres

pasos, subastas, entretenimiento en vivo, baile

y la posibilidad de escuchar conmovedoras

historias como la de Desiree.

La gala 2025 Blue Ribbon va a ser muy

especial ya que también va a rendir

homenaje a Laura Tancredi y su pronto

retiro, haciendo un reconocimiento a sus 18

años de incansable labor y dedicación al servicio

de los niños, familias y personas de San Diego.

Para más información, entradas o patrocinios,

por favor visite www.blueribbongala.com.

Desiree and

her daughter


Benefit

Pairings

with a

Purpose

Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding

San Diego welcomed supporters

to the second annual Pairings

with a Purpose Dinner Party.

Funds raised from the event

will sustain the School Pantry Program,

Feeding San Diego’s critical hunger-relief

program for kids and their families. The

exquisite evening featured a multi-course

dinner with each course paired with

wines. This series of events combines

great cuisine, amazing locations and

philanthropy - a perfect combination.

Jasmine Qayoumi, Joseph

and Susan Poprosapio

and Clay Alexander

Tiffiney Welles

and Jaimi Lonas

Juliana and Derek Grotzinger

and Alexandra Rak

Mark and

Dawn Bresee

Dana Williams, Jennifer

Hershman and Marguerite Parzen


Patty O’Connor, Nancy

Leone and Sandy Raybourne

Carissa Casares

and Jared Kylstad

Chris and Bonne

Scelfo with Eric Glader

Ron and

Michelle Butler

Ron and

Vickie Cady

David and

Kristen Beatty

San Diego

Crew Classic

THANK YOU

TO OUR

STEWARDS!

PLATINUM STEWARDS

GOLD

SILVER

Gina and Steven Considine

Liz and Michael Copley

Jan and George DeVries

Jane and Thompson Fetter*

Noreen and David Mulliken*

Jann Allen and James Ward

Stan Bareham

Glynn and Colette Bolitho

Michael J. Brown

Kent Casady*

Linda and Wallace Dieckmann

Brian Dunn and Tandeleya Guizar*

David Frost

Alison Gildred*

Joy and James Hagin

Andy and Karen Hewitt

Stephanie Hunt

Edythe Kenton*

Susan and Peter Mallory

Janet and Michael Paulovich

David and Carole Rainville*

Betsey and Mark Rose

Chris and Michael Shannon

Bobbie and Matthew Smith

Dawn Vettese

Donna Weston and David Ward*

Sharon and Charles Wienbar

Dan O’Neill

Andrew Brooks

Gigi Cramer

Whitney Crane

Janet Ford and Richard Harnett

George Hardy

Alison Herr

Megan Kalmoe and Dr. Peter

McCorkell

Allison and Takaki Komiyama

Beverly Laursen

Susan and Alan Rezner

BRONZE

Jeariene Bacon*

Kearney Bennett

Chris Dupraw

Christy Rosenberg

Joe Flynn

James Skelly

Klonie Kunzel

Chris and Crista Swan

Mark and Teresa Lambert

Dianna Woods and Charlotte Pittman

Janine Melberg

Jerry and Kelly Rickon Mitchell

Chester White, Jr.*

Randi and Fred Larsson

Rob and Kim Hibler


Benefit

Bob Kamensky, CEO de Feeding

San Diego dio la bienvenida a los

colaboradores del segundo evento

anual Pairings with Purpose Dinner

Party. Los fondos recaudados se

destinan al programa School Pantry de Feeding

San Diego, que asiste a niños y sus familias. La

exquisita velada contó con una cena de varios

pasos y cada uno acompañado de un delicioso

vino. Esta serie de eventos combina destacada

cocina con increíbles locaciones y filantropía,

una perfecta amalgama solidaria.

Simon Somohano, Alejandra Mier y Teran,

Lisa Lonergan and Alberto Mier y Teran

Daniel and Alison Izzo with Cory

Schaller and Sal Cartusciello

Brooke and

Jim Grandinetti

Hilary and

Mark Loretta

Paul and Brenda Hummell

with Jo and Tom Hazard

John and Nancy Jo Cappetta,

Shari Sapp and Ron Butler

Mark and Marty Anderson,

Lauren Tamblyn and Austin Allen


SELLING LA JOLLA, DEL MAR AND

RANCHO SANTA FE COMMUNITIES

Gwendolyn Sontheim, Bob

Kamensky and Allison Glader

SCOTT APPLEBY | 858.775.2014 | DRE 01197544

KERRY APPLEBY PAYNE | 858.204.7920 | DRE 01071814

ANDREW APPLEBY | 858.602.9696 | DRE 02141307

Fay Murphy and

Steve Leonard

6117 EL ROMERO

HISTORIC RANCHO SANTA FE

Village of RSF | 5 BR | 6.5 BA | 5,336 SF

Lap Pool | House Solar | .50 acre | $5,295,000

“It Takes A Family”

applebyfamilygroup.com

Shereen Attisha

and Gina Mansy


Celebration

Cool

Women

Girl Scouts San Diego’s

Cool Women

Celebration has

honored more than

200 leaders from San

Diego and beyond for their positive

contributions to the development

of girls and women. This year’s

event co-chairs Natasha Bowman

and Joyce Gattas along with Carol

Dedrich, CEO of Girl Scouts San

Diego welcomed the community

to recognize the Cool Women of

2025, women who break down

barriers and pave the way for

future generations. Sponsors who

help make this possible included

SDG&E, Mission Fed Credit Union,

Southwest Airlines and USD.

Kimberly Tran, Nancy

Sasaki and Vivi Yun

Ana Melgoza, Julie Dubick,

Jessica Babrick and Mitch Dubick

Joyce Gattas and

Ellen Moxham

Carolyn Russell

and Tracy Mitchell


Linda Rosas and

Clarissa Falcon

Mike, Debbie and

Cooper Rider

For seven decades, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has stood as a living

testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have proudly served our nation

and helped preserve our freedoms. And, thanks to the unwaivering support of donors

like you, we’ve had a meaningful and lasting impact on our community.

Here are some of the remarkable achievements we’ve accomplished together:

300,000 Visitors in 2024, reflecting the memorial’s significance as

300,000

6,600

80+

450

a place of remembrance and education.

6,600 Plaques and Bricks honoring individual Veterans, ensuring

their stories and sacrifices are preserved for future generations.

80+ Events hosted annually, including ceremonies, educational

tours, and community gatherings that foster a deeper appreciation

for our Veterans.

450 Students impacted through educational programs,

inspiring the next generation with lessons on patriotism,

history, and service.

5,451 Hours contributed by 71 dedicated volunteers,

5,451

550

including docents and trustees, who contribute

countless hours to maintain the memorial and

engage with visitors.

550 Members whose support is crucial for the

ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the

memorial, ensuring it remains a pristine and

respectful tribute to our nation’s heroes.

The Mt. Soledad National

Veterans Memorial is

100% privately funded.

Help support our

mission of honoring

our veterans and

preserving their

legacy.

https://soledadmemorial.org/donate/

A portion of your donation

is tax-deductible

(858) 384-2405

www.soledadmemorial.org

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association is a

registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.


Celebration

El evento Cool Women 2025

organizado por las Girl Scouts

San Diego rindió homenaje

a más de 200 líderes de San

Diego y alrededores por su

impacto positivo en el desarrollo

de niñas y mujeres. Este año, las

anfitrionas fueron Natasha Bowman,

Joyce Gattas y Carol Dietrich, CEO

de Girl Scouts San Diego. Estas

mujeres hicieron historia al romper

barreras y allanar el camino para

las futuras generaciones. Entre

los patrocinadores que hicieron

posible este evento se encontraban

SDG&E, Mission Fed Credit Union,

Southwest Airlines y USD.

Amy Bergen, Natasha

Bowman and Elyse Ditale

Cynthia Kronemyer

and Dee Ammon

Helen Finneran, Charles Bass,

Coreen Petti and Russell Yost

Lieutenant Julie Roland, Honorable

Margaret McKeown and Martha Dennis

Marla Black, Annika Amara, Maggie Watkins,

Fances Aguilar and Michele Prescott

Siddharta Vivek

and Hanna Jensen


Luisa McCarthy

and Syra Walia

WE INVITE YOU TO THIS UNFORGETTABLE EVENING

AT THE SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

MAY 31, 2025

SANDIEGOAIRANDSPACE.ORG/APOLLO


Celebration

Kendall Crane, Marissa Cuevas

and Katherine Gavigan

Kristen Rice, Shaina Gross,

Alicia Kitagawa and Eva Bryant

Neville Billimoria, Angelica Gamble-Woong,

Doug Wright, Catalina Duarte and Jason Bowser

Zaneta Encarnacion, Dawn

Welch and Ann Holler

Megan Juza, Kamila Uzakova,

Emma Litzenberg and Saige Lauter

Karen Benito

and Denise Scott

Bryndis Eiriksdottir

and Lucie Courney

Elizabeth Weng, Marlee Ehrenfeld,

Patti Roscoe and Kate Bennett



Celebration

Emily Rex, Barbara Groce, Carol

Dedrich, Tange Gavin and Julia Brown

Stephanie Iwuaba

Natalia Vilas

Anika Bose, Fiona O’Neill, Carol

Crossman and Chloe Lestyk

Zahra Brimelli, Linda Katz

and Krystal Gonzalez

Eva Cruz, Tina King

and Hannah Nevius


SDG&E Community Team

Connecting Creative Communities

Bob Rubenstein

and Marie Raftery

SAN DIEGO’S LITTLE ITALY

APRIL 26-27, 2025

SATURDAY 11AM - 6PM

SUNDAY 10AM - 5PM

Yolanda Sommer and

Ruth Teseyen Tadesse

DATE ON DATE BY KATE JOINER

FREE TO ATTEND

Fine Artists from Across

the US & Mexico

Interactive Art for Families

Live Perfomances, Food and Fun

missionfedartwalk.org

@ArtWalkSD

Renee Herrell Fitzgerald

and Megan Beardsley

SPONSORED BY MISSION FED CREDIT UNION


Luncheon

Go Red

for Women

United by the passion to end heart

disease and stroke in women, the

American Heart Association San

Diego & SW Riverside welcomed the

community to the Go Red for Women

luncheon. The luncheon was under the direction

of event chair Louise Brandy, whose work with

the organization began more than 20 years ago

when her late husband, Mycle, survived four

strokes, and Brandy was his caretaker.

Kyle Smith, Erica Saxton, Andreas

Falkiewicz and Chris Montgomery


Jay Greeson, Rhina Paredes, Rachel

Solenberger, Rosemary Reed and Kellie Sabas

Reena Horowitz, Robin

Nordhoff and Debbie Turner

Felicia Lyon and

Katy Temple

Alexandra Bryan

and Jessica Flora

Callie Mccabe

and Meggan King


Erin Bethge, Debbie

Day and Tran Tran

Liz Farris, Julie Habelmann

and Shana Contreiras

Karlie Bjorstron, Lexi Mcclure,

Sofia Medina and Melissa Norlund

Kelsi Ostenson, Christy Thompson,

Jade Resto and Lara Maccay

Invites you to

US Grant Hotel | 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Dress Code: Business Casual with a Touch of Spring Flair

Enjoy brunch, inspiring speakers, and community connection as we support

San Ysidro Health’s mission to make healthcare accessible for all.

Scan to learn more

https://syh.pub/brunch25


Luncheon

Unidos por la pasión de terminar con

las enfermedades cardiacas y los

infartos en las mujeres, la American

Heart Association San Diego junto

a SW Riverside dieron la bienvenida

a sus invitados a compartir el almuerzo Go

Red for Women. El evento contó con Louise

Brandy como anfitriona, colaboradora desde

hace veinte años y testigo de la supervivencia

a cuatro infartos por parte de su marido.

Julie Peacock, Sofia

Zamora and Edith Salas

Nara Simham, Jan

Hansen and Juli Moran

Phyllis Schwartz and

Shana Contreiras


THE ARC OF SAN DIEGO

PRESENTS

Ryan Purdy and

Bruce Hartman

SATURDAY,

MAY 3, 2025

Coasterra

880 Harbor Island Drive,

San Diego, CA 92101

5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception

7:00 p.m. Dinner, Dancing, & Entertainment

Circus Inspired Attire Encouraged

Master of Ceremonies ~ Mark Mathis,

Meteorologist, KUSI News

William Lopez and

Jessica Wheeler

GALA CHAIR ~

LINDA KURTIN

benefitting children and

adults with disabilities

For tickets or information, please contact Jennifer Bates Navarra

at (619) 795-4186 or JNavarra@arc-sd.com

www.arc-sd.com/gala

Nora Corcoran

and Sandra Ainslie


Luncheon

Nicole Polen-Petit, Nancy Rohland,

Barb Chodos and Delinda Forsythe

Erin Bethge, Sarah Wiltbank

and Danielle Ferrer

Laurie Wagner

and Arleen Kagan

Beth Bowman

and Kim Winner

Aaron Byzak and

Julie Peacock

Patricia Hernandez

and April Peterson


Thai and

Achilles Young

Beverly Hess and

Jessica Newmyer

Elizabeth Incrocci

and Mary Beth Lance

Louise Brandy and

Marie Ronnow


75 TH ANNIVERSARY

CHILDREN’S CHARITY GALA

A BEACON

OF HOPE

1950 2025

The Father Joe’s Villages’ signature event

supports our Therapeutic Childcare Center,

serving 1,200 infants, children, and teens annually.

Join Us!

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025

THE US GRANT HOTEL

_________________

CHAIRS

DRS. LISA KRIJGER

& AJAY NIRULA

_________________

MY.NEIGHBOR.ORG/GALA

GALA@NEIGHBOR.ORG

CALL (619) 446-2108

President & CEO Deacon Jim Vargas with

2024 Gala Chairs, Eric & Jennie Casazza


1950

St. Mary of the Wayside

Chapel Dedication

1964

St. Vincent de Paul Center is born

1982

Father Joe Carroll Appointed head

of St. Vincent de Paul Center

1987

Joan Kroc Center Opens

75 YEARS OF IMPACT:

CELEBRATE WITH US

ON MAY 10!

In 1982, Father Joe Carroll became the head of

St. Vincent de Paul Center, establishing a “preferential

option” for our community's neighbors in need.

During this time, there was only enough money

to serve one meal a day, a simple peanut butter

sandwich. Today, Father Joe’s Villages is celebrating

its 75 th anniversary as the community’s longeststanding

and most significant provider of homeless

services. Our organization has offered hope and

healing to countless individuals and earned national

recognition for its dedicated leadership in the fight to

end homelessness.

1988

Village Health Center Opens

1991

The Center Becomes “The Village”

2002

First Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K held

2011

Father Joe Carroll Retires

2015

Deacon Jim Vargas

named President & CEO

St. Vincent de Paul renamed

Father Joe’s Villages

2017

Father Joe’s Villages launches

“Turning the Key” housing initiative

2019

Street Health program initiated

2022

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa

opens with 407 affordable homes

2025

Detox Center and

Recovery Shelter debuts

A BEACONOF HOPE

75 TH ANNIVERSARY CHILDREN’S CHARITY GALA

DRS. LISA KRIJGER

& AJAY NIRULA

GALA CHAIRS

Father Joe’s Villages is deeply honored to have

Dr. Lisa Krijger and Dr. Ajay Nirula chair the 40 th

Annual Children’s Charity Gala. This distinguished

event serves as a beacon of hope for children and

families facing the harsh realities of homelessness.

Lisa and Ajay met in medical school, and their shared

commitment to making a difference in the lives of

others has been a driving force for them ever since. Lisa

joined the organization’s Village Health Center in 2017,

bringing her experience from free clinics and quickly

becoming a passionate advocate for its mission.

As an Internal Medicine Physician, Lisa praised the

clinic’s team, stating, “The Village Health Center makes

every dollar stretch as far as possible. It’s incredible.”

Ajay, the Executive Vice President and Head of Research

and Development at Recludix Pharma shares a personal

connection to the cause: “I was always aware of Father

Joe’s Villages, but we became more involved over

(SOME) in Washington, DC. He provides music lessons

to youth and children in transitional housing.

The family’s emphasis on community engagement

is firmly rooted in their values. In 2020, Lisa made the

meaningful decision to shift her focus toward her

family. This allowed her to spend more time with her

children while continuing her advocacy work. When

the opportunity arose to join the Village Board, she

seized it without hesitation, recognizing it as a chance to

continue advocating for a cause she truly believes in.

“Father Joe’s Villages has always

been near and dear to our hearts,”

Lisa shared. “We are honored to

co-chair this event and give back

—it’s the least we can do.”

Ajay echoed her sentiments, stating, “We have four

children. It is hard enough to raise kids under the

best of circumstances. We have so much empathy

for those struggling to make ends meet. Father Joe’s

Villages is a shining light in San Diego. It has a special

impact on us.”

the last decade.” He added, “As two

individuals who have spent much of

our lives caring for those less fortunate,

we believe in improving the plight of

those struggling. Our goal is to ensure

these individuals lead long, healthy

lives with the support they need.”

Lisa and Ajay are parents to four

children—Kareena, Ravi, Sanjay, and

Michael. Inspired by his parents’

commitment to service, Michael

established a guitar class as part of an

organization called So Others May Eat

Lisa, Ajay, Kareena, Ravi,

Sanjay, and Michael

FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES

ANNUAL CHILDREN’S

CHARITY GALA

This signature gala event represents a significant

commitment to compassion and hope within our

community. The gala is dedicated to supporting

vulnerable children and their families in their pursuit

of a brighter future. The experience of homelessness

can have detrimental effects on a child’s development,

emphasizing the importance of social, emotional,

and behavioral support.

Father Joe’s Villages addresses these needs by providing

nurturing preschool programs for young children,

academic assistance for school-aged individuals, and

opportunities for teens to engage in mentorship and

community involvement. Furthermore, parents are

equipped with the necessary tools to establish a stable

future, while pregnant mothers and newborns receive

essential care that promotes healthy outcomes.

The gala inspires transformational

outcomes, and your generosity

is vital to empowering our

neighbors’ success.

2024 IMPACT IN NUMBERS

We served nearly 11,516 neighbors

in need, including 518 families

and 981 children

THANK YOU TO OUR HONORARY

COMMITTEE AND SUPPORTERS

Judy Benson • Pat Chagnon

Weng Yee Chung • Eli Lilly & Company

Chinyeh Hostler• Rob Irving & Julie Greenberg

Joseph & Mary Ellen Jordan • Dr. Sara Junya

Robert Kilian • Charles & Maureen King

Greg & Andrea McMullen

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. • Joe Phillips

Mike & Celia Schleyhahn • Marilyn Stenoien & Bob Fell

San Diego Gas & Electric • Bill & Diane Stumph

Bob & Ellen Svatos • John & Joyce Veskerna

Watkins Wellness

SCAN TO RSVP AND

SUPPORT TODAY!

Children playing at Father Joe’s

Villages Therapeutic Childcare

GB Magazine April 2025 Edition: Magazines in San Diego

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