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14 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This May

Here’s where to celebrate, connect, give back, and make a difference this month
San Diego nonprofit events in May 2025 featuring Father Joe's Village Children’s Charity Gala
Courtesy of Father Joe's Village

Chicano Federation Unity Luncheon

May 2

Held at the Marriott Marquis, this annual luncheon celebrates Latino leaders and raises funds for housing, early education, and health equity across San Diego.

The Avant Garde Ball

May 3

MCASD throws its first-ever Avant Garde Ball at its La Jolla campus. With “Contemporary Couture” as the theme, guests are encouraged to dress like walking artwork while moving through immersive installations and dancing to global house and soul beats.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego inaugural Avant Garde Ball fundraiser in 2025

Walk for Animals – San Diego

May 3

Join San Diego Humane Society at Liberty Station’s NTC Park for a beloved tradition that raises funds for more than 40,000 animals annually. Expect a two-mile walk, pancake breakfast, blessing of the animals, dog spa, and vendor village.

San Diego Food Bank Gala

May 3

Hosted at the Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse, this gala transforms the space with gourmet food, craft cocktails, and auctions. Proceeds support hunger relief programs serving hundreds of thousands of San Diegans.

The Arc of San Diego Gala: The Greatest Place on Earth

May 3

Coasterra on Harbor Island becomes a whimsical circus for this gala benefitting The Arc’s disability services. Expect themed entertainment, dinner, dancing, and skyline views.

Miracle Babies 5K Run/Walk

May 4

Liberty Station hosts caped crusaders of all ages at this fun run to support families with critically ill newborns. Kids’ activities, music, and a costume contest round out the day.

Beyond Brilliance, Presented by the VAPA Foundation

May 10

The VAPA Foundation hosts its annual arts showcase and fundraiser at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego. The evening features student performances in dance, musical theater, mariachi, and a full award-winning orchestra. Proceeds support arts education across San Diego Unified schools, helping ensure creative opportunities remain accessible to all students.

Party for a Purpose: Dancing in the Moonlight

May 10

The Junior League of San Diego’s biggest fundraiser returns to Bali Hai with host Kimi Evans, cocktails, music, auctions, and its Signature Starlit Spritz. Proceeds support food insecurity programs.

Father Joe’s Villages Children’s Charity Gala

May 10

The US Grant Hotel hosts a black-tie night of dinner and dancing to celebrate Father Joe’s legacy and help end homelessness for San Diego families.

TACO Empty Bowls Community Dinner

May 10

At La Jolla United Methodist Church, guests purchase a handmade ceramic bowl and enjoy donated soup—supporting TACO’s hot meal service for unhoused neighbors.

HeART of ICA Gala

May 17

ICA San Diego’s garden gala in Encinitas highlights its On Healing exhibition season with cocktails, dinner, and a contemporary art auction.

Moonlight Ball

May 17

Support Episcopal Community Services’ mental health and housing programs at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. Expect dinner, dancing, and stories of impact.

McAlister Institute’s Miracles of Recovery Luncheon

May 20

Coasterra hosts this moving midday event spotlighting recovery success stories and welcoming new CEO Marisa Varond. Funds raised support treatment and community outreach.

The 2025 Sandie Awards

May 22

AMA San Diego brings the Sandies back to Town & Country Resort to celebrate local marketing excellence. Includes a reception, awards ceremony, and after party.

By Jackie Bryant

Jackie is San Diego Magazine's and Studios' content strategist. Prior to that, she was its managing editor. Before her SDM career, she was a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.

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