Annual Meeting:
Orchestrating 35 Years of Giving
As the largest event in The Foundation’s history, 1,700 people gathered for a celebration of 35 years of partnering with generous philanthropists and nonprofit organizations to preserve and enhance our region. The evening commemorated two additional special occasions: the San Diego Symphony’s 100th Anniversary and the San Diego Women’s Foundation’s 10th Anniversary.
Elected officials, community leaders, donors, volunteers, nonprofits and military families enjoyed an exclusive Summer Pops performance, featuring the juggling and singing act of the Flying Karamazov Brothers and local performing arts groups entertained while guests enjoyed picnic fare catered by Wolfgang Puck.
The Foundation reflected on past achievements and outlined the goals in-store for the years to come. The preeminent announcement was the granting of more than $700 million into the region since 1975 and the continued support with 100 new funds opened in the last fiscal year.
“The sheer number of people who attended proved the deep commitment San Diegans have to generosity and charitable giving. Even in austere times, our donors and supporting foundations continued to give generously to support their passions and the needs of our varied communities. It is very promising to see this commitment will continue,” said Bob Kelly, President and CEO.
Audrey Geisel’s Dr. Seuss Foundation was the lead sponsor for the event and provided underwriting to host military families through the Blue Star Families partnership, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, which connects military families with various art groups throughout the region.
The Foundation unveiled BetterGiving -- an online tool connecting donors to the nonprofits serving our community – and a brand new website. The one-of-a-kind, BetterGiving, database provides access to information about local nonprofits supporting the greater San Diego region.
“We believe, the more you know, the better the gift. With the importance of access to information online and growth of online donations, The Foundation invested in BetterGiving and significantly improved their website to provide greater access on community needs and the nonprofits organizations serving the San Diego Region for current and future donors,” said Jerry Hoffmeister, Chair, Board of Governors.
The San Diego Foundation announced the incoming board members -- Darcy Bingham, Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D., Ben Haddad, Jim Cahill, and Kay Chandler – and thanked the outgoing board members for their contributions.
The evening provided the perfect setting for The Foundation to celebrate 35 years of generosity, and to thank those who have given so much of themselves for the benefit of all who live, work and play in San Diego.
