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17 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This September

Here’s where to celebrate, connect, give back, and make a difference this month
San Diego nonprofit events this month (September 2025) featuring the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Celebrity Pickleball Tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Margaritaville Fundraiser for the San Diego Music Foundation

August 29-September 1

To celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter will host a series of fundraising events that benefit the San Diego Music Foundation. The Labor Day weekend-long event will include a concert, travel-themed silent auction, and festive pop-ups. 

Play 4 SAY

September 4

SAY San Diego will host its 12th annual Play 4 SAY fundraiser to support underserved and underresourced youth and families. Participants will play bocce ball, ladder golf, cornhole, and giant Jenga—teams are encouraged to get creative with their attire. 

NFL Quarterback Drew Brees, host of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival 2025 pickleball tournament fundraiser for nonprofit Feeding San Diego

Pacific Building Group Charity Golf Tournament 

September 8

Golfers will tee off to benefit Feeding San Diego at Pacific Building Group’s annual Charity Golf Tournament at The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe. The day on the greens will also include food, drinks, a raffle, and an auction. 

Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event

September 12

Join celebrities, pro athletes, and other notable faces for the Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event at the Barnes Tennis Center. The good-natured pickleball competition, part of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, will benefit Feeding San Diego. 

Urban Campout: Defying Gravity

September 12

Girl Scouts of San Diego’s Balboa Campus will be transformed into an emerald oasis for its Wicked-themed 2025 Urban Campout: Defying Gravity. More than 400 guests are expected to attend the event and help give local girls the opportunity to fly. 

An Evening of Changing Lives

September 13

Join the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego as it celebrates local youth at its 12th annual An Evening of Changing Lives. The black tie-optional gala at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will include a silent auction, dinner, and a performance by the Mighty Untouchables. 

Swim for SOF

September 13

More than 100 people, including veterans, first responders, and athletes, will swim from Coronado Island to the USS Midway to support The Honor Foundation. The nonprofit’s Swim for SOF aims to raise awareness of the challenges vets face while transitioning out of military service. 

The Arc San Diego Foundation’s Charity Golf Tournament

September 15

Golf for good at the Arc San Diego Foundation’s 32nd annual Charity Golf Tournament at La Valle Coastal Club. The tournament supports the Arc of San Diego’s programs for children and adults with disabilities. 

Promises 2 Kids Dream On Concert Gala

September 15

See former Eagles guitarist Don Felder perform and help create a brighter future for local foster kids at the same time at Promises 2 Kids Dream On Concert Gala. More than 500 philanthropists, community, and business leaders are expected to attend the private concert at a La Jolla home. 

San Diego Fundraising Conference

September 18-19

Leaders in the local nonprofit community will converge on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel for the third annual San Diego Fundraising Conference. Hosted by the San Diego Foundation and presented by PNC Bank, the two-day conference aims to help nonprofits diversify funding streams, build sustainable operations, and strengthen donor relationships.

2025 San Diego Heart & Stroke Walk

September 20

Lace up your sneakers and walk a mile or two through Balboa Park to support the American Heart Association. The family-friendly 2025 San Diego Heart & Stroke Walk aims to increase CPR training accessibility and bystander preparedness, and raise money for research. 

Celebration for the Children 2025

September 21

The Foundation for the Children of the Californias will host its Celebration for the Children 2025 at Paradise Point Resort & Spa. The gala raises money to improve the health and nutrition of underserved children via support for the Hospital Infantil de las Californias in Baja California.

Father Joe’s Villages Charity Golf Classic

September 25

Tee off and help local veterans experiencing homelessness at Father Joe’s Villages Charity Golf Classic at the Grand Golf Club in Del Mar. Proceeds will go toward housing, support programs, and mental health services. 

Children’s Benefit Fashion Show 

September 27

Help stop human trafficking around the world at the Children’s Benefits Fashion Show. Sparkles Foundation’s afternoon of elegance at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines will include lunch, entertainment, boutique shopping, and a silent auction to benefit the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition Stop Human Trafficking, Trek 2 Share, Armenian Missionary Association of America Orphan Fund, Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund, and AGBU Children’s Fund.

Resounding Joy’s Living Your Dreams

September 27

Celebrate the healing power of music at Resounding Joy’s signature event, Living Your Dreams. The event at the Point Loma Assembly Hall will feature performances by the nonprofit’s Sounds of Service band, and raises money for music therapy programs for current members of the military, veterans, first responders, and their families. 

The Party in the Park

September 27

The San Diego Automotive Museum will host The Party in the Park to raise money for the museum and programs that equip youth from underresourced communities with technical skills, and provide mentorship and career pathways to thrive in the automotive industry.

5K Walk for Sobriety

September 27

McAlister Institute will recognize individuals and families struggling with addiction at its annual Walk for Sobriety at NTC Park at Liberty Station. Proceeds from the walk will help McAlister Institute continue to provide low-cost substance abuse treatment and recovery support. 

By Sarah Sapeda

Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.

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