To our CVCF members and friends,
Chula Vista Community Foundation recently lost our admired grant chair, board member and dear friend Simon Silva. It is with great sadness that we share the information. Simon was such an integral part of our foundation. We wish to honor Simon and share some additional information about his life and family.
Lisa Johnson
Board Chair, CVCF
Simon Silva was a dedicated public attorney and volunteer who focused on improving the lives of others. He and his wife, Claudia, moved to Chula Vista in 1997 where they raised two successful daughters. Simon had a long career of public service including the Marine Corps, California Attorney General’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office and most recently the Chula Vista City Attorney’s Office. He was dedicated to his community and was a board member of Chula Vista Community Foundation (CVCF) and Chair of the Grants Committee. Simon was also a board member of Serving Seniors. Known for his humility and kindness, Simon’s passion for serving his community will be missed by all. If you would like to honor Simon’s memory and his work in our community with a gift, his favorite organizations were CVCF and Serving Seniors.
Thanks in part to the generous support from the Chula Vista Community Foundation, the Burn Institute’s Fire Safe Seniors Program has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure one of our most vulnerable populations – seniors – have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Because of grants and donations, the Fire Safe Seniors program has continued to provide this vital service for free to seniors in our communities during the pandemic with enhanced safety protocols in place to keep residents and volunteers safe.
“I feel safer in my home, the person who explained the information was informative and I am very happy,” said one recipient.
Along with installations of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, dedicated staff and volunteers also take the time to sit down with seniors and provide valuable fire safety information. This information includes how to create a fire escape plan, how to reduce the risk of fire in the home, what the different beeps and chirps from the alarm mean, and how to test alarms each month to ensure they are working. These preventative measures help prepare seniors before there is an emergency.
“In a fire, seconds count,” said Susan Day, Burn Institute Executive Director. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving residents enough time to get out.”
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
"*" indicates required fields
The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Education programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support enhanced learning experiences and increased access to college for San Diego students.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Environment and Climate programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support equitable outdoor access and climate change resiliency.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Racial and Social Justice programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to learn about creating equitable opportunities for all and how to support our multicultural region and its diverse population.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
"*" indicates required fields