GB Magazine San Diego July 2026

CO-CHAIRS

JILL BERG AND

EVE MAZZARELLA

HONORING

DR. PERRY

MANSFIELD

$5.95 US

BUSINESS PHILANTHROPY COMMUNITY

JULY 2026

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Estate White Gold Diamond Blue

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1135 Prospect St, La Jolla | 4307 La Jolla Village Dr #2200

(858) 346-5301

Contents

6 Fashion

The Art Of Fashion

8 What We Love

July

Co-Publishers

10 Gala

Music Meets Memory

14 Youth

Dancing, Dining, And

Dreams Realized

16 Leadership

The Magic Behind

Wishes

18 Benefit

Rockin’ For A Cause

22 Health

American Cancer

Society

24 SDG&E

Community-Led

Transformation In City

Heights

26 Golf

Spring Swing

SANTA FE DEPOT

4 JULY 2026 | GBSAN.COM

FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES

30 Concert

Music For Life

32 Museum

Science Starts Here

34 Benefit

Applause For A

Cause

38 About San

Diego

The Tracks We

Leave Behind

40 Recognition

Gems Of Generosity

48 SWA

Community

Soarin’ At The Shell

50 Education

Goldberg Institute

For Holocaust

Education

54 Benefit

Evening On The Bay

/GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

58 Leadership

Melinda Forstey

60 Solutions

Life Science Cares

San Diego

62 Change

Restoring Hope

Through Recovery

64 Celebration

California Dreamin’

66 Gala

Joie De Vivre

70 Empowerment

Autism Society San

Diego

72 Scholarships

Wheelhouse Credit

Union

74 Benefit

Miriam Summ

Fashion Show

@GBMAG

78 Opportunties

Summer Lifeline

80 Holidays

Christmas In July

82 Honor

Mt. Soledad Memorial

87 Program

San Diego Automotive

Museum: The Party In

The Park

ON THE COVER: JILL BERG,

EVE MAZZARELLA AND

DR. PERRY MANSFIELD

LOCATION: SAN DIEGO

AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

@GIVINGBACKMAGAZINE

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

LORI WALTON

TRANSLATIONS

CAROLINA WALLACE

CIRCULATION MANAGER

DANIELA HANI

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

CAMERON NICHOLS

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

(619) 260-8353

INFO@GBSAN.COM

DAESVI L.L.C.

7918 EL CAJON BOULEVARD

SUITE N-347

LA MESA, CALIFORNIA 91942

(619) 260-8353

WWW.GBSAN.COM

INFO@GBSAN.COM

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Fashion

Co-Chairs Irina Fenison

and Kiki Hayward

The Art of Fashion


PRESENTED BY THE COUNTRY FRIENDS

PHOTO CREDITS: KANDEE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY, LEIGH CASTELLI, RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE

The Country Friends recently

announced that philanthropist Karen

Gregg Hoehn will serve as honorary

chair of the nonprofit’s annual

Art of Fashion runway show and

luncheon on September 10 at The

Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. South Coast

Plaza, event partner for the 22nd

straight year, will showcase spectacular fall fashion

from its unparalleled collection of luxury retailers and

international designers.

Keilene (Kiki) Hayward and Irina Fenison are cochairs

of the event which draws hundreds of attendees

to The Inn’s lawns to sip, shop, and bid on silent and

live auction items. KFMB-TV/News8 Anchor Anna

Laurel will take the stage this year as emcee.

“We are so thrilled to honor Karen who has done

so much over

many years in

service to our

community,”

Janean Stripe,

President of

The Country

Friends Board

of Directors

shared with

GB Magazine.

The nonprofit

selected Hoehn

as honoree

because of

Anna Laurel

her long

commitment

to community

centering on youth, local schools, the arts, and

various other nonprofit organizations. She and

her husband Robert have established a robust art

presence at the University of San Diego. Karen served

as Art of Fashion co-chair in 2012 and the Hoehns

have been generous Art of Fashion sponsors for many

years. Karen has been a driving force behind The

Rebelle Rally, a renowned off-road navigation race,

competing over the past decade with daughters Jo

Hannah and Susanah.

Hayward previously served as AOF co-chair and has

also co-chaired several fundraising luncheons. A selftaught

cook and former personal chef, Kiki also has

an eye for design. She often volunteers at The Country

Friends Consignment Shop which sells furniture,

crystal, art, and accessories, with proceeds benefitting

San Diego County-based charities.

Fenison, born and raised in Moscow, earned a master’s

degree in special education, working with children

who have disabilities. She and her family moved to the

San Francisco

Bay area in

1995. A former

longtime project

manager for a

major electrical

supply company,

Irina relocated

to San Diego in

2015. She and her

husband Michael

support a range

of nonprofits and

charitable causes.

Laurel, an

award-winning

Karen Hoehn news anchor

and reporter

at KFMB-TV/

News8, is known for her incisive story-telling and deep

commitment to giving people a voice. The daughter of

a Southern Baptist minister, she grew up with a broad

world view, one that continues to shape her journalism

background.

The 2026 Art of Fashion will include a champagne

reception sponsored by Linda Sansone and Tamara

Lafarga-Joseph and shopping at South Coast Plaza

mini-boutiques on The Inn’s lawn. The program

and South Coast Plaza runway show will follow,

after which guests are invited to enjoy a four-course

luncheon. For information: (858) 756-1192 or visit

www.thecountryfriends.org.

JULY 2026 | GBSAN.COM 7

What We Love

JULY

USD Wine Classic

The River

San Diego’s ONLY

country music pool

party is back this

summer! Put on your

dancing boots, grab

your swim trunks and

saddle on over to

Sycuan Casino Resort

for The River. The line-up

includes Lily Rose on

Thursday, June 18, Ingrid

Andres on Thursday,

July 23, and Mitchell

Tenpenny on Thursday,

August 13.

www.sycuan.com

On July 11th join a memorable day at the University of

San Diego with gourmet food, wine and fellowship on the

USD campus. The USD Wine Classic is a fundraiser for the

Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund and has raised more

than $1 Million in net proceeds for student scholarships.

This is the “can’t miss” event of the summer with live music,

friends and good cheer.

www.usdwineclassic.com

Twilight in the Park Free Concerts

A free outdoor summer concert series at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion

in Balboa Park. The concerts include live music every Tuesday, Wednesday,

and Thursday evening from June 16 – August 27 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

www.balboapark.org/twilight-concerts

Caring, Sharing & Champagning Fundraiser

On July 25th, Operation For HOPE Foundation will host the 9th Annual Caring,

Sharing & Champagning Fundraiser. Come together to support courageous domestic

violence survivors and their children. A thoughtful, conversation-style

interview will be followed by uplifting entertainment by

Kasondra Levin, a beloved vocalist and cherished member

of the HOPE family for nine years.

www.operationforhope.org



Gala

Music

Meets

Memory

The Alzheimer’s

Association San

Diego/Imperial

Chapter hosted

Music Meets

Memory, a movement

to reclaim the future for

more than 65,000 of our

neighbors affected by the

disease. Support from

the Brilliance Gala will

be utilized to fund local

programs and services

as well as to help fund

important research to find

treatments and a cure.

Supporting the Cause

Sophia Levack and

Wendy Guscette

Kerri Brouilette, Shawn

Caine and Julie Lucas

Bianca Jimenez and

Martyna Somecka

Laura Alvarez Herrera

and Sherrie Renee

James Arp and

Aura Barragan


Carrie and Jason Spark

with Tammy Bandel

2026

TEE- OFF LUNCH | TOURNAMENT | AWARDS RECEPTION

The Grand Golf Club

JOIN US 09| 24| 26

Help Veterans Get Back on Course

PRESENTED BY

PRESENTING SPONSORS

LEARN MORE AT FATHERJOES.LINK/GOLF

Gala

La Asociación Alzheimer de

San Diego/Imperial llevó

adelante Music Meets

Memory, un movimiento para

reclamar por el futuro de las

más de 65,000 personas de nuestra

zona afectadas por enfermedades.

El apoyo logrado por la gala

Brillance, se destinará a solventar

programas y servicios locales como

también ayudar a la investigación de

tratamientos y curas.

Travis Chrisman and

Brooke Cottingham

Miss San Diego Teen

Savannah Levack and Miss

San Diego Kassandra Morgan

Janki Patel and

Niren Shah

Robert and

Leslie Basham

Lauren Phinney, Tommy

Sablan and Maria Arcega-Dunn

Gulia Cheng and

Pamela Chana


Jeff Nessia, Janet Hamada Kelley,

Gregory Sahagian and John Morris

David Crean, Heidi Hutchison,

Heather Crean and Ryan Crean

Paula Lemkuil

and Chris Davis

Doug and

Molly Wright

Lisa Tyburski, Scott

Tardee and Gloria Baker

WE’VE

LANDED

SOMETHING BIG.

Southwest has been ranked ‘#1 U.S. Airline’

by The Wall Street Journal!

As the airline with Heart, we’ve proudly served the San Diego community since 1982.

Based on WSJ Best and Worst Airlines of 2025 rankings which use seven equal‐weight operational metrics for nine major

U.S. airlines. Learn more at Southwest.com/wsj.


Youth

Dancing, Dining,

and Dreams Realized

This year, Just

in Time for

Foster Youth’s

Empower

Party series

celebrated HOPE - not

as a wish, but as a force

for a brighter future.

Held in April and May,

the gatherings offered

intimate moments for

supporters to connect

with and be inspired by

the young people they

empower.

Lindsay Surowitz, Lisa Levine,

Samantha Gleiberman and Stella Zyman

Mark and Hanna

Gleiberman

PHOTO CREDIT: CAROL SONSTEIN

Art and

Dana Molloy

Sitting- Cristie Silverwood, Samantha and Jeff Gleiberman,

Jasmine Gutierrez. Standing- Aaliyah Orise, Jimmy Silverwood,

Alex Zyman, Stella Zyman, Lindsay Surowitz, Mitch Surowitz

Mark Lohkemper

and Elise Sollender

Carolyn and Todd McCarty

with Cindy Nolasco

Carolyn Taylor, Gretchen Morgan,

Linda Rock and Clare McGowan


Steve, Else

and Dee Davis

Kasandra Castaneda, Summer

Loyd and Gia Coronado

Debbi Kuntz, Lisa Amado, Noemi Ashline, Wynn Burghardt, Maggie

Holland, Lisa Scala, Dee Davis, Melissa Mead and Christine Dwyer

Brad and Susanne

Livingston

JIT Line

Dance


Leadership

The Magic Behind Wishes

Grace Da Silva, Lesley Couture, Dai Logan, Justin Tomlin,

Lisa Paul-Hill, Lisa Clifford, Philly Montbleau and Kim Alessio

Since its founding in 2016, the Wine &

Wishes Committee has played a defining

role in shaping one of Make-A-Wish

San Diego’s most impactful fundraising

events. What began as a modest wine

tasting has evolved into a premier blacktie

gala, now raising more than one

million dollars annually to grant life-changing wishes

for children facing critical illnesses. At the center of

this transformation is a dedicated group of volunteers

whose vision, creativity, and leadership have built both

a signature event and an enduring legacy.

The committee was established by founding members

Dai Logan, Kathy Baird, Lisa Paul-Hill, and Tracie

Hogencamp, who shared a deep commitment to the

Make-A-Wish mission. Their early leadership laid the

groundwork for the event’s growth and long-term success.

Over the years, the committee expanded to include Lisa

Clifford, Philly Montbleau, Kim Alessio, Kim Hegardt,

Justin Tomlin, Jenny Tomlin, Lesley Couture, Jessica

Wakefield, and Marion Davis, bringing together a diverse

group united by purpose and passion.

Together, this remarkable group has transformed Wine

& Wishes into a cornerstone event for the organization

and the region. The committee has grown to more than

three times its original size, reflecting both the event’s

increasing prominence and the power of its mission to

inspire community involvement. Each year, members

contribute their time, expertise, and networks to

secure sponsorships, fill tables, and curate exceptional

auction experiences. Their efforts ensure not only

an unforgettable evening for guests, but also critical

funding to grant wishes.


Beyond

the event

itself, the

committee’s

impact

extends to

the broader

community.

Through a

decade of

service, they

have elevated

awareness,

strengthened

relationships

with

supporters,

and deepened

understanding of the

mission. Their work

has helped shape how

the community engages

with Make-A-Wish San

Diego, demonstrating

the powerful influence

of sustained volunteer

leadership.

Tracie Hogencamp, Jessica Wakefield, Philly

Montbleau, Lisa Paul-Hill, Dai Logan and Marion Davis

The Wine & Wishes

Gala remains rooted in

a singular purpose: to

raise funds that make

wishes possible for

children facing critical

illnesses. The committee

plays an essential role in

advancing that purpose,

ensuring that every

element of the event

supports meaningful

impact. Their dedication

has helped improve the

lives of countless children and families, bringing hope,

strength, and joy when they are needed most.

Sarena Talbert, Lisa Clifford, Dai Logan, Philly

Montbleau, Lisa Paul-Hill and Petra Ives

This year’s

Wine &

Wishes Gala

will take

place on

Saturday,

October 17

at the Park

Hyatt Aviara

Resort in

Carlsbad.

Supported

by more

than 400

individual

and corporate

partners,

the evening

will bring

this year’s theme of

Magic to life through

a thoughtfully

curated blacktie

experience featuring

live entertainment,

powerful local wish

stories, wish family

ambassadors, and a

multi-course dinner

with fine wines.

Dynamic silent and

live auctions will round

out the evening, with

each element designed

to reflect the spirit

of the theme and the

extraordinary impact of

wish granting.

In honoring the Wine &

Wishes Committee, the

community recognizes

an exceptional group of

individuals whose commitment has helped transform an

event into a legacy -one that continues to change lives, one

wish at a time.

www.wish.org/sandiego


Benefit

Rockin’

for a

Cause

The 52nd Annual Gala,

Legends Among

Us: Rockin’ for a

Cause was a night

filled with energy,

celebration, and purpose

celebrating the legendary

individuals in our community.

All funds raised support

life-changing programs for

people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities.

Jessica and

Edward Hershey

Michelle and

Alex Ratcliffe

Mileen Ratzlaff, Cassie B

and Ralleen Ratzlaff

Diana and

Mike Fausett

Falon Leszczynski

and Rachel Wood


Sarah Haidley, Brendan Keenan

with Kira and Adam Ratcliffe

8

Hidden

Diamonds

Celebrating 60 years of recognizing

the brilliance in every ability

Saturday, August 15, 2026

10:00 AM -2:00 PM

Hilton San Diego Bayfront - Downtown

HAUTE

WITH

HEART.ORG

Honoring

Society of the

Sacred Heart


Benefit

La 52° edición de la

gala anual: Legends

Among Us: Rockin’ for

a Cause demostró ser

una noche llena de

energía, celebración y con

firme propósito de honrar

a personajes legendarios

de nuestra comunidad. Lo

recaudado se destinó a

programas que asisten a

personas con discapacidades

intelectuales y de desarrollo.

Anne Riley and

Siobhan Williams

Valinda and

Sam McGovern

Kam Stehly and

Charlene Walker

Patricia and

Keith Kroeger

Erin and Derek

Togerson

Debby McNeil

and Gary Mayo


Over

240,000

local students rely

on school-provided meals.

These kids lose access to

nutritious food during the summer.

You can help by supporting Feeding San Diego’s

critical countywide summer food distributions.

feedingsandiego.org 858.452.3663

Page Health Tab

American Cancer Society

BUILDING ON PROGRESS TOGETHER

American Cancer Society Making Strides

Against Breast Cancer of San Diego

Cancer continues to impact nearly

every family and every community,

and the urgency to act has never

been greater. Cancer does not

discriminate, and neither does the

American Cancer Society. As a

leading cancer-fighting organization

with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,

the American Cancer Society works to improve the

lives of people with cancer and their families through

advocacy, research, and patient support.

According to the American Cancer Society’s newly

released Cancer Facts & Figures 2026 report, more

than 2.1 million new cancer cases are expected to be

diagnosed in the United States this year, with more

than 626,000 lives projected to be lost to the disease.

In California alone, an estimated 206,500 new cancer

cases are projected in 2026.

At the same time, there is real reason for hope. Since

1991, the cancer death rate in the United States has

declined by 34%, helping prevent nearly 4.8 million

cancer deaths. When caught early, the five-year

survival rate for many cancers is now more than

90%. These advances demonstrate what is possible

when communities come together to invest in

groundbreaking research, advocacy, early detection,

and support for people facing cancer.

However, there is still much more work to do. The

report warns that future progress is threatened by

reductions in funding for health care, cancer registries,

and cancer research. At least 40% of new cancer cases

in adults are considered preventable through healthier

lifestyles, cancer screening, and early detection, yet

barriers to care and disparities in outcomes continue to

impact families across San Diego and beyond.


For more than 110 years, the American Cancer Society

has contributed to almost every major cancer research

breakthrough while helping improve the lives of people facing

cancer and their families. From 24/7 support to free lodging

and rides to treatment through programs like Hope Lodge® and

Road To Recovery®, the organization helps ensure people can

access the care and support they need.

This year, San Diegans can support the American Cancer

Society through two signature events helping drive progress

locally and nationwide. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®

of San Diego brings together survivors, caregivers, families,

and supporters for the nation’s largest movement to end breast

cancer as we know it, for everyone. New this year, participants

can take part in a 5K run in addition to

the traditional walk, creating even more

opportunities for the community to come

together in support of the cause.

The San Diego Golf Classic unites business and

community leaders for a meaningful day on

the course in support of the American Cancer

Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it,

for everyone. More than a tournament, the

event brings supporters together around a

shared commitment to funding lifesaving

cancer research, expanding patient support

programs, and driving continued progress for

people facing cancer and their families.

Every dollar raised and every volunteer hour

helps create a tangible impact for people facing

cancer today while supporting progress for

future generations. Now is the time for San

Diego to turn progress into action by getting

involved, volunteering, sponsoring local

events, and supporting the American Cancer

Society and their work to improve the lives of

people with cancer and their families.

American Cancer Society

Golf Classic of San Diego

Learn more about how to get involved at

www.cancer.org.


SDG&E

Community-Led Transformation

in City Heights

San Diego Gas & Electric® (SDG&E®) has a long-standing tradition of service - not only to its

customers but also to the communities where its employees live and work. SDG&E supports a range

of initiatives through shareholder contributions, employee giving programs and volunteer efforts

that drive positive change across the region. Through meaningful collaboration with local nonprofits,

SDG&E is helping to build a future that is more equitable, sustainable and full of opportunity.

Learn more at www.sdge.com/community.

In the heart of City

Heights, where

culture, commerce

and creativity

intersect, a

nonprofit has

been empowering

residents and small

businesses for more

than 40 years. The City

Heights Community

Development

Corporation (City

Heights CDC) is

dedicated to improving

quality of life in one

of San Diego’s most

densely populated

and economically

challenged

neighborhoods. Its mission focuses on expanding

affordable housing, fostering livable neighborhoods

and promoting economic self-sufficiency, so that every

resident has the opportunity to thrive.

City Heights CDC advances initiatives that create

opportunities and connect people to vital resources.

Each effort is designed to reinforce the others,

helping to ensure that residents can remain in the

Beautify the Block

community they know and love. In 2025, City Heights

CDC launched Beautify the Block, a community-led

beautification day that brought together more than 200

community volunteers to clean, paint and revitalize

University Avenue and its local businesses.

“City Heights is a community that takes care of its

own. At City Heights CDC, everything is connected.

When streets are clean and businesses are thriving,

residents feel safer and more invested in their


community,” said

Alexis Villanueva,

City Heights CDC

President and CEO.

“SDG&E has helped

us bring that vision

to life in ways that

are visible, lasting

and deeply felt.”

Through its

collaboration with

SDG&E, City

Heights CDC has

amplified both

resources and

volunteer power.

More than 60

SDG&E employees

worked alongside

residents and business

owners to create a visible,

meaningful impact -

demonstrating how

hands-on collaboration

can strengthen

community pride and

drive lasting change.

Q&A with

Alexis

Villanueva

Alexis shared how the

organization is making

a meaningful difference

across the community.

How are you promoting

self-sufficiency within

the community?

This summer, we

are opening the City

Heights AI Community

Lab, a first-of-its-kind,

neighborhood-based training space that provides free, workforce readiness training

to ensure access to emerging technology.

How do residents feel about events like Beautify the Block?

A longtime University Avenue business owner told us he has spent 22 years trying to

change the perception of City Heights, but Beautify the Block felt like a turning point.

Can you share insight into your new housing development?

We are thrilled to welcome residents to Cuatro at City Heights, our $98 million

affordable-housing development along University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard.

What are some businesses City Heights CDC has empowered to succeed?

We work with restaurants, auto-repair shops, dental and healthcare offices, travel

agencies, retail stores and food vendors. Our CHOPPED program provides food

entrepreneurs with business planning tools, mentorship and micro-grants to help

them launch and grow.

City Heights CDC’s continued

investments in housing,

community services and economic

development are helping transform

the neighborhood into a vibrant

destination where residents and

visitors alike can shop, dine and

experience a community unlike any

other in San Diego.


Golf

Spring

Swing

The Lucky Duck Foundation

Spring Swing was another

sold-out event. Thanks

to the generosity and

enthusiasm of the golfers,

this event was about far more than

golf, it was about coming together

as a community to help San Diegans

experiencing homelessness.

Patrick and Stephanie

Kilkenny with Drew Moser

Mark, Caitlin and Madeline

Wernig with Dale Yahnke

Jan Krystkowiak

and Patrick Bodine

Karley Kring and

Mikayla Parke


Jason Clements and

Andrew Petersen

Perry Bacon and

Connor Long

Matt Schwartz

and Nate White

HISTORIC RANCHO SANTA FE

RESORT AMENITIES | 8 ACRES | 13 CASITAS | PRICED FROM $2M - $5M

casitasatrsf.com

APPLEBY FAMILY GROUP

858.602.9696 | DRE# 02141307

Golf

Con un éxito rotundo se llevó adelante

el Lucky Duck Foundation Spring

Swing, donde gracias a la generosidad y

entusiasmo de los golfistas, no solo se

colaboró con las personas en situación

de calle de San Diego, sino que se logró reunir a

la comunidad tras un objetivo solidario.

Pat Mendes, Bob Tyson, Brian

Ahern and Scott Bedingfield

Larry Krystkowiak

and Eddie Binczewski

Gordon Roth, Lloyd

Miller and Mark Jonus

Laura O’Sullivan

and Bill Sailer

Kevin Kilkenny and

Kristen O’Connor

Jon Kurtin and

Elijah Sandford

Blake Comfort

and Jeff Young


Paul Murphy and

Damien Carlson

The Manchester Family Foundation proudly

supports Boys to Men Mentoring.

Connection heals.

Mentorship transforms.

Boys are experiencing record levels

of anxiety, isolation, addiction, and

trauma. For 30 years, Boys to Men

Mentoring has provided a proven

solution: authentic connection.

Through weekly group mentoring

circles and positive male role

models, boys gain the support,

belonging, and guidance they need

to navigate adolescence and become

the good men they want to be.

LEARN MORE

boystomen.org

Concert

Music

For Life

CJ Charles Jewelers

continues to raise

awareness and funds

for cancer research.

Vahid Moradi continues

to lead the way for a cause that

matters. Together with many other

friends of GB Magazine, they are

creating real change.

Ali and Vahid

Moradi

Geniya and Papa

Doug Manchester

Lauren Nieto, Lidia S. Martinez,

Ryan and Lauren Thorvaldsen

Ali and Alyssa

Moradi

CJ Charles Joyeros

continúan creando

conciencia y

recaudando fondos

destinados a las

investigaciones oncológicas, con

Vahid Moradi liderando esta

causa y sumando a amigos de

GB Magazine buscando lograr

un verdadero cambio.


Lynda and

Richard Kerr

Jeff, Shannon and Kim Partrick

with Brooke Barttelbort

Vahid Moradi and

Fernanda Whitworth

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Museum

Science Starts Here

THE FLEET SCIENCE CENTER’S MAJOR TRANSFORMATION

Element 8 Cafe

This summer, the Fleet Science Center

invites visitors to explore science in a new

way as they unveil a major transformation

that expands and improves access to

science for the San Diego Community.

Following the completion of the second

phase of the Science Starts Here Capital

Campaign, visitors can explore brand-new exhibits,

enjoy fresh bites in a reimagined dining space, and

discover endless opportunities for hands-on learning

throughout the center.

Funded by a $5.6 million grant from the State of

California, this phase of the project, which broke ground

in October of 2025, expands public access exhibit

space by more than 20% within the building’s existing

footprint. Among the most significant additions are

two new exhibition galleries, one located in the former

entry rotunda and another in the Fleet’s basement space,

now remodeled and open to the public for the first

time in decades. These spaces not only create expanded

opportunities for STEM engagement with brand-new,

hands-on exhibits, but introduce versatile, mixed-use

areas that can be utilized for camps, workshops, and other

programs, amplifying the organization’s ability to meet

community needs.

Alongside the additional exhibit spaces, the Fleet is also

excited to welcome visitors into Element 8 Cafe, the

organization’s brand-new dining experience designed to

fuel curiosity. With a menu focused on locally sourced,

high-quality ingredients, Element 8 offers Balboa Park

visitors an accessible, elevated, and family-friendly space

to relax and recharge.

Most visibly, this phase has reorganized the floor plan of

the building to create a dedicated theater queuing and

concessions area and establish a brand-new entrance

gallery. With the restoration of the building’s entrance


While the completion of this second phase marks

an exciting, significant milestone, it is one part

of a larger vision for the Fleet. The Science Starts

Here Campaign is a comprehensive, three-phase

investment in the organization’s ability to serve

San Diego County. The work began with the

modernization of the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater in

2023, and in the years to come, will look to develop

two permanent exhibits that ignite wonder and

connect visitors to the science of San Diego.

Great Hall Opening In 2026

to its original location outside of the Heikoff Giant Dome

Theater, the Fleet has made the entrance gallery completely

free-to-the-public in a monumental step towards STEM

accessibility.

This transformative phase represents an enormous leap

forward for the Fleet in pursuing its mission of connecting

all of San Diego to the power of science. By establishing new

exhibit galleries, opening a modernized cafe, and reimagining

spaces within the building to improve the visitor experience

and increase accessibility to science, the Fleet has paved new

pathways to discovery for the San Diego community.

Together, these three phases represent the Fleet’s

dedication to the community, and to ensuring STEM

access for all San Diegans for generations to come.

By investing in the flagship experience in Balboa

Park, the Fleet deepens its commitment to the almost

half a million students, adults, and families that visit

the center 363 days each year to engage with science.

With the completion of the second phase of the

Science Starts Here Campaign, the Fleet proudly

steps into a new chapter of innovation and

connection while cementing its role as San Diego’s

hub for science exploration and discovery.

www.fleetscience.org


Benefit

Applause

for a Cause

The VAPA Foundation honored

two women at Applause for a

Cause who have quietly and

consistently helped shape the

future of arts education in San

Diego: Doreen Schonbrun and Phyllis

Epstein. Their leadership has opened

doors for students to discover their

voice, their confidence, and their sense

of belonging through music, theater,

dance, and visual art.

Phyllips Epstein and

Doreen Schonbrun

Sharon Whitehurst-

Payne and Anne Fennell

George and Julie Bronstein,

Dan Epstein and Ranya Waxman

Carlos Cristiani, Julie Dubick

and Christine Martinez

Llewellyn Crain,

David Bennett and

Aradhna Oliphant

Howard and

Barbara Milstein


Enid Sherman, Monna

Leonard and Susan Fonseca

Who we are

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer

as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as

the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to

ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

152 million lives impacted through

advocacy, research, and patient

support.

$500 million+

in currently active grants

driving research

breakthroughs in cancer

prevention, detection,

treatment, and survivorship.

Local Volunteer Opportunity

$51 billion

in federal cancer research

funding was secured in 2024

through the American

Cancer Society Cancer

Action Network (ACS CAN).

950,000 free rides

590,000 free nights

given for people to get to

an from treatment and

stay when treatment was

far from home.

Be the reason cancer patients get to treatment.

Without a ride, too many people miss cancer treatment. But you can change that as a volunteer driver

with our Road To Recovery® program. By providing rides whenever is most convenient for you, you’ll be

able to help the American Cancer Society give patients access to care when they need it most.

Connect with us to learn more about volunteer driver opportunities near you.

Local Events

REGISTER TODAY

MONDAY, AUGUST 24,2026

LA JOLLA COUNTRY CLUB

sandiego.acsgolf.org

REGISTER TODAY

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026

SDSU MISSION VALLEY RIVER

PARK & SNAPDRAGON STADIUM

makingstrideswalk.org/sandiego

Local Leadership

View our list of leadership in San Diego including Board of

Directors, CEOs Against Cancer, the Women’s Health Council, and

Executive Partnership Council.

Get Involved

Contact us if you’d like to get

involved as a partner, event

attendee, or volunteer.

Benefit

La VAPA Foundation rindió

homenaje a Doreen

Schonbrun y Phyllis Epstein

durante Applause for a Cause.

Dos mujeres que de manera

constante ayudaron a moldear el

futuro de la educación artística de

San Diego, con un liderazgo que

abrió las puertas a que estudiantes

pudieran descubrir sus voces,

construir confianza y sentimiento de

pertenencia a través de la música, el

teatro, la danza y las artes visuales.

Juliana Pinzon and

Shannon Stewart

Katelyn Woodside and

David Plettner-Saunders

Sally Oxley and

Carol Dedrich

Angela and

Wendell Bass

Carine Harambillet-Sharp, Andrew

Sharp and Rose Ann Sharp


Marsha Shahon and

Margaret Dudas

Nickie Behdin and

Helen Metzger

Russ Sperling and

Jen Roberson

About San Diego

The Tracks We Leave Behind

BY KEN KRAMER

Betsy Schulz has created a timeline

of San Diego history on ten columns

just north of the Santa Fe Depot

Let’s say you are

visiting San Diego,

and you want a

quick lesson in

local history. If

you are downtown

anywhere near

the railroad station, I have

got the perfect spot just steps

away. Betsy Schulz met me

there, on a sidewalk a few dozen yards north of the old

Santa Fe Depot. Pausing every couple of minutes to let a

noisy trolley, Coaster, or Amtrak train pass, she pointed

to ten columns along the public right of way that she

has transformed into a timeline of Our City’s past. “Just

moving here, of course everybody falls in love with San

Diego,” she told me. “I wanted to learn a lot more about it.”

Each column along the trolley tracks is devoted to one period in

San Diego history.

Each column along the trolley tracks is

devoted to one period in San Diego history

She started reading everything she could about San

Diego history. “And not just one book or two books.

I read everything I could find,

and I put little notes down.”

She spoke with Kumeyaay

tribal elders.

Betsy is a Public Artist. Her

acclaimed work adorns

community spaces from

Fallbrook to Solana Beach, and

from Ramona to Carlsbad. But

these ten sculptural ceramic

murals are a uniquely comprehensive overview of local

history. Built as part of the Sapphire Towers development

at 1250 Pacific Highway, the columns frame an inviting

walkway directly along the east side of the tracks. When

Betsy saw them, she imagined that one by one, each could

represent a specific period in time. “I thought, I’ll just divide

up each era and figure out what makes the most sense based

on my research.” Her proposal was accepted by the Towers’

developers, who commissioned the work you see today.


Before beginning her public art project, Betsy Schulz

learned everything she could about San Diego

Now, a walk from north to south takes you back

to when the Beatles came to town, to when

the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge was built,

and through the suburbanization of San Diego.

Another column celebrates the period from 1867

to 1916, a time of civic ambition, highlighted by

the creation of Balboa Park and a World’s Fair. As

you walk along, each stop takes you back further

in time. The 1940s, 1820s, 1769, until reaching

the southernmost column, devoted to the period

before 1542 and the indigenous people who were

here first. Betsy pointed to the early inhabitants of

San Diego represented on the first column. “It is

only one column but literally it should be like, way

down the block, because there are thousands of

years of this.”

Her work should have a lasting effect. Everything is

hand-made and hand-colored. “It is all glazed and it

is all fired so it will not fade,” Betsy Schulz says.

It is public art that honors and gives voice to past

generations, even in its title: “The Tracks We Leave

Behind,” she calls it. It is intricate and creative and

engaging. And to that curious visitor, or any of us

in search of a quick history lesson, I would say it is

just the thing “About San Diego.”

Ken Kramer is the creator and

host of Ken Kramer’s About

San Diego, seen Thursday

nights at 8:00 on KPBS-TV.

He has been presenting

stories about the history of

our area since the 1970s.


Recognition

Gems of

Generosity

Eleven “Gems of Generosity”

were honored at Salvation

Army San Diego Women’s

Auxiliary 60th annual Women

of Dedication luncheon. The

Honorees for 2026 were Eunice Bragais,

Raye Clendening, Cherie Enge, Phyllis

Epstein, Nancy Maldonado, Heather

Manion, Lisé Markham, Marla Marshall,

Laurie McGrath, Cami Rosso and

Beatriz Valencia. Susan and Bill Hoehn

received the 2026 Peggy Matthews

Legacy Award, and the Honorary Chairs

were Sandra and Jeffry Schafer.

Kathy Obarga, Ellen Bryson, Sara Napoli and Caroline Wohl

Patty Balch, Cami Rosso and Monica Oder

Victor, Eunice and Ronan Bragais


Lisa Fisher and Tamara Lafarga-Joseph

Cynthia Kronemyer and Janice Kurth

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and artisan tile accents, the home exudes timeless beauty. Rich character pairs effortlessly with refined modern

updates, creating a residence that feels both soulful and sophisticated. The sun-drenched gourmet kitchen is

framed by expansive picture windows that capture the light and scenery, while extensive custom cabinetry

provides elegant display and storage for fine china, crystal, and curated collections. The open-concept living

and dining rooms were designed with entertaining in mind—flowing seamlessly onto private, view-facing terraces

where panoramic sunsets stretch endlessly up the Pacific coastline. Thoughtfully designed flexible spaces offer the

ideal layout for an indulgent lifestyle: a refined library/executive office, a private gym or art studio, and a media or

game lounge—each adaptable to evolving passions and pursuits. Just minutes from the boutiques, galleries and

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Recognition

Durante la 60° edición

del almuerzo anual

Women of Dedication

organizado por el

Salvation Army San

Diego Women’s Auxiliary, se

rindió homenaje a once “Gems

of Generosity”, que en esta

ocasión fueron: Eunice Bragais,

Raye Clendening, Cherie Enge,

Phyllis Epstein, Nancy Maldonado,

Heather Manion, Lisé Markham,

Marla Marshall, Laurie McGrath,

Cami Rosso y Beatriz Valencia.

También durante el evento,

cuyos anfitriones fueron Sandra y

Jeffery Schafer, se hizo entrega del

Peggy Matthews Legacy Award a

Susan y Bill Hoehn.

Jackson Petry, Marla Marshall and Jessica Petry

Ferol Henkels and Michelle Prescott

Lauren Lek, Carol Dedrich, Leanne Marchese and Beth Grottick

Nancy Maldonado and Dominic


Lauren Lazar, Kate Wayne, Mary Alice Brady and Nikita Avalos

Taunja Feldman, Genta Luddy and Barbara Nappi

Joye Blount, Joyce Glazer and Coreen Petti

OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 6 P.M.

You’re Invited

USS MIDWAY MUSEUM ‒ FLIGHT DECK

910 North Harbor Drive

San Diego, CA 92101

Reception, Dinner,

Fireworks, Cocktail Attire

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR: T. DENNY SANFORD

Celebrate the transformative power of education

for nontraditional, working, and military students.

Together, through our ANDers Campaign,

we’ll champion access, opportunity, and

pathways to learning at every stage of life.

Join us in advancing National University’s

mission to expand access to higher education.

JOIN US.

GET YOUR TICKETS

TODAY.

© 2026 National University CRCM-2816


Recognition

Margaret Dudas and Cindy Goodman

Carol Sciotto and Ginger Levy

Lisette Islas and Lidia S. Martinez

Hannah Jensen, Lori McGrath, Fabienne Hanks and Siddhartha Vivek

Emma Zuckerman and Elizabeth Oliver


Gayle Donohue, Joyce Dostart, Martha Dennis, Sue Khalish and Karen Benito


Recognition

Dee Ammon and Laura Applegate

Ellen and Jim Moxham

Bill and Susan Hoehn

Julia Brown and Phyllis Epstein

Sandra and Jeffry Schafer

Brianna Ahern and Jay Henslee


9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

9TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Saturday,

Saturday,

July

July

25,

25,

2026

2026

1:00 – 5:30 PM

1:00 5:30 PM

An An afternoon of of giving and and collaboration, providing life-

An An afternoon of of giving and and collaboration, providing life-

life-changing support to to survivors of of domestic violence and and

life-changing support to to survivors of of domestic violence and and

their children.

their children.

AN AFTERNOON WITH

AN AFTERNOON WITH

Carrie O’Brien, Kim Alessio and Clarice Perkins

AmyK Hutchens Meghan Muir Kasondra Levin

Renowned AmyK Hutchens Speaker

Advocate Meghan && Muir Voicefor

Kasondra Live Vocalist Levin

Renowned Speaker

Advocate for Change && Voicefor

Live Vocalist

for Change

A conversation guided by AmyK Hutchens with Meghan Muir,

conversation guided by AmyK Hutchens with Meghan Muir,

and and live live music from from Kasondra Levin. Curated bites bites by by The

and and live live music from from Kasondra Levin. Curated bites bites by by The

Meal The Prep Meal Company, Prep Company, with champagne, with champagne, mimosas, mimosas, and espresso and

Meal The Prep Meal Company, Prep Company, with champagne, with champagne, mimosas, mimosas, and espresso and

espresso martinis. martinis.

espresso martinis. martinis.

Scan the Heart to RSVP

Scan the Heart to RSVP

and explore sponsorship opportunities

and explore sponsorship opportunities

Give the Gift of HOPE

Give the Gift of HOPE

OPERATIONFORHOPE.ORG

OPERATIONFORHOPE.ORG

Operation For HOPE Foundation is an exempt organization as described in

section

Operation

501(c)(3)

For HOPE

of the

Foundation

Internal Revenue

is an exempt

Code.

organization

Donations are

as

tax

described

deductible.

in

section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible.

Lise Markham, Farin Markham, James Rowten and Phoenix


SWA Community

Southwest Airlines

SOARIN’ AT THE SHELL

Holiday Programming

On a sun-drenched

afternoon along

the San Diego

Bay, with the

water shimmering

behind the

stage, Southwest

Airlines and the San Diego Symphony

announced a new partnership, naming

Southwest the Official Airline of the

Symphony. This partnership is designed

to celebrate the city, support the arts,

and create memorable moments for

residents and visitors alike.

“San Diego has been part of Southwest

Airlines’ story for more than 40 years,

and we are proud to build lasting

relationships in this extraordinary


Southwest

Airlines is

the Official

Airline of the

San Diego

Symphony,

bringing

Heart for

San Diego to

one of the

most iconic

stages in the

country.

community,” said Laura Nieto, Managing

Director of Community Engagement

and Partnerships at Southwest Airlines.

“Connecting people to what matters

most is at the heart of everything we do,

and there is no better stage for that than

the Rady Shell.”

Founded in 1910, the San Diego

Symphony is a cornerstone of the city’s

cultural fabric, with more than 80 fulltime

musicians and a season spanning

classical, pops, family programming,

and spectacular special events.

Casey Patterson, Director of Corporate

Partnerships for the Symphony, shared,

“Southwest’s commitment to San Diego

and dedication to customer service

make them the ideal partner to welcome

guests from

near and far to

our world-class

venues.”

The heartbeat of

that community

mission

is Music

Connects, the

Symphony’s

flagship

engagement

program,

and one that

Southwest

is proud to

champion as

its Presenting

Sponsor. Music

Connects provides

over 10,000 free

concert tickets each

season and brings live

performances directly

into community

settings across the

region, making music

more accessible to all.

The season got off to

a galactic start on May

1, when Southwest

activated at Star Wars

Night, an evening of

interactive games,

themed giveaways,

and a photo op on the

pre-concert lawn that

Southwest Airlines Employees gather at The Rady

Shell during Picnic in the Park Presented by Southwest

celebrating music and community connection.

brought out the

kid in everyone.

There is plenty

more ahead.

On July 4, the

Shell becomes

the backdrop

for America

the Beautiful

250, a fitting

celebration of

the nation’s

milestone

birthday. Two

Harry Potter

Nights light up

August with

wands and

wizarding games for

attendees young and

old. Brandi Carlile

takes the stage in

September. And

Southwest closes the

year as Presenting

Sponsor of all Holiday

Programming in

December because

great music, like great

hospitality, knows no

off-season.

Southwest’s Heart is

for San Diego. And

with the San Diego

Symphony, that

connection is taking

center stage.

www.southwest.com

Let it soar!


Education

Goldberg

Institute for

Holocaust

Education

Philanthropist Lee Goldberg supported the

Jewish Federation of San Diego with their

largest-ever donation, funding the launch

of the Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute

for Holocaust Education. The Goldberg

Institute’s flagship, a state-of-the-art mobile

museum, Spark Interactive, a first-of-its-kind mobile

learning experience designed to bring Holocaust

education directly to students across the region.

Jerri-Ann Jacobs, Larry Katz

with Earl and Sandy Altshuler

David and Claire Ellman

with Charlene Seidle

Lee Goldberg and

Heidi Gantwerk

Ben Brown

and Sage

Tatiana Kisseleva

and David Brenner

Victoria Linman, Jacob

Liebermensch and Emma Zuckerman

Shondra and

RJ Brown


FREE EVENT FOR ALL AGES

Saturday, August 22, 2026

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

University of San Diego Campus

Author discussions. Live entertainment.

Independent booksellers. Exhibitors.

Book lovers everywhere.

Reserve your free ticket now!

www.kpbs.org/sdbookfestival

PRESENTED AND HOSTED BY

KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University.

Education

El filántropo Lee Goldberg

realizó la mayor donación

hasta la fecha de la Jewish

Federation of San Diego,

fundando el Legacy of Light

Goldberg Institute for Holocaust

Education. La nave insignia

del Instituto Goldberg es un

modernismo museo móvil, el Spark

Interactive, donde las experiencias

de aprendizaje están diseñadas

para llevar el conocimiento sobre

el Holocausto de manera directa a

los estudiantes de la región.

David Bark, Sonia Israel, Jeff

Schindler and Elisabeth Siegler

Richard and

Silvana Christie

Jeff and Karen

Silberman

Ellen Benkle, Betsy

Kleiger and Mary Epsten

Anita Nagorner, Lee

Goldberg and Susie Feldman

Naomi and

Wayne Harris


Ellison with

Jenny Bratt

Become a Partner in

HOPE

Help fight hunger and feed hope —

one meal, one neighbor at a time.

LEND A HAND

Give just a few hours of your time and make a lasting impact.

Volunteer for 2–3-hour shifts Monday through Saturday at our warehouses,

distribution sites across the county, or with our nonprofit partners.

sandiegofoodbank.org/volunteer

HOST A VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

Rally your network to fight hunger from anywhere.

Create a personalized fundraising page and invite friends, family,

or colleagues to join you in supporting the Food Bank.

sandiegofoodbank.org/virtualfooddrive

DONATE ONLINE

Every dollar makes a difference.

Just $1 provides 2 nutritious meals

for neighbors facing hunger.

sandiegofoodbank.org/donate

Fighting Hunger. Feeding Hope.

Learn about more ways to support the San Diego Food Bank.

SanDiegoFoodBank.org


Benefit

Evening

on the Bay

Evening on the Bay was a purpose-driven

fundraising reception to benefit Episcopal

Community Services. The reception

directly supports ECS programs in early

childhood education, behavioral health,

homelessness services, and substance use

disorder treatment across San Diego.

Deborah Hansen, Kathy

Koop and Betsy Mckee

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO

Rebecca Hansen, Jerri

Smith and Paula McColl

Amy Kennedy and

Ashtyn Nichols

Michael Kaehr

and Elaine Wolfe

Livi Warren, Anna Rodriguez

and Sasha Shevelkian

Jeff Schneider

and David Bagley


Sarah Hassaine, Thomas

Defranco and Suzie Cawood

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Tables & Sponsorships Available!

San Diego’s premier philanthropic evening for community leaders.

Host your guests. Elevate your brand.

Stand alongside San Diego’s most influential executives in support of

meaningful community impact.

For more information, contact Director of

Special Events, Molly Doehring

mdoehring@sdyouth.org

619-738-5854

Reserve your table or sponsorship

online today.

www.aneveningofchanginglives.com

Benefit

Evening on the Bay fue un evento

organizado para recaudar

fondos a beneficio de los

Episcopal Community Services,

asistiendo de manera directa a

los programas de ECS enfocados en

educación infantil, salud conductual,

servicios para personas en situación

de calle y tratamientos por abuso de

sustancias dentro de San Diego.

Joe and Noelle Wojdowski, Darren

Tune, Valerie and Kevin McDougal

Kay and Harry

Dirks

Darren Tune, Stacy

Perez and Sean Tubirdy

Shana Medley and

Idara Ogunsaju

Lindsay Sieger and

Lynley Connor

Elizabeth Wilberg

and Nancy Sasaki

Ted Martinez Jr. and

Lidia S. Martinez


Dennis and Stephanie Landall

with Melody and Brian Quin

Valerie and Kevin

McDougal

Megan Storer and

Jessica Grounds

Daniel McMillin

and Erin McDougal

Mark Liu, Lanh Tran

and Aurora Stanton

Grace Ortner

and Estela Rodea

Robert and

Joan Reese

Riley Elliott and

Soraya Martinez


Leadership

Melinda Forstey

GB Magazine recently sat down with

Melinda Forstey, The President

and CEO of Serving Seniors,

where she is responsible for the

oversight and overall management

of all programs, services, housing

operations, and human resources.

58 JULY 2026 | GBSAN.COM Melinda Forstey

GB: Your career started as a

teenager serving meals in a

retirement community. How does

that early experience shape how

you lead Serving Seniors today?

MF: Working with older adults

was a formative and incredibly

rewarding experience. I felt an

immediate connection to seniors,

and it opened my eyes to see the

humanity, wisdom and joy that

they bring to life. I realized that

many older adults are not seen or

heard fully. It is critical we uplift

the voices of those that we are

serving.

GB: The latest Point-in-Time

Count data shows that older adults

aged 55 and older now make up 33

percent of San Diego’s unsheltered

population. Why is this so?

MF: It is primarily driven by

an economic or catastrophic

circumstance. The loss of a spouse,

job loss, a health crisis, rising costs,

or simply trying to survive on a

fixed income can quickly create

instability. For many older adults, one

unexpected event can fundamentally

change the trajectory of their lives.

GB: On May 29, Serving Seniors

announced $760,000 in new funding

for shallow rental subsidies. How do

these programs work?

Senior Prom

MF: Shallow rental subsidies provide modest financial

assistance of $300 to $500 monthly to older adults living

on fixed incomes who are at risk of losing housing. Older

adults will receive rental assistance, helping them remain

housed, independent, and connected. Compare this

modest investment to estimated costs of $50,000 annually

for one person experiencing homelessness. Not only is

this the ethical thing to do, is it also cost-effective.

GB: You have an MBA in information systems. How

do you approach the need for accountability and

measurement by Serving Seniors?

MF: Data and accountability

matter because every dollar

represents community trust. My

approach is to pair strong systems,

measurement, and outcomes with

mission-driven decision making.

We ask not only how many people

we served, but whether lives

improved and stability increased.

GB: You are part of a new

generation of nonprofit leaders

helping shape the future of the

San Diego region. What does

leadership mean to you?

MF: To me, leadership is about

vision, responsibility, and

action. It is about recognizing

where systems are working,

being honest about where they

are not, and having the courage to

build something better. Many of

the challenges we face - housing

instability, aging services, healthcare

access, and affordability - cannot

be solved by doing things the way

they have always been done. This is

our opportunity to create stronger

systems, rethink partnerships, and

build a future that better serves

our communities. Leadership also

means bringing people together,

listening, making difficult decisions,

and staying focused on long-term

impact. Leadership is not about one

organization or one person. It is about creating lasting

change together.

Melinda Forstey participating

in Point in Time Count

GB: You are originally from the Boston area. If the Red

Sox are playing the Padres at Petco Park, who are you

rooting for?

MF: Loyalty to Boston sports runs deep. I am pretty sure

it is written into my DNA. San Diego has been home for

17 years and this has become my community that I care

deeply about. Let’s just say I am rooting for a good game,

unless playoff implications are involved. Then, I may

plead the Fifth.

www.servingseniors.org


Solutions

Life Science Cares San Diego

NOURISHING STUDENTS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

Alicia Kitagawa from Life Science Cares, with Bob

Kamensky from Feeding San Diego, with team

members at the Encanto Food Pantry Ribbon Cutting

“At Life Science

Cares San Diego,

we know children cannot

learn when they are hungry,

and that lasting change

starts with meeting families’

basic needs. The Encanto

Elementary School pantry is a

powerful, tangible investment

that helps students come to

school ready to learn and

thrive. We are proud to

support this work and partner

with Feeding San Diego to

expand its impact across the

county,” said Alicia Kitagawa,

Executive Director of Life

Science Cares San Diego.


Encanto

Food Pantry

That belief is at the heart

of Life Science Cares San

Diego’s investment in a new

school pantry at Encanto

Elementary School, which

brings reliable access to

nutritious food directly to

students and families in a

community facing growing

economic pressure. As the

cost of living continues

to rise across San Diego

County, many households

are forced to make difficult

tradeoffs between essentials

like groceries, housing, and

transportation. For students,

those challenges do not

stay at home and instead

show up in the classroom,

affecting focus, well-being,

and academic success.

Life Science Cares San

Diego Encanto Elementary

Through its partnership with

Feeding San Diego, Life Science

Cares helped bring Encanto

Elementary off the School Pantry

Program waitlist, now serving

nearly 200 households with fresh

produce and nutritious groceries.

By providing food in a trusted

school environment, the pantry

reduces barriers to access while

supporting dignity for families

and strengthening stability within

the school community.

This work reflects a broader

commitment to addressing

the root causes of poverty by

mobilizing the life sciences

community in support of longterm,

community-driven solutions. Beyond funding,

Life Science Cares San Diego continues to engage

partners and volunteers to expand the reach and impact

of nonprofit programs across the region, helping ensure

support shows up where families need it most, both

inside and outside the classroom.

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge across

San Diego County, where 100,000+ children live in

food-insecure homes. School-based programs play a

critical role in closing gaps that transportation, cost,

and access often create. By meeting families where they

By meeting families

where they already

are, these programs

help ensure

that support

is consistent,

accessible, and

able to strengthen

entire school

communities.

already are, these programs help

ensure that support is consistent,

accessible, and able to strengthen

entire school communities.

At its core, the Encanto Elementary

School pantry is about more

than food. It is about creating the

conditions for students to learn

and thrive, and for families to feel

supported rather than stretched

thin. It is one part of a broader

continuum of care that helps remove

barriers so children can focus on

learning, growth, and opportunity.

Building on this same commitment,

Life Science Cares San Diego is

also proud to launch its Back-to-

School Backpack Drive, running from July 20, 2026

to August 10, 2026. Through this effort, backpacks and

essential school supplies are distributed to nonprofit

partners across the region, helping ensure students start

the school year prepared and confident. By providing

these basic necessities, the drive helps reduce financial

strain on families and gives students the tools they need

to fully participate in the classroom from day one.

For more information or to support, please visit

www.lifesciencecares.org/san-diego.


Change

Restoring Hope Through Recovery

Paul Mirabile Center

Recovery from substance use is rarely a

straight path. It often requires medical

care, behavioral health support, stable

housing, and a community that believes

lasting change is possible. The Village

Recovery Services provided by Father

Joe’s Villages is a comprehensive

continuum of care that helps individuals move from

crisis to stability through three interconnected

programs: the Detox Program, Reaching Independence

and Self-Empowerment (RISE) Sober Living Shelter,


and Transformative Recovery Services (TRS).

The journey frequently begins with the Detox

Program, a withdrawal management program

located in downtown San Diego. The 10 to 14 day

program, which has 44 beds, offers a safe, therapeutic

environment where individuals can begin to stabilize

under the care of trained professionals. Clients

participate in structured programming and receive

holistic support designed to help them address physical

and emotional needs while preparing for the next stage

of treatment. Through counseling, care coordination,

and recovery planning, the program

helps individuals take critical first

steps toward long-term wellness.

Recovery, however, does not end

after detox. Individuals require

ongoing support as they work to

rebuild healthy routines and develop

the skills needed to maintain

sobriety. Father Joe’s Villages’ 248-

bed Reaching Independence and

Self-Empowerment (RISE) Sober

Living Shelter provides that next

level of care.

The program

offers a goaloriented

living

environment

where

residents

receive

consistent

support,

accountability,

and case

management

while working

toward greater

independence.

Clients are

Father Joe’s Villages Patient Care

encouraged

to establish routines, pursue personal goals, and

strengthen the foundations necessary to promote longterm

recovery and housing stability.

Mural in The Detox Facility

For individuals continuing treatment in the

community, Transformative Recovery Services (TRS)

provides outpatient substance use disorder care

through Father Joe’s Villages’ Village Health Center, a

federally qualified health center. TRS offers treatment

planning, referrals, individual and group counseling,

and ongoing clinical support tailored to each

person’s needs, including connection to medicationassisted

treatment facilitated by licensed clinicians.

By providing access to evidence-based outpatient

treatment, the program helps individuals sustain their

recovery while reconnecting with family, employment,

housing, and other aspects of

daily life.

Together, these three programs

address the complex challenges

experienced by individuals with

substance use disorder through

a whole-person approach,

creating a pathway to renewed

opportunity. By meeting people

where they are and providing

care at every stage of the journey,

Village Recovery Services helps

individuals move from crisis

toward healing, stability, and

self-sufficiency.

Substance use disorders affect individuals and

families across San Diego County, making access to

comprehensive recovery services more important

than ever. Every day, Father Joe’s Villages sees the

transformative power of recovery, which positively

impacts not only the individuals receiving care but

our community as a whole. When people are given

the opportunity to heal, we all benefit from a safer,

healthier San Diego.

Community involvement plays an important role in

sustaining these services and expanding access to care

for those who need it most. To learn more about Village

Recovery Services or support Father Joe’s Villages’

efforts to provide life-changing recovery care, visit

www.neighbor.org.


Celebration

California

Dreamin’

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center

celebrated its 60th Anniversary with

their California Dreamin’ event at their

campus in El Cajon. Proceeds from this

event support the beloved Aquatics

and Organic Garden programs. These programs

would not be possible without the donations

and support from our community.

The Karlo Family

Ramona Bommer, Uki Prince, Peter Dapper and Pamela Sestak

Jane Walstrom, Joe Perucca and Debbie Honeycutt

Cali Williams and Sabrina Pomeroy

Para festejar los

60 años del St.

Madeleine Sophie’s

Center, se llevó

adelante el evento

California Dreamin’ en su

campus de El Cajon. Las

recaudaciones se destinan

a apoyar los tan queridos

programas Aquatics and

Organic Garden, que

no serían posible sin la

colaboración y donaciones

de la comunidad.

64 JULY 2026 | GBSAN.COM Debby Willsey with Jason and Traci Hite

Lorna and Darryl Sheedlo with Jennifer Mergl

Debra and Bob Emerson

Ginger Poutous and Kayleigh Gebreselassie

Robbin Lockie, Randi Houser and Hanna Weisenberger


Gala

Joie de Vivre

Under the leadership of Gala Chair Phyllis Parrish and

Co-Chairs John Parrish, Barbie and Dan Spinazzola, and

Richard Bailey, this year’s Joie de Vivre Gala immersed

guests in an atmosphere of enchantment honoring the

joy of living and the spirit of giving. All funds benefit

children and adults with disabilities and help The Arc of San

Diego to continue providing essential life services.

Jon and Dee

Ammon

Bill and JoEllyn Gallmann

with Amy and Andrew Balelo

Maggie and

Bob Watkins

Jessica and

Edward Hershey

Phyllis and

John Parrish


Julia and

Bernie

Linda and

Jon Kurtin

Barbie and

Dan Spinazzola

Shirley Hinckley and Jose

Antonio Dominguez

YOU’RE INVITED TO

UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

VIP SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026

EVE

Join us for an unforgettable evening

under the stars, where your support will

help San Diego County families achieve

financial stability and create lasting

opportunities for future generations.

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Purchase Tickets and

Explore Sponsorships at

ANightUnited.org


Gala

Bajo el liderazgo de la anfitriona Phyllis y los

coanfitriones John Parrish, Barbie y Dan

Spinazzola y Richard Bailey, la gala Joie

de Vivre de este año es una invitación a

sumergirse en el encanto del disfrute de la

vida y de la solidaridad. Los fondos recaudados se

destinan a los niños y adultos con discapacidades

y a colaborar con la continuidad de los servicios

que les brinda The Arc of San Diego.

Laura Bredehoft,

Andrea Boozer, Katie Do

and Stephen Chin

Laura Applegate and

Barbara McColl

Gaynell Laptosky and

Anthony DeSalis

Jefrrey and

Rosemary Schreiber

Robert and

Stephanie Horsman


Barbara and

Howard Milstein

Frida Hernandez and

Ernesto Padilla

Jennifer Navarra, Rebecca

Crampton and Julie Bonnett

Vincent Bartolotta

and Jade Van Zoest

OMNI LA COSTA

10.10.26

R ESORT & SPA

End the summer with us on the

Amalfi Coast at our annual Soirée!

As an homage to La Dolce Vita, La Vita Blu reimagines the good life as

one defined not only by beauty and joy, but by purpose and service.

This signature event benefits America’s Finest K9 Program, ensuring

these highly trained teams have the dogs, equipment, and advanced

training they need to keep San Diego safe.

For tables, tickets, and donations, visit SupportK9.org

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cathy Abarca at 619.232.2130


Empowerment

Autism Society San Diego

MEANINGFUL CONNECTION

Surf Camp

On October 3, Autism Society San Diego will

celebrate its 60th Anniversary at Town & Country

Resort for an evening themed Shine Bright Like a

Diamond. The milestone event will bring together

community members, supporters, and partners for

a night of dinner, entertainment, and meaningful

connection while honoring those who have helped

shape the organization’s legacy. A highlight of the evening will be the

recognition of three Community Champions whose contributions

represent the organization’s past, present, and future.

Honoring the past, Autism Society San Diego will recognize Tammy

Anderson, whose vision helped launch the organization’s Surf Camp

and aquatic programs in 2001. Surf Camp has become one of the

organization’s signature programs, providing autistic individuals with

the opportunity to build confidence, develop water safety skills, and

experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of surfing in a supportive

environment. In addition to Surf Camp, Anderson helped establish a

swimming lesson program through her company, Aqua Pros, that has

equipped countless families with lifesaving water skills.

“They say that swimming is a life skill, but for the autism community, it is

often a lifesaving one,” Anderson shared with GB Magazine. “I am humbled

to be recognized on this milestone occasion. I merely had the idea to create

Camp I CAN

unique aquatic programs, but it has

been a journey with a team of dedicated

individuals who have supported the

vision to make it a reality.”

Celebrating the present, the

organization will honor the YMCA of

San Diego County for its longstanding

partnership through Camp I CAN.


Launched in 2001 with a single location in central San

Diego, Camp I CAN provides a fun, safe, and nurturing

day camp experience with a one-to-one staff-to-camper

ratio. Today, the program operates at the Ecke YMCA,

Toby Wells YMCA, and the newly added McGrath

Family YMCA.

“The YMCA of San Diego County is proud to have

partnered with the Autism Society for the past 25 years,”

said CEO Todd Tibbits. “Our partnership through

Camp I CAN has allowed us to collectively serve autistic

individuals and their families in more meaningful and

supportive environments. We look forward to the next 25

years of partnership.”

Looking ahead, Autism Society San Diego will

recognize the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA)

for shaping a more inclusive future. SDTA is leading

efforts to make San Diego a Certified Autism

Destination, helping ensure that visitors of all abilities

feel welcomed and supported. A significant first step

in that journey was achieving Certified Autism Center

status.

“San Diego welcomes all, and this designation

underscores that commitment,” said Daniel

Kuperschmid, President and CEO of the San Diego

Tourism Authority. “Achieving Certified Autism

Center status is an important milestone, and we are

excited to continue working toward destination-wide

certification, so every visitor feels supported when

they visit San Diego.”

As Autism Society San Diego celebrates six decades

of service, the anniversary event will not only honor

the individuals and organizations that have made

a difference but also reaffirm the organization’s

commitment to building a more inclusive and

supportive community for future generations.

For more information about the 60th Anniversary

Celebration, including sponsorship opportunities

and ticket purchases, visit Autism Society San Diego’s

website at www.autismsocietysandiego.org/diamond-anniversary-gala.


Scholarships

Wheelhouse Credit Union

INVESTING IN SAN DIEGO’S FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION

Sustainability Scholarship Recipients

Education has long been one of the most

powerful tools for creating opportunity,

opening doors to new careers, experiences,

and ways to make a difference in the

world. Yet for many students and families,

the cost of higher education remains a

significant challenge. Scholarships can

play an important role in helping students pursue their

goals while recognizing the hard work, leadership, and

dedication that have brought them to this important

milestone.

For more than two decades, Wheelhouse Credit Union has

supported local students through scholarship programs

designed to celebrate academic achievement, community

involvement, and service. Since launching its scholarship

initiatives in 2005, the credit union has awarded financial

assistance to graduating high school seniors across San

Diego County, helping students take the next step in their

educational journeys.

Today, that commitment continues through the

Sustainability and Badge of Honor Scholarship programs,

which each providing $1,000 awards to deserving students

pursuing higher education. While the scholarships

support students financially, they also serve a broader

purpose: recognizing young people who demonstrate a

commitment to improving their communities and shaping

a brighter future.


The Sustainability Scholarship highlights students

who are passionate about environmental stewardship

and sustainability. Whether through school projects,

volunteer efforts, or personal initiatives, recipients often

demonstrate a desire to protect natural resources, promote

environmental awareness, and contribute to long-term

solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

The Badge of Honor Scholarship, meanwhile, honors

students whose families have dedicated themselves to

public service. Available to children and grandchildren of

active first responders in San Diego County - including

law enforcement officers, firefighters, healthcare

professionals, and emergency medical technicians - the

scholarship recognizes the sacrifices made by these

families and the important role they play in supporting

the community every day.

Both scholarship programs reflect values that are

central to Wheelhouse Credit Union’s mission: service,

responsibility, and community impact. By investing in

students who embody these principles, the organization

helps encourage future leaders who are committed to

making meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

As college costs continue to rise nationwide, local

scholarship opportunities remain an important

resource for students and families. Even modest awards

can help offset expenses related to tuition, textbooks,

housing, technology, and other educational needs.

More importantly, they can reduce financial barriers

and make higher education more accessible.

By supporting students who demonstrate leadership,

service, and a commitment to positive change,

Wheelhouse Credit Union continues to invest in the

future of San Diego County. The Sustainability and

Badge of Honor Scholarship programs stand as a

reflection of the credit union’s ongoing dedication to

education and community empowerment.

Through these initiatives, Wheelhouse is helping

cultivate the next generation of innovators, advocates,

public servants, and community leaders - individuals

whose contributions will help strengthen San Diego for

years to come.

www.wheelhousecu.com

Badge of Honor Scholarship Recipients


Benefit

Miriam

Summ

Fashion

Show

Patrons of the Prado

hosted the Miriam

Summ Fashion Show

celebrating over

ten years of fashion,

friendship and fundraising.

Proceeds benefited the

Bucks4Buses program and

featured internationally renowned

designer Kobi Halperin.

Lynne Wheeler, Laurnie

Durisoe and Rena Baxter

Susan Davey and

Tracey Mitchell

Donna Gordon

and Donna Dotson

Carrie O’Brien

and Kobi Halperin


Lynne Guidoboni, Dee

Ammon and Nayda Locke

11 05 26

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS

A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION HONORING THE PEOPLE BUILDING

BELONGING AND CONNECTION THROUGH WALKABOUT.

SAVE THE DATE

LEARN

MORE

2,300,000+

Meals distributed through

our Food & Water

outreach initiative

325+

individuals sheltered nightly

in our bridge shelters

21,000+

Sleeping bag coats provided to

unsheltered San Diegans

225+

tons of trash removed via

$2 per bag of trash program

“cash for trash”

Preventing and alleviating

the suffering of homelessness

throughout San Diego County

luckyduckfoundation.org

Picture: Youth Assistance Coalition

2,500+

individuals employed and

job-trained through 25+ programs

1,000,000+

pounds of food rescued via

homeless employment collaboration

125+

Lucky Duckling high school

students participating in our

award-winning youth-led movement

$2 million

Every donation

is matched up to

$2 million per year

Share Your Luck in

Support of Our Mission


Benefit

Patrons of the prado

llevó a delante el Miriam

Summ Fashion Show

celebrando más de diez

años de moda, amistad y

recaudación de fondos destinados

al programa Buck4Buses. Este

evento contó con la presencia

del renombrado diseñador

internacional Kobi Halperin.

Susan Talman

and Amy McCoy

Nelly Wilson and

Julia Salman

Jeanette Simoes and

Malissa Sanfilippo

Michelle Prescott, Ellen

Bryson and Marla Black

Nicole DeBerg and

Jennifer Navarra


Amy Melden and

Clarice Perkins

Inez Thomas and

Terrelle Ballard Mitchell

RD

33 ANNUAL CHARITY

GOLF TOURNAMENT

September 14, 2026

Benefitting children and adults with

disabilities at The Arc of San Diego

Margaret Dudas

and Barbara McColl

5690 Cancha de Golf

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091

For more

information

scan this code

Maggie Watkins and

Laura Applegate


Opportunities

Summer Lifeline

STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Summer often

brings images of

family gatherings,

neighborhood

events, and

children enjoying

time away from

school. For many

families, however,

the season can

also present

challenges. With

school campuses

closed, young

people may lose

access to supportive

adults, structured

activities, meals,

and other resources

that contribute to

their well-being

throughout the year.

As communities

across San Diego

County prepare

for the summer months, organizations such as Lifeline

Community Services (Lifeline) play an important role

in ensuring that youth and families remain connected to

opportunities and support.

Lifeline has spent more than 50 years serving youth,

adults, and families throughout the region. What began

as a grassroots effort to support local young people has

grown into a comprehensive organization that evolves to

meet the moment.

Today, Lifeline

serves more than

25,000 individuals

annually, helping

community

members navigate

challenges while

opening doors to

opportunity.

Summer

represents a

particularly

important time

for this work.

Club Crown Heights Graduation 2026 Research has

shown that

extended breaks

from school can

contribute to

learning loss, social

isolation, and

increased stress.

Community-based

programs help

bridge these gaps

by creating safe

and supportive

Lifeline Soccer Clinic

environments

where young people

can continue to

learn, heal, develop new skills, and maintain positive

social connections.

For some youth, that support means having a safe

place to spend their day through Lifeline’s after-school

and summer programs, where they receive meals,

academic support, mentorship, and opportunities to

build friendships. For others, it means connecting

with a trusted adult through behavioral health services

when they are struggling with anxiety, depression, or


thoughts of self-harm. Lifeline also works with young

people who may be vulnerable to involvement in the

justice system, homelessness, exploitation, or other

significant challenges. Through mentoring, life skills

development, family support services, and partnerships

with schools and community agencies, Lifeline helps

youth stay connected to positive opportunities and avoid

pathways that can lead to long-term negative outcomes.

Lifeline’s approach recognizes that youth success

is closely tied to the strength of families and

communities. Through services focused on mental

health, housing stabilization, family strengthening,

workforce development, and crisis intervention,

Lifeline helps

create the

conditions

necessary for

young people and

families to thrive

year-round.

This summer,

while many

residents

enjoy seasonal

traditions, Lifeline

will continue

connecting people

with resources,

support, and

opportunities for

A Boy with Bridge at STEM Friday growth. For some,

Lifeline is a safe

place to spend the

summer. For others, it is a trusted adult, a supportive

program, or a connection to critical services during a

difficult time. In every case, the organization strives

to be what its name suggests: a lifeline when it is

needed most.

Families interested in summer programming or other

services are encouraged to reach out and learn more

about available opportunities. Community members

can support this work by volunteering, making a

donation, attending an event, or sharing Lifeline’s

mission with others.

To learn more, get involved, give or connect with

services, visit www.lifelinecs.org.

The Children’s Museum of Discovery presents

Purchase your

tickets today!

August 29, 2026

6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Take a journey through play

with the Children’s Museum

of Discovery! Enjoy captivating

entertainment, immersive bites,

hand-crafted cocktails, and a

celebration of community and

curiosity while supporting

accessible early childhood

education.

visitcmod.org/IgniteTheirSpark


Holidays

Christmas in July

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF GIVING ALL SUMMER LONG

Holiday magic does not have to wait

until December. This July, the

Foundation for Developmental

Disabilities (FDD) invites the

community to come together in the

spirit of giving; sharing joy, easing

burdens, and helping families feel

seen, supported, and celebrated.

As part of the Community Connection Series: 40 Years

of Impact, the Foundation will host Christmas in July

at Koi Zen Cellars on Thursday, July 23, 2026. In a

warm and festive setting, guests will enjoy wine flights,

light bites, and the chance to turn a joyful evening into

meaningful support for children and families in our

community.

At the heart of the evening is a holiday toy drive.

Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy

for children supported through the Season of Sharing

program - and as a thank you, everyone who donates

will take home a special FDD souvenir.


joy, a sign of care, and a reminder that their community

is standing with them. “Every act of kindness reminds

a family they are valued. Christmas in July brings our

community together to share joy and create moments

of hope that last well beyond the season,” Sitara Sethi

shared with GB Magazine.

Christmas in July at Koi Zen Cellars launches the

annual Season of Sharing program, which provides

holiday gift cards to families served by the San Diego

Regional Center in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

For individuals and families facing financial hardship,

this support can ease stress, restore dignity, and make

room for joy during the holiday season. For donors and

supporters, it is a simple but powerful way to help create

memories that every family

deserves.

Toys collected at Christmas in July will be

distributed to families during the holiday

season, when the need for connection

and celebration is felt most. For families

navigating significant challenges, a gift

is more than a package. It is a moment of

Join the Foundation

for Developmental

Disabilities for an

evening of generosity,

connection, and hope

where one simple gift

can brighten a child’s

holiday and remind

local families that

they are not alone.

For 40 years, FDD has stood

alongside individuals with

intellectual and developmental

disabilities (I/DD) and

the families who care for

them, funding resources,

opportunities, and moments

of connection that strengthen

lives across San Diego

and Imperial Counties. In

partnership with nonprofits,

service providers, and SDRC,

the Foundation supports

emergency assistance,

education, workforce

development, housing,

and inclusive community

experiences. By attending

Christmas in July at Koi Zen

Cellars, guests become part

of that legacy of care and help

build a more compassionate,

inclusive future.

Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited.

Visit www.foundationfordd.org/events to

reserve your spot and help bring joy to local

families who need it most.


Honor

Mt. Soledad

Memorial

Mount Soledad National

Veterans Memorial

recently honored fallen

service members,

veterans and recognized

Marine Corporal Patrick Gallagher. It

also proudly commemorating America’s

250 anniversary of independence at a

lovely ceremony at the La Jolla Beach

and Tennis Club before hosting their

larger ceremony on Memorial Day.

Mitra and Mairtin

de Cogain

Martin Durkan and

Trevor Wessman-Lavelle

Rodger and DeAnna

Dougherty with Pat O’Toole


Joseph and

Patrick Walsh

Trisha and Paul

Pintek

Hank and

Robin Nordhoff

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DIANNA IPPOLITO

Steve and Melissa Castillo

with Martin Garrick

Brigadier General David Hyman,

Phil Kendro and Karna Hyman

Rebecca Evleth

and Neil O’Connell

Patricia Casey with

Mick and Cathy Ward


Honor

Recientemente el Mount Soledad

National Veterans Memorial

rindió homenaje a los fallecidos

en servicio, veteranos y además

hizo mención especial de Patrick

Gallagher, Marine Corporal, en el marco del

250 aniversario de la independencia. Previo

a la gran ceremonia que se realiza durante

el Memorial Day, se llevó adelante en una

emotiva ceremonia en La Jolla Beach and

Tennis Club.

Karen Hickman

and Lou Scanlon

Jennie Werner

and Bill Kellogg

Frank and

Maureen Morelli

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US!

CREATE MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME IN SAN DIEGO'S MOST UNIQUE

SPACE. THE SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM IS THE PERFECT BACKDROP

TO CELEBRATE LIFE'S UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS!

WEDDINGS + FORMAL DANCES + PROMS + CORPORATE MIXERS + THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

SANDIEGOAIRANDSPACE.ORG/EVENTS


Ken Stevens and

Lynn Congemi

Blake Dunn and Iryna

Malanchenko

Indra and

Bill Kennedy

Robert McCormick, Kerry Walsh

McCormick and Donald Irwin



ROARING 20s

Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 5pm

Step into the glamour of the Roaring 20s, where the San Diego Automotive Museum comes alive with

Art Deco elegance and the thrill of a bygone era. Guests will explore a stunning exhibit of Art Deco

automobiles, mingle in richly decorated spaces, enjoy crafted cocktails, and savor elevated

hors d'oeuvres—all while soaking in the music, style, and energy that defined a generation.

Elevate Your Evening with the VIP Speakeasy Experience

Slip away to a speakeasy experience reserved for VIP guests. Hidden within the evening’s festivities, this

intimate space offers elevated ambiance, live jazz music, exclusive Prohibition-era cocktails, relaxed

seating, and a touch of mystery—true to the spirit of the 1920s.

For event info and tickets, contact Rosa Valenzuela at (619) 398-0310 or rosa@sdautomuseum.org

Celebrate the Past, Present, and Future

at THE Party in the Park

This year, we're inviting you to celebrate the whole arc of this institution, where it's been, where it stands,

and where it's headed, alongside the community that has carried it every mile.

The Past

Founded from a vision sparked in the

late 1970s and opened in 1988, the San

Diego Automotive Museum continues

to keep automotive stories alive and

bring people together around them,

from lifelong gearheads to wide-eyed

kids on their first field trip.

The Present

Not long ago, the Museum nearly went

quiet. When the world shut down, so

did almost all of our revenue. But the

community rallied and we rebuilt. The

Museum emerged stronger than ever,

voted "Best Museum" three years in a

row, thanks to your unwavering support.

The Future

The best stories we'll ever tell haven't

happened yet, and your support helps

open real pathways for young people

through IGNITE Academy, and let’s us

preserve the past while building the

place where San Diego's next stories

will be told.

Thank you to all the people who believed in us!

Justin Bell MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Justin Bell is a successful second-generation World

Champion race car driver from England who has now

made the transition to a second career as a TV and web

host. In a career that spanned 25 years, Justin won the 1997

FIA GT World Championship and the 1998 Le Mans 24

Hours. In his second career as a media personality, Justin

has worked as a broadcaster for Speed, Fox, and NBC, and

has hosted hundreds of TV shows. As a partner in Torque

Media Group, Justin co-hosts the biggest car event in the

world, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and is

emcee of the unique Wynn Las Vegas Concours.

Thank You to Our

Event Sponsors

Sharon Dunn

in Loving Memory of Skeets

Step Family Foundation

Liquid Blue ENTERTAINMENT

Liquid Blue is one of the most acclaimed and widely

traveled party bands in the world, known for its

high-energy performances and global reach. The band has

performed in more than 100 countries across six continents

and holds the official world record as “The World’s Most

Traveled Band.” Recognized as “America’s Best Dance

Band” by the National Music Awards and “Best Cover Band”

by the San Diego Music Awards, Liquid Blue has also

earned international recognition for its Billboard-charting

music and unforgettable live performances.

George Dauphine

Eve Mazzarella

Jill Beck

Photos from the 2025 THE Party in the Park


A Message From the CEO

Celebrate the Past, Present, and Future

As CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum, I am thrilled to invite you

to our 6th annual signature celebration: “THE Party in the Park.” This

extraordinary evening brings together automotive enthusiasts, civic

leaders, and community champions from across San Diego for a night

of celebration, inspiration, and connection.

Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, under the stars in beautiful

Balboa Park for a Roaring 20s evening, as we honor our shared passion

for innovation, heritage, and horsepower. “THE Party in the Park”

promises an unforgettable experience, with dazzling entertainment by

Liquid Blue, exquisite culinary offerings with a three-course dinner from

Catering Solutions and fine wines from Adobe Road Winery of

Sonoma-Napa Counties, and a stunning showcase of classic and

contemporary vehicles.

This year's THE Party in the Park is more than a celebration of where

we've been—it's a celebration of where we're going. Together, we'll

honor the vision that brought this museum to life, celebrate the

community that helped it grow stronger than ever, and build

momentum for the next chapter through expanded educational

opportunities with our IGNITE Academy, new experiences, and a bold

vision for the future of the San Diego Automotive Museum.

Lenny Leszczynski, CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Event

Co-Chairs—Jill Berg and Eve Mazzarella. Their exceptional leadership,

creativity, and passion have elevated this event to new heights. More

than just planners, they are the heart and soul behind the evening’s

magic, and their friendship and generosity mean the world to us.

As we celebrate six incredible years of growth, innovation, and

community, I invite you to be part of this powerful moment. Together,

we’re not just celebrating our past—we’re igniting the future.

Exhibit: NASCAR: Design and Innnovation

Thank you for being on this journey with us. I can’t wait to see you there.

Lenny Leszczynski

Exhibit: Numinous Hypercars Titans of Speed

2080 Pan American Plaza

San Diego, CA 92101

www.sdautomuseum.org

(619) 398-0306

Supporting the San Diego Automotive Museum

The Stories Behind Vehicles and the Communities They Represent

The San Diego Automotive Museum curates exhibitions that celebrate the diversity, artistry, and engineering behind the

automotive world—past, present, and future. Recent exhibits include:

Street to Track: The Evolution of Speed – From road-ready icons to track-bred machines, this exhibit explored how Ferrari

has continually redefined performance, engineering ever more powerful and refined versions of its legendary cars.

NASCAR: Design and Innovation – Visitors experienced the evolution of NASCAR, from early stock cars to today’s

cutting-edge Next Gen machines, while discovering the engineering, speed, and legendary drivers that defined each era.

Formula One Stories – Highlighting some of Formula One’s most legendary races and drivers, the exhibit featured

unforgettable moments and icons such as Fangio, Ascari, Senna, Schumacher, and Verstappen.

Numionous Hypercars Titans Of Speed – This exhibit showcases groundbreaking hypercars that push the limits of speed,

design, and imagination through advanced engineering, futuristic styling, and extreme performance.

Fueling the Next Generation of Automotive Leaders

Launched in 2022 with 20 students from Morse High School, IGNITE Academy now serves 105 students, reflecting both strong

demand and sustainable growth. Through a hands-on, immersive learning model offered at no cost, students gain technical

training alongside career mentorship and essential life skills like financial literacy and workplace readiness.

What truly sets IGNITE apart is our deep integration with the San Diego automotive industry. More than 20 dedicated

partners—including Mission Hills Automotive, Hoehn Family of Dealerships, Legacy Auto Spa, and HRE Performance

Wheels—provide workshops, mentorship, and real-world career opportunities that help underserved students build

successful futures, personally and professionally.

“Being in [IGNITE] makes

me better suited for the

real world . . . [we] even took a

basic finance literacy class

recently to learn how to

manage our money. It makes

me very happy to know that I

have a purpose working for

the museum—showcasing

older cars and preserving

automotive history.”


GB Magazine San Diego July 2026 | Philanthropy, Culture & Events

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GB Magazine San Diego July 2026 | Philanthropy, Culture & Events

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