At their annual Beneficiary Luncheon, Las Patronas presented nine local nonprofits each with a check for more than $20,000. Recipients and Las Patronas members gathered at the Marine Room for the celebration. The grants were funded from the proceeds raised at the organization’s 73rd Jewel Ball, Wonderland, which took place last August.
The beneficiaries were: Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association, Alpha Project for the Homeless, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Inc.; La Maestra Family Clinic, Outside the Lens, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation. These organizations will now be able to purchase specific wish-list items such as a wheelchair accessible van, school bus, medical equipment, and a 3D printing system for surgeries and more.
“We are honored to partner with these deserving non-profits, and to provide funding to make an immediate impact to the work they do in our community,” says Kelly Kjos, President of Las Patronas. “Visiting each grant applicant and seeing the difference they make in San Diego is truly inspiring to our all-volunteer membership.”
Dr. Rich Pattenaude and Nancy Sasaki
United Way of San Diego County kicked off its centennial year with a celebratory luncheon. Fittingly held at the San Diego History Center, guests were able to view a display of historical items and press clippings from United Way (originally called Community Chest). Attendees enjoyed a lunch and program that included a video featuring inspiring locals who had been involved in United Way’s past. There was also a speech by United Way of San Diego County CEO Nancy Sasaki, and another by Dr. Rich Pattenaude, president and CEO of Ashford University. Today, United Way of San Diego County puts its focus on two main areas: education and childhood success; and family stability. Stay tuned for more events celebrating this very special year with United Way of San Diego County.
The San Diego Foundation has launched a pilot program to fund organizations that will make childcare more affordable for working families. A study by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Workforce Partnership found that parents and families benefit greatly when they have help with early childhood care. A healthier, happier workforce translates to healthier, happier children who will grow up to be productive and successful citizens, and keep our economy healthy as well. The new program is called The San Diego Foundation Early Childhood Initiative.
“San Diego County is currently facing an early childhood challenge—the number of families and children that need quality care far outweighs the amount of child care options available,” says Katie Rast, Director of Community Impact at The San Diego Foundation. “In order to quickly respond to this need, The Foundation will immediately invest in our families and communities through grantmaking to help increase access to affordable child care and provide relief to working parents.”
John Campbell, Shay Stephens, Bill Kellogg, and Kelly Kjos at Las Patronas Beneficiary Luncheon
