When times get tough, San Diegans step up to help those in need. Even amid economic uncertainty, locals donate their time and money to nonprofit organizations and independent foundations. These stats from the University of San Diego’s 2025 State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report highlight the thriving giving environment in San Diego.
The Big Picture
13,261
Nonprofits/registered 501(c)(3) public charities in 2023
Home of Guiding Hands Legends Among Us: Rockin’ for a Cause Gala
May 2
Home of Guiding Hands will host its Legends Among Us: Rockin’ for a Cause Gala at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Now in its 52nd year, the gala will honor San Diegans who have made a lasting impact for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
San Diego Humane Society Walk for Animals
May 2
Thousands of animal lovers will help the San Diego Humane Society make a difference for more than 40,000 animals in need at the 32nd annual Walk for Animals. The family- and dog-friendly event at NTC Park in Liberty Station includes a pancake breakfast, live music, and a vendor village.
Father Joe’s Villages Children’s Champions Gala & Match Challenge
May 2
Father Joe’s Villages will host its 41st annual Children’s Champions Gala & Match Challenge at the US Grant. Supporters are invited to attend the gala or make a meaningful gift to the campaign, or both, to help San Diego families move from crisis toward self-sufficiency.
Junior League of San Diego Party for a Purpose: Jewels of the Cosmos
May 2
Junior League of San Diego will host its largest annual fundraiser Party for a Purpose: Jewels of the Cosmos at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The celestial-inspired evening will support Junior League of San Diego’s efforts to combat food insecurity across San Diego County.
St. Germaine Children’s Charity Cocktails & Conversation
May 7
St. Germaine Children’s Charity will highlight one of its grant recipients, The Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital, at its spring Cocktails & Conversation. The goal of the event at a private home in La Jolla is to help members better understand the impact of their donations.
ArtReach’s Golden Hour Fundraiser
May 7
ArtReach will debut a new event, Golden Hour, to showcase the talents of its young members and support its programs. The nonprofit’s Hillcrest studio will be transformed into a gallery filled with creativity, music, and community, all built around the theme Made in San Diego.
San Diego River Park Foundation River Days 5K Walk for Wildlife
May 9
Support wildlife conservation in the San Diego River Watershed at the San Diego River Park Foundation’s 2026 River Days 5K Walk for Wildlife. The walk and fun run at the Riverwalk Golf Club is family- and dog-friendly.
Arc of San Diego Annual Gala
May 16
Arc of San Diego will celebrate joie de vivre and the enchantment, wonder, and the spirit of giving that often comes with it at its 2026 Annual Gala. The elegant event at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will benefit children and adults with disabilities served by the Arc of San Diego.
La Jolla Historical Society Secret Garden Tour
May 16
The La Jolla Historical Society will give guests exclusive access to six of La Jolla’s most extraordinary private gardens at its 27th annual Secret Garden Tour. This year, guests have the opportunity to add a “lunch and learn” experience which includes a buffet lunch at a historic site and a session with a master gardener.
St. Madeline Sophie’s Center 60th Anniversary Fundraiser
May 16
St. Madeline Sophie’s Center will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a California Dreamin’ themed fundraiser in its headquarters’ two-acre garden. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit’s gardening and aquatics programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
McAlister Institute Miracles of Recovery Luncheon
May 19
Community leaders, advocates, and people in recovery will gather for an inspiring afternoon hosted by nonprofit substance use disorder treatment provider, the McAlister Institute. At its ninth annual Miracles of Recovery Luncheon at Coasterra, the McAlister Institute will honor those who have made an impact for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders through service, philanthropy, and advocacy.
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.
Help give girls in underserved communities around the world access to education and mentorship at the local chapter of nonprofit U-GO’s U-GO San Diego Wine Dinner. The dinner party at Cucina 2051 in Carlsbad also includes a live auction and entertainment.
Shelter to Soldier Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament
April 24
Golfers will tee off at the Singing Hills Golf Club to support Shelter to Soldier’s mission to train rescue dogs to be service dogs for local veterans. The seventh annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament will be followed by a dinner reception and awards ceremony.
Girl Scouts San Diego will celebrate 25 years of female leadership at its annual Cool Women Celebration. The luncheon at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines will also highlight Emerging Leader Girl Scouts, teens who will have the opportunity to network with honored guests.
TERI Unplugged
April 25
Jason Mraz will headline a benefit concert to support the TERI Campus of Life and its programs and services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. TERI Unplugged, at the San Marcos nonprofit’s Bornemann Theatre, will also feature Adin Boyer, Sara Jade, Matthew Phillips, and the TERI Band.
San Diego Nice Guys Charity Auction
April 25
Philanthropic organization San Diego Nice Guys will host its 44th annual charity auction to raise money for families in need. Items up for bid at the Mardi Gras-themed event to the Marriott Marquis San Diego may include sports memorabilia, jewelry, nights on the town, and vacation packages.
Breakthrough T1D Don’t Stop Believing Gala
April 25
The local chapter of Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) will host its 80’s-themed “Don’t Stop Believing” Gala at the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. The gala will support Breakthrough T1D’s mission to fund research focused on curing, preventing, and treating Type 1 diabetes.
Child abuse prevention organization Home Start will host its annual Blue Ribbon Gala at the US Grant to raise awareness of and support for its programs. The event is held every April in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Dinner on the Diamond
April 30
Guests at the fifth annual Dinner on the Diamond at Petco Park will share a meal with Padres ownership, current and former players, and coaches to benefit the Padres Foundation and its charitable partners. The exclusive dinner party will be followed by a performance by Lauryn Hill, with special guests YG Marley and Zion Marley, at Gallagher Square.
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.
Banding Community Together: Three Nonprofits, Three Bands, One Night of Unity and Hope
March 3
OUR Arts Foundation, Community Resource Center, and Just in Time for Foster Youth are joining forces to raise money to support the transformative work they’re doing in North County. Banding Community Together: Three Nonprofits, Three Bands, One Night of Unity and Hope at Belly Up Tavern will feature performances by The Buckleys, MRCH, and 4EachOther.
Mainly Mozart Gala
March 14
Enjoy the flavors of Italy while you support the arts at the Mainly Mozart Gala at the Westgate Hotel in Downtown San Diego. Guests will enjoy a tasting menu curated by some of California’s top chefs, plus chamber music performances.
Nonprofit organization ElderHelp will honor those who support its mission to help seniors live independently at its Essence of Life Awards. The ceremony at the Southwestern Yacht Club will recognize an exceptional volunteer, client, community partner, and more.
St. Germain Children’s Charity’s Third Annual Dinner Party
March 18
St. Germain Children’s Charity will celebrate the birthday of founder Barbara Christensen at its Third Annual Dinner Party. The St. Patrick’s Day-themed festivities at Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla are open to both members and guests.
San Diego Humane Society North County Walk for Animals
March 21
Help make a difference for more than 40,000 animals at San Diego Humane Society’s Walk for Animals North County . The annual event at Kit Carson Park in Escondido includes a pancake breakfast, vendor village, live music, dog-friendly activities, and adoptable pets.
WinterFest Gala
March 25
Classical pianist Lang Lang will bring his talents to the Baker-Baum Concert Hall for La Jolla Music Society’s WinterFest Gala 2026. The elegant event will also include a live auction, seated dinner, and an afterparty.
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.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
While canids like Arctic foxes, New Guinea singing dogs, and jackals aren’t native to San Diego County, a handful have made a permanent home in Santa Ysabel. The Judith A. Bassett Canid Education & Conservation Center (JABCECC) is a safe haven for these animals and others rescued from fur farms, the exotic pet trade, research facilities, and those that cannot be released back into the wild.
JABCECC aims to educate the public about the plight of these animals and offers a variety of encounters, where guests can get up-close-and-personal with some of the animals, including a few domesticated foxes. Volunteer trainer Anita Cheesman works with the foxes to ensure they’re on their best behavior when they have visitors.
Here she details her experiences at JABCECC.
What made you want to become a volunteer for JABCECC?
My husband found out about this organization. I believe he saw an article when it was brand new and he gifted me one of its encounter sessions, where you go out there and they tell you a little bit about its mission and introduce you to some of its animals. We first got a meet-and-greet with its New Guinea singing dogs, which was pretty cool because you don’t get to see those every day. Then, we were able to go inside one of the enclosures and pet, feed, and pick up foxes and learn more about them. They mentioned that they like volunteers, so I told them that I’m a dog trainer, and if they wanted any training help, I’d be more than willing to offer my time and they jumped on it.
Courtesy of Judith A. Bassett Canid Education & Conservation Center
What do your volunteer duties entail?
I work on good manners with the young foxes, so they learn not to jump up at people or to snatch food out of their hands. Basically, [I teach] skills so that if they are going to be one of our ambassadors, which means meet the public, that they know how to safely interact with the public and with our older foxes. And I’ll work on some other things, such as little tricks. I taught a few of our foxes how to shake. They picked it up in just under an hour. They’re very smart. Then we practice things that they’re going to do at their public encounters, like being picked up and held, so that they love it and aren’t squirmy and wanting to jump out of someone’s arms. It’s a variety of things.
What do you like best about volunteering at JABCECC?
What I like best is knowing that I’m helping these animals. They’re being given a forever home and some of them may have been put down if they didn’t come here. I like helping to enrich their lives. Obviously, they have to live in enclosures; none of them are able to be set free for various reasons. So, I want to make their life as interesting as possible, and hopefully educate the public that fur farming is still practiced here in the US—we hear a lot from people that come visit us that they had no idea. They thought it was completely outlawed here. So being able to educate people so that hopefully they will advocate for the foxes and other wild animals, like our coyotes, and not see them as pests, but realize they’re an important part of our ecosystem.
Courtesy of Judith A. Bassett Canid Education & Conservation Center
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while volunteering?
I think one of the biggest challenges for me in trying to coordinate a training program is keeping our volunteers. Everyone wants to come work with foxes, but the center is an hour from central San Diego, and you have to drive through windy mountain roads. After a while I think the novelty wears off and people just don’t want to make that drive anymore and they drop out. Another thing for me in particular that’s a challenge is that space is limited. We only have so many man hours to build new enclosures. I often will work with multiple foxes at a time, and for some of them, it’d be much better for their training to progress faster if we had individual areas. But that obviously means that we would have to build more enclosures, which means we need to find more generous donors because it’s quite expensive to build areas. We have the space for it. We just need the funding.
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?
One of my favorite things is whenever there’s an animal I haven’t seen in a while, like one of our jackals or our gray wolf, and because I bonded with them when they were babies, even if I hadn’t seen them in a year, they always remember me. And unlike being shy with new people, they’re ready to run right up to me to say hi. It’s just nice to see the bond that you can make with these animals, even though they’re wild animals. And sometimes they don’t even notice you until they catch a whiff of your smell. It’s your smell that they remember and then they totally change and become just little puddles of goo.
Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?
For those considering the center, realize that we have a wide variety of areas where we need help. You don’t have to be an animal person. We need carpenters, grant writers, social media experts, event planners—if you have a skill, we could use it. We’re a very small organization, almost entirely volunteer run. It’s easy to get stretched and to not have enough hours in the day to try to expand the center because there’s always a new animal in need of a place to go. And unfortunately, not many places are certified and equipped to take in these animals. So, if we don’t do it, we’re always worried what’s going to happen to them. Anyone willing to volunteer, just reach out. And other organizations, I’m sure they would not turn you down. Just find what your passion is and there’s going to be a place somewhere out there that could desperately use your help.
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.
In 2016, a group of female surfers in Oahu came together with a shared belief: When women come together to support and uplift one another, they can change the world. The surfing sisterhood founded the Changing Tides Foundation, initially to provide aid in disaster-stricken coastal communities in Latin America, then shifting the focus to empowering those communities’ girls and young women after witnessing a common thread of gender disparities.
“Teen girls would be inside the homes while the men were playing at the beach or out surfing in the ocean,” says Carolyn Saunders, executive director of the Changing Tides Foundation. “[Changing Tides’ founders] knew what an incredibly transformative power the ocean had had in their own lives, and they really wanted to be able to share that special connection that they had with the ocean with other women and girls.”
Courtesy of Changing Tides Foundation
Founders Becky Mendoza, Anna Santoro, Leah Dawson, and Jianca Lazarus launched a mentorship program for teen girls that had a surfing component and rotating educational sessions on everything from environmental stewardship to better understanding their bodies. The group would meet weekly, then each girl would split off for one-on-one time with her mentor.
When the pandemic struck, the program was paused temporarily and the foundation uprooted and moved to San Diego, where some of the founders had family ties.
Courtesy of Changing Tides Foundation
Since 2022, the foundation has almost exclusively served girls in San Diego—more than 100 and counting. This past summer, Changing Tides paired up with the Monarch School to host a six-week mentoring program for its students.
“One of the things that was so special to see was [that despite] everything that those girls are dealing with in their lives, to notice the looks on their faces when they were at the beach, and especially when they were in the water learning to ride their very first waves,” says Saunders.
The school was so impressed, officials asked Changing Tides to be their surf partner and turn the program into an annual event.
Photo Credit: Jianca Lazarus
The nonprofit also recently returned to Latin America for the first time since the pandemic, this time broadening their reach by partnering with existing nonprofits already working with teen girls there and ensuring cultural representation by recruiting guest educators who are local to each respective area.
In the works for 2026 is a skateboarding mentorship program for San Diego girls who may not be as fond of the ocean but still could benefit from the mentoring and education components. The foundation also has an ambitious plan to double the number of teens it serves. And without a doubt, Changing Tides will continue to empower girls to find community and inspire change.
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.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
