“Stories are a communal currency of humanity.” – Tahir Shah
Stories of generosity are abundant at The San Diego Foundation. We are sharing These stories because the values our donors share bind us together in philanthropy and community.
Through story telling we make connections. Through stories, we touch hearts and minds. Our stories can inspire, create hope, and even give validation to and for people and places.
At our annual Donor & Legacy League Appreciation, we recognized San Diego Foundation donors for their philanthropy, generosity and commitment to community. All of our donors – from donor-advised fund holders to legacy league members – are influential and imperative in creating opportunity for all of San Diego.
While all philanthropists have their own stories to tell, three San Diego women changemakers who are also donors at The San Diego Foundation took center stage during the luncheon to share their personal stories of generosity. We were honored, humbled and most appreciative of the time they gave us.
Dede Alpert, Darcy Bingham and Alicia Gwynn are no strangers to public service. For years, they have continued to improve the quality of life for San Diegans with a focus on San Diego youth.
As a former California State Senator, Dede devoted her time in public office to help California children, with an emphasis on advocating for children’s health and foster youth. She continues her advocacy as a private citizen and gives generously to support the wellbeing of children to this day.
Darcy has focused her philanthropy on providing scholarships to San Diego’s next generation of leaders, recognizing and awarding students who may not the meet academic criteria for other scholarships. She is also committed to raising awareness about The San Diego Foundation Fund for the Future, which supports future, unforeseen challenges and opportunities in our region.
Alicia and her husband, the late Tony Gwynn, have raised more than 40 children, the majority foster youth, in their home. Although Tony was a celebrated athlete, the couple consistently taught that character was more important than athletics – a philosophy Alicia continues to live by.
Our entire team thanks all those in our communities that are creating their own stories of generosity.
Watch the video below to hear Dede, Darcy and Alicia tell theirs:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Sb7yKrvts[/embedyt]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”11695″ img_size=”” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]President and CEO of The San Diego Foundation, Kathlyn Mead has been actively involved in community throughout her career. National Medical Fellowships honored Kathlyn with its 2015 Leadership in Healthcare award. Charles R. Drew University recognized her commitment to community service with its 2011 Medal of Honor. Mead was named a 2008 Woman of Distinction by the University of Southern California, received San Diego’s 2004 KGTV-10 News Organizational Leadership Award, and is also a 2003 YWCA of San Diego TWIN awardee.
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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.
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