Live Local, Give Local

In this final episode of Season 1 of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Charles Parisi, the Host (filling in for Dave Mason), this episode's co-host, Adriana O'Donnell, and the team from San Marcos Promise, Lisa Stout, the Executive Director, and Dan Gross, who spearheads Community Development. In a fun episode where the benefit of belonging to San Diego Gives happened live on the air, Lisa and Dan share with listeners the power, the purpose and the promise of the organization. Helping students in North County San Diego find their next steps after high school is in many respects fueled by lack of resources in many school districts for high school counselors. Lisa, a counselor for 20 years, mentions that schools can have anywhere from 450 - 600 students for every counselor. Thus, the need for San Marcos Promise and their many services to help students find their fit, their way, their path. Speaking of next steps, listeners are treated to exciting "on the air" breaking news! The success of San Marcos Promise has led the organization to consider what is next in their quest to help more students. And what did they decide? An entire new brand to reflect the new direction and ethos - they will now be known as Project Next! Special thanks to Lisa Stout and Dan Gross for joining and helping close out Season 1 of "Live Local, Give Local." For more information on San Marcos Promise and Project Next, we encourage you to visit www.projectnext.org. Thank you for listening and giving where you're living! Building local capacity for non-profits to foster phenomenal relationships and best practices is the heart and soul of San Diego Gives. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Charles Parisi, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adriana O'Donnell, Stephanie Miller (CEO), and Jill Marshall (Deputy Director) of the Women's Resource Center.The Women's Resource Center was founded almost 50 years ago in 1974 by a group of Oceanside women who recognized the need for a rape crisis center in their community. Initially, they provided shelter in undisclosed locations, but now they offer a range of services including shelter, transitional housing, emergency services, and more. They serve individuals primarily in North County and San Diego, offering assistance to both women and men, with approximately 5% of their clients being males.Listen as Stephanie and Jill challenges their organization faces. One such challenge is technology, as abusers can use cell phones and tracking devices to locate survivors. To protect clients, they have to consider strategies like disposing of phones and cars to ensure safety. Childcare is another significant challenge, as affordable childcare is hard to find and can be a barrier to survivors' ability to find employment and stability.The Women's Resource Center relies on a combination of government funding, individual donations, and foundation support to operate. They joined San Diego Gives to raise awareness, increase visibility, and engage potential donors and volunteers to support their mission. Listen as Stephanie and Jill highlight the need for additional funding to cover expenses such as Uber rides, security deposits, first month's rent, and childcare.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Charles Parisi, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adriana O'Donnell, Kathie Moehlig the founder of TransFamily Support Services.Listen in as Kathie explains that the catalyst for starting TransFamily Support Services: her personal experience as the parent of a transgender child. Her son began his transition at the age of eleven, at a time when many people were unfamiliar with the concept of transgender identity, and there were limited resources and support available. Kathie's advocacy journey began when she faced challenges finding doctors and support for her child. She shares how she relentlessly pursued medical care, education, and support for her son, eventually leading to the founding of TransFamily Support Services eight years ago. Since then, the organization has served over 4,000 transgender individuals and their families across the country.The conversation touches on various aspects of the organization's work, including support groups, mentorship programs, family coaching, insurance and medical navigation, and educational initiatives. Kathie highlights the importance of creating affirming and supportive environments for transgender individuals, especially children and teens. She emphasizes the importance of proper education and training for professionals in the healthcare system.The conversation shifts towards the challenges of navigating insurance and policy barriers for transgender individuals. Kathie explains how her organization helps individuals and their families advocate for their rights, including appealing insurance denials and ensuring access to medically necessary treatments. Kathie also discusses the importance of allies and advocates in creating a more inclusive society. She mentions her organization's efforts to teach people how to be better allies and accomplices, urging everyone to stand up against discrimination and hatred.The episode concludes with a discussion about San Diego Gives and the role it plays in supporting local organizations like TransFamily Support Services. Kathie expresses gratitude for the platform and the opportunity to connect with donors and volunteers in the San Diego community.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Charles Parisi, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adriana O'Donnell, Michelle Lerach and Christina Ng of Berry Good.In this podcast episode, the hosts introduce their guests from the Berry Good Food Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The guests are Michelle Lerach, the founder of the organization, and Christina Ng, the "Foundation Cultivator." Hear Michelle talk about how she transitioned from being a lawyer to founding the Berry Good Food Foundation after working on a goat farm in Sonoma during a sabbatical. It was there that she realized the power of community support for farmers and wanted to create a similar sense of community in San Diego, which led her to start the Berry Goodnight Dinner in 2010.The dinner brought together chefs, farmers, food activists, and writers to connect and share. Over the years, this community expanded to both sides of the border, creating a strong network in the region. The Berry Good Food Foundation was formed as an extension of this community, with a focus on teaching people how to cook and grow their own food, creating a fair and equitable food system.Christina shares her experience of meeting Michelle at one of the Berry dinners and how it led to a life-changing connection with her now-husband, a farmer. Listen in on a discussion about the importance of access to healthy food and how partnerships with organizations like the Berry Good Food Foundation help ensure that families in San Diego County have access to quality healthcare and nutritious food.Hear Michelle emphasize the need to challenge the industrial food system and advocates for policy changes to promote healthier food choices. She mentions the organization's signature program, Seeds for the Future, which focuses on school gardens, and the Future Thought Leaders panels, which aim to educate people about food and its impact on health. Michelle also talks about the role of community partnerships and how organizations like San Diego Gives can help them expand their reach and impact.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Cherryl Castro-Lector, the Development Manager at the San Diego Blood BankThe Blood Bank organizes large blood drives like the Padres Summer Blood Drive and Comic Con to collect blood units that save thousands of lives. To address the aging out of donors and increase awareness, the San Diego Blood Bank conducts tours, reaches out to schools, and collaborates with various organizations. Listen as Cheryl shares heartwarming stories like that of a recipient who received 30 units of life-saving blood after a severe accident and now organizes blood drives and advocates for donations.Hear Cheryl speak about the essential role of the blood bank in the community, comparing it to a fire hydrant that goes unnoticed until someone requires blood for medical treatment. The blood bank depends on financial support from individual donors, community foundations, and local corporations. Listen in on a conversation emphasizing the need for both blood and financial donors, showcasing the impact a single blood donation can have on someone's life. Cheryl's hope for the future is to continue educating the community about blood donation and the interconnectedness it brings to society. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Sharon Goodson, and Diana Kutlow, the Director of Development at Hands of Peace.Hands of Peace is an organization that aims to promote peace and understanding among Israeli, Palestinian, and American youth through dialogue. Diana shares the story of how the organization was founded in the aftermath of 9/11, driven by the desire to bring people together and find nonviolent means of change. The program, which brings together young people from different backgrounds, encourages them to listen to each other's personal stories and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.Hear Diana talk about her personal passion for peace and justice studies, her journey to becoming part of Hands of Peace, and the organization's focus on grassroots peace-building. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue and facilitation in the program, allowing the youth to learn from one another without dictating any specific narrative. Additionally, she discusses the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the organization's innovative response with virtual programs.Listen as Diana further highlights Hands of Peace's impact on its young participants, who go on to become advocates for change in their communities, addressing issues like domestic violence and social inequalities. Diana stresses the significance of collaboration with other nonprofits and communities in San Diego, showcasing the ripple effect of the program's positive influence. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Sharon Goodson, and Alicia Quinn Kitagawa, the Vice President of Strategy and Engagement at United Way of San Diego County.Hear Alicia share insights into United Way's remarkable 103-year history in San Diego, which is dedicated to ensuring every child, young adult, and family can thrive, regardless of their income or zip code. The organization's core focus lies in education and economic mobility, particularly in early literacy and STEAM education for middle and high school students.Alicia sheds light on United Way's involvement in the Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, which has contributed $29 million back into the community through free tax preparation services. As a convener, United Way collaborates with various organizations, school districts, and funders to collectively address the community's most pressing issues and drive social change.Listen as Alicia emphasizes the significance of volunteerism, with United Way actively engaging individuals and corporations to offer their time and talent in support of nonprofits. Alicia discusses their Nonprofit Board Certification and Matching program, enabling business professionals to enhance their skills as board members, fostering a strong partnership between the nonprofit and private sectors. The hosts and guest stress the vital role volunteers play in nonprofits, not only providing much-needed support but also converting into long-term donors. Alicia highlights the 30+ volunteer projects available on the day of community service, allowing individuals and companies to connect with organizations in need.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Sharon Goodson, Kathleen Sandoval the Director of Marketing and Events at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, and Heather Disher, the Director of Advancement at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum.In this podcast episode, Heather Disher, the Director of Advancement, and Kathleen Sandoval, the Director of Marketing and Events, discuss the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. Hear Kathleen and Heather highlight the museum's physical and mobile spaces, emphasizing their focus on early education and STEM learning for children under five. Social and emotional learning is embedded into all their programs, and they work closely with local school districts to bring the museum experience to children across the county. Both Heather and Kathleen touch on their personal experiences, their backgrounds in nonprofits, and the impact of the museum on children's development. They also discuss fundraising efforts and upcoming events like Science and Engineering Night and the STEM-posium. The challenges faced during the pandemic and plans for future growth and expansion are also mentioned. The hosts also share heartwarming stories of children's wonder and delight while exploring the museum's exhibits, highlighting the joy and inspiration the museum brings to young learners. Through partnerships, community engagement, and innovative programs, the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum continues to make a meaningful impact on children's education and development in the region. Overall, the episode showcases the museum's commitment to providing accessible, hands-on education to children and the positive impact it has on their lives.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Sharon Goodson, Karina Vidrio Meza, the Development Coordinator of Our Lady's School, and Judy Ziment, the President of Our Lady's SchoolThey discuss the mission of Our Lady School, which focuses on providing high-quality education to students from low-income, first-generation neighborhoods in Barrio Logan and Sherman Heights, San Diego. Hear Judy and Karina emphasize the importance of building a close-knit community and fostering personal relationships among students, staff, and donors. In addition, Judy and Karina share inspiring success stories of their students, including high school admissions and college graduations with substantial scholarships. They emphasize the importance of personalized attention and small class sizes in creating a supportive learning environment. Hear the guests highlight the school's summer program, which aims to provide students with a different perspective of their community and foster friendships and connections that may have been impacted during the pandemic.Despite being a private Catholic school, Our Lady School ensures that no student is turned away due to financial constraints and offers scholarship support. They rely on private donations and fundraising events to cover the operating expenses. Listen to the guests highlights their involvement with San Diego Gives, and the benefits it has brought to Our Lady School.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Alex White, Marcy Roke, the President and CEO of Travelers Aid Society, and Adrianna Yemhatpe, the Program Manager of Travelers Aid Society.Listen to them discuss the organization's mission and their work in helping vulnerable individuals in San Diego with their transportation needs. Travelers Aid Society, a 120-year-old social services organization, has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community. They provide various programs, such as Senior Ride, Senior Solutions, and Ride Finder, to assist low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities in accessing transportation options. The organization aims to reduce isolation and provide essential transportation services to those who are most in need. They collaborate with other nonprofits and community partners to ensure that gaps in transportation services are addressed. Despite the growing demand, Travelers Aid Society faces challenges in meeting the needs of all individuals due to limited funding. They participate in San Diego Gives, a fundraising event that allows them to raise awareness and funds for their programs. Hear the guests speak to the importance of collaboration and the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations in San Diego.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Alex White, Alejandro Garcia the founder and executive director of Advancing Students Forward, and Monica the manager of operations of Advancing Students Forward.ASF, also known as "Su Futuro," works on both sides of the US-Mexico border, primarily in Tijuana's Colonia Tecolote community. The organization aims to provide access to education and academic support for students, as 50% of students in Mexico do not continue their education after 6th grade due to financial constraints. Listen to discussions on ongoing learning and improvement, as well as the challenges faced by middle school students and the importance of showing them that someone cares about their education. ASF accompanies students from 7th grade to university, offering various services such as workshops, academic programs, career preparation, and enrichment activities. They focus on creating a sense of community and belonging for students who are often the first in their families to pursue higher education. ASF also collaborates with Waste for Life and the University of San Diego on an upcycling project that teaches students to repurpose waste materials and create useful products. The program is flexible and accommodates students' different schedules, providing them with valuable skills and inspiration. Through San Diego Gives, ASF has found collaboration and support from other nonprofits in the community, reinforcing the importance of their work. Hear Monica talk about the significance of caring for the students and creating a sense of belonging as key elements in their success. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Alex White, Lauren White, the Operations and Development Administrator for BigTable, and Gloria Garcia, the Care Coordinator for BigTable.Listen in as they discuss the mission and work of BigTable, an organization that supports individuals in the restaurant and hospitality industry who are facing various crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by this industry, from financial struggles to health issues. BigTable provides assistance with housing, healthcare, bill payments, childcare, and transportation. They work closely with hotels and small businesses, connecting individuals in need with job opportunities and providing direct support during crises. They also discuss how BigTable was founded and its focus on building relationships and providing support through initiatives like industry dinners.Hear Lauren and Gloria share their personal motivations for joining BigTable and express their enthusiasm for participating in San Diego Gives. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the hidden economic factors affecting individuals in the restaurant industry, and they commend BigTable for addressing these needs.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Don Stump, the CEO of Lifeline Community Services. The organization has evolved from primarily being a transportation provider for people with disabilities to offering various community services. Lifeline started in 1969 as a drop-in center for youth struggling with drugs and grew to include youth development, juvenile delinquency prevention, and gang intervention programs.Hear Don discuss the challenges faced by the organization, such as the high cost of living and homelessness in Southern California. Lifeline receives financial resources through government grants and contracts, as well as fundraising efforts. Don emphasizes the importance of educating donors about the complexity of social issues and the need for sustained support to bring about meaningful change.San Diego Gives has been instrumental in highlighting the organization's work and engaging the public. Hear Don speak as to how San Diego Gives has had a positive impact on nonprofits and the opportunity it provides for board members and staff to support their organizations.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, Dr. Rakesh Patel, the CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, and Julie Ngo, a dedicated neighborhood supporter and donor of Neighborhood Healthcare.Dr. Patel explains that Neighborhood Healthcare was established in 1969 as a free clinic in Escondido, California, and has since expanded to 24 locations across San Diego County and Riverside County. The organization offers services with a focus on improving patients' overall health and well-being. He mentions that the majority of their patients come from the local community and live below the federal poverty level. They collaborate with other nonprofits and community partners to address various needs such as housing and food insecurity. Hear Julie Ngo share her personal connection to Neighborhood Healthcare, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for low-income individuals and the comfort of having a trusted family doctor. Hear both guests touch on the financial support the organization receives from government funding, insurance, and philanthropy, as well as individual donors. It is with this help that the organization is able to function to help meet the growing need for affordable healthcare and fulfill the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Jamie Beck, the Founder, President, and Managing Attorney of Free to Thrive. Free to Thrive is an organization that aims to empower survivors of human trafficking using legal services, education and training, and policy advocacy.While human trafficking is not a crime that is often seen, it is always there in the background, affecting many. Especially with the pandemic and the isolation that has been caused by it, there has been an increase in human trafficking and human trafficking related crimes. The increased use of the internet has also made it easier for traffickers to find and lure in their targets.Education and advocacy are two important pillars of the Freedom to Thrive organization model. This is part of the reason that Jamie is so excited about San Diego Gives because it opens up the conversation for more awareness and laws surrounding human trafficking. Hear Jamie talk about the importance of connecting with like-minded organizations and individuals in the community in terms of starting the conversation about human trafficking.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Alexandra White, Kathleen Diehlmann, the Manager of Volunteers at Brother Benno's Foundation, and DinaMarie Ahee, the Accounting Manager at Brother Benno's Foundation.Brother Benno's is an organization named after Brother Benno Garrity, a monk, that serves the unsheltered and the working poor. As an organization that serves over 300 people per day, they rely heavily on support from the community. This comes in the form of community volunteers and financial contributions.This is part of the reason that Brother Benno's has found San Diego Gives to be such a beneficial program: San Diego Gives presents the opportunity for the foundation to build connections and partnerships with other organizations that can maximize the impact of Brother Benno's' programs. Hear Kathleen and DinaMarie talk about their tips for other participating organizations which include communicating with business leadership, keeping an eye on the goal, building a connection to the target audience, and more.Brother Benno's provides various different types of services to the community all the in the form of different "buckets" or focus areas. Some of these buckets include essential services (food, clothing, showers), recovery programs, sober living programs, outreach, and more.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, Clay Myers-Bowman, the Development Officer of Finch Youth Services, and Teresa Chapa, the Southern California Regional Vice President of Finch Youth Services.Originally starting as an orphanage, Finch Youth Services has evolved into an organization that supports kids in foster care and kids with mental health needs. They have outpatient, home-based, and residency treatment services that aim to provide support to kids in need. In addition, they also operate a non-public school that offers special education curriculum to students in order to teach them skills to thrive within the community after graduation.Both Clay and Teresa discuss the most rewarding parts of their involvement with Finch Youth Services which centers around the positive changes and impact they are able to see their work have on the lives of the children they are serving. Through their programs, they have been able to see kids who are struggling become kids who are thriving. This is why it is so important for them to have a staff that recognizes the importance of quality language and cultural responsiveness in order to best connect with and serve the children.Finch Youth Services has been involved in San Diego Gives since the beginning and they are excited to see what this year will bring. Hear Clay and Teresa talk about some of the benefits that being part of this program has brought to their organization including community outreach and support. They would encourage anybody who is interested in getting involved to learn more about San Diego Gives and join.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, Jodi Diamond, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside, and Matt Koumaras, the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista.Both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside and Vista aim to serve the youth in their local communities by helping them find their passions while steering them in the right direction to have successful futures. They do this through various programs including mentorships, STEM (and STREAM) based activities, workforce development, and career explorations.Being part of San Diego Gives allows the clubs to continue giving opportunities to youth. Not only are they able to raise funds as they are mainly supported by foundation giving, but they are also able to show the community all the other crucial programs and opportunities that the boys and girls clubs can provide outside of sports and wellness which is what they are known for. It is For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, Sara Boquin, the CEO of the Barrio Logan College Institute, and Cristina Aguirre, the Chief Program Officer of the Barrio Logan College Institute.The Barrio Logan College Institute is a program that aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping to prepare students and sending them to college. They serve students starting in the third grade who are the first generation in their family to go to college (meaning that their parents do not have four-year college degrees) by providing these students with the path and resources to get where they want to go. 100% of the students that have gone through this program have gone on to enroll in college immediately after high school and 72% are able to graduate within 6 years with a college degree. They not only provide students in elementary, middle, and high school with support but also have programs for parents.Being part of a network like San Diego gives is extremely important for the Barrio Logan College Institute. Especially after the pandemic, San Diego Gives allows them to remind the community of the work being done by the program and its importance to the students and their families. Being able to connect with other organizations that support their mission is also imperative for the success of the students and being part of a local movement like San Diego gives has only helped extend the reach of the Barrio Logan College Institute.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, and Drew Moser, the Executive Director for the Lucky Duck Foundation.The goal of the Lucky Duck Foundation is to alleviate the suffering of homelessness in San Diego Country. They focus on taking immediate action by providing "lifeboats" to help take people off the streets. They offer food and weather outreach programs, job training programs, resources for other organizations so everyone can help effectively, and they push for the government to create change. They focus on helping those in need using their business savvy and private sector expertise.In 2023, the Lucky Duck Foundation has three main goals they are targeting: youth experiencing homelessness, seniors experiencing homelessness, and calling for the local government to help remove criminal activities that threaten the homeless. Through his experience in previous years, Drew believes that being a part of San Diego Gives will bring them one step closer to their goals. He sees the benefits of being able to engage the community and encourage people to get involved.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Cipriano Vargas, the Manager of Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs for Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer.Hear Cipriano talk about the work done at the office of Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. Some of the responsibilities include connecting with the community, attending community meetings and events, recognizing what the work businesses and nonprofits do in the community, working as an ambassador for the needs of residents, and more. Since the pandemic, they have focused on creating a lifeline for nonprofits and small businesses that are struggling financially as well as the homeless and housing crisis.Cipriano also recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and the work of non-profits which is something emphasized by San Diego Gives. The offices of the Board of Supervisors all have a focus on providing funding for and learning about different problems in the community. Cipriano talks about how the growth that San Diego gives has demonstrated is reflected in government agencies and businesses looking at how they can help and give back to the community.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, Julie Turko, the Executive Director at Lakeside's River Park Conservancy, Biance Benilla, the Founder and Executive Director at Botanical Community Enhancement Initiative, and Jessica Bombar, the Marketing, Communications, and Education Manager at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation.All three of these organizations work in an effort to protect San Diego's ecosystem. The Lakeside's River Park Conservancy focuses on protecting the biological conditions of the San Diego River while offering education and nature experiences for the community. They aim to bring nature back into a space where it has been driven out and serve as champions for nature. The Botanical Community Enhancement Initiative works to connect plants, people, and communities. Through teaching about landscapes, restoration, and preservation, they aim to further community development. The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation works to develop solutions to environmental issues of the present and future. They also provide tools and services for all people in the community to engage in environmental innovation.Listen to all three guests discuss the importance of money for their non-profits and the benefits that San Diego gives has brought them. Through San Diego gives, they have all been able to network with other like-minded organizations with whom they share common goals. But most importantly, they have been able to reach out and gain support from the community. Without the support of the community, they would be unable to fund their organizations, hire their staff, and execute their functions.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Pearl Hoeglund, the Director of the Fundraising Academy at National University. the Fundraising Academy believes that education is the foundation for philanthropy and so this program aims to provide professional development and other resources for fundraisers of all experience levels. The Fundraising Academy has an 8-step methodology that emphasizes the importance of relationships in fundraising. Hear Pearl discuss the immeasurable value of building authentic relationships when it comes to bringing in new donors.As a second-year returner to San Diego Gives, Pearl and the Fundraising Academy really believe in the mission of San Diego gives. As a program that helps other non-profits in their fundraising endeavors, the mission of the Fundraising Academy aligns with San Diego gives, especially in their prioritization of cultivating relationships.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Gretchen Veihl, and two leaders in the fight against homelessness: Lela Panagides from Rapid Response Housing Solutions, and Jimmy Figueroa from Operation Hope. Listen to these two members of San Diego Gives discuss their innovative ideas to prevent and produce better outcomes on one of the most intractable challenges facing our communities - homelessness. From cash disbursement to serving single women with children, Lela and Jimmy share best practices and how they are making a difference. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Gretchen Veihl, and Chris Sichel the President and CEO of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is a community foundation that helps philanthropists manage donations and nonprofit organizations manage assets.Chris believes in the power and strength of nonprofits. From a young age, his parents instilled in him a spirit to give back to the community. Hear Chris discuss the importance of building up the nonprofit sector in order to help improve more lives. The Santa Fe Foundation emphasizes that there are enough funds for every cause. Some things that they focus on include collective giving and trust-based philanthropy. This not only helps their organization focus on benefits for the community like grantmaking as well as creating trust and equalization between those who have funds and those who need funds.Chris wholeheartedly believes in the benefits that being part of San Diego Gives can have for organizations like the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. Above all else, San Diego Gives offers a unique community for those involved that fosters encouragement, idea sharing, and camaraderie. Nonprofit work is not about competing but rather, about effective communication and stories of celebration.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Gretchen Veihl, Nancy Sasaki, the CEO of United Way of San Diego County, and Jose Cruz, the CEO of San Diego Council On Literacy. Through United Way and the Council on Literacy, Nancy and Jose respectively have been giving back to the community for years. Both are extremely passionate about closing gaps in the community whether they relate to literacy, mental health, or other resources through their focus on improving and raising awareness for crisis areas in San Diego.Nancy and Jose also stressed the importance of literacy for people of all ages. Literacy skills are critical for even the youngest elementary-aged kids as the ability to read and communicate correlates directly with success in high school and beyond.There is always the need for more help from the community when it comes to the mission of non-profit organizations. Success and improvement are heavily reliant on the ability of such organizations to get their message, belief, and resources out there. Nancy and Jose both speak about the benefits that San Diego Gives can provide for local non-profit organizations from support for fundraising to a larger platform to share their causes and connect with the community.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Jess Baron, the founder and director of Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom. Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom is a non-profit organization that aims to blend different areas of education with music. Jess Baron founded the program after hearing that kids were very excited to attend music class but not as much math class. She realized that by blending these different educational components, educators could give students a more diverse and well-rounded education.The need for blended learning has only increased due to the pandemic. Many students are behind in traditional subjects like math, so leaving room for music in the curriculum allows students to deal with stress and fosters peer connections.Jess is extremely excited to be a part of San Diego Gives as it allows her program to share knowledge and resources with other non-profits to help meet the larger needs of the community as well as connect with schools and classes that could benefit from her program.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Eve Beutler, the CEO, and founder of Cancer Angels of San Diego. Cancer Angels of San Diego is a non-profit that was founded completely out of necessity. After hearing about the financial burden that cancer patients and those with long-term disabilities face not only in regard to treatment and medication costs but also the cost of living without a steady income, Eve quickly took action. Within a couple of weeks, Cancer Angels of San Diego was created.Cancer Angels is run completely off of a small base of volunteers and the donations of those in the local San Diego community. This is why being part of San Diego Gives have been so beneficial as they have been able to identify donors and volunteers. Donations often go to help patients and their families continue to stay in their homes, put food on the table, and purchase other necessities. Giving back to this organization can be more about just donating money, but also about donating time and skills. Eve hopes that one day, Cancer Angels will be completely self-sustainable and will be able to have a larger staff to help more patients.For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, and Bernard Mauricia, the CEO and Co-founder of Oncology and Kids. From its conception, Oncology and Kids has been about creating safe spaces for kids affected by cancer to be kids. OAK provides numerous programs, starting with Camp Reach for the Sky in 1983, aimed at helping improve the quality of life of kids affected by cancer personally or through family members and showing kids that their lives can be about more than a diagnosis. As a non-profit, it is completely driven by volunteers and the donations of the community. Being a part of San Diego Gives really helped bring in new donors and contributors to the program who, now as important members of their community and network, will be able to become ambassadors for Oncology and Kids, introducing more San Diegans to their programs. As they are so rooted within the San Diego locale, growing their connection and impact within the area is of the utmost importance.Through their programs, they have always adapted to fill gaps where childhood cancer was having an impact on families and they continued to do so throughout the pandemic. As you will hear from Bernard, this organization is an investment in the future. OAK has a commitment to continue its services far into the future and pass on the reigns to future generations.Through the impact that they saw in 2022, Bernard Mauricia and Oncology and Kids are more than excited to return to San Diego Gives 2023. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service, Lisa Lindgren, the Executive Director of HandsOn San Diego (HOSD), and Curran Gaughan, the Director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps San Diego (IVC). As all non-profits know well, it is next to impossible to achieve the mission without the services provided by passionate volunteers, donating hours and hours of their time out of the goodness of their heart and their passion for the purpose. But how do volunteers find the passion and purpose most connected to their heart? Well, HOSD and IVC exist for just that purpose. Whether is maintaining a calendar of volunteer opportunities or direct matching, we listen to a conversation as to how these two members of San Diego Gives deliver an absolutely priceless service to San Diego non-profits. You know what else we heard? Two more examples of successful campaigns by following the playbook provided by San Diego Gives! Curran even mentions that as a small non-profit, the networking, expertise, and access to San Diego Gives University is of great value to IVC. That's exactly what we like to hear! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a truly wonderful conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, Courtney Cordero, the Vice President of Development for the YMCA San Diego, Tim Ney, the Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, and Samantha Holt, the Executive Director of the Arned Services YMCA Camp Pendleton. When you think about children and communities, it's hard to imagine what they'd be like without the YMCA, in all of its forms. Whether it is the summer camps, the overnight camps or "swim and gyms", the YMCA experiences for children and families are priceless. And, of course, with San Diego being a military town, we also have two YMCAs serving military families in San Diego and at Camp Pendleton, members of a national network serving military families since 1861. Our three guests share their passion for serving families through the YMCA and touch upon their personal experiences as Y kids. We even hear a personal story from Tim about the time when he needed help with his son - and the Y was there! With such a storied history - going back over 100 years alone for the Armed Services YMCA of San Diego - the future looks great! You know what else we heard? How excited each of their organizations are about being a part of San Diego Gives! They give great encouragement and insights as to how they and other organizations can leverage the resources to come together to lift San Diego higher. Why is San Diego so special? Think YMCA! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this incredible episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, Elizabeth Schott, the CEO of Accessity, and the two co-founders of Luna Norte, Jessica Blankley and Rosemary Newell. And what has brought Elizabeth, Jessica, and Rosemary together on this episode? A really special story. Seven years ago, the two budding entrepreneurs needed capital to launch Luna Norte, a jewelry company. And who did they turn to? Accessity, a 30 year old non-profit, Community Financial Development Institution. The result? A thriving company which now sells incredibly beautiful jewelry through multiple distribution channels - direct, retail and department stores. A thriving company we might add creating jobs, generating tax revenues for the community and now a company giving back! Yes, Luna Norte is now giving back. They've come full circle and now donate to Accessity to help keep the virtuous cycle moving along, enabling Accessity to help launch more companies. In fact, they donated to Accessity through San Diego Gives (as well as a handful of other non-profits they love). Talk about the velocity of money, the velocity of caring and the velocity of San Diego Gives. You know what else we heard? Elizabeth shared that San Diego Gives was very successful for Accessity. Not only did it exceed their goals, but one-third of the donors were NEW donors! She also mentioned the support services from San Diego Gives were stellar, which is why they were able to exceed their goals. What an episode! Accessity funds Luna Norte and Luna Norte then funds Accessity through San Diego Gives! Well done to Elizabeth, Jessica and Rosemary! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this heart warming episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, and Wanda Ruben, a donor to San Diego Gives and the Urgent Care Operations Manager for San Ysidro Health. Wanda, a Nurse Practitioner, shares her incredible story as a mother of five young children coming to America in 1990 from the U.S.V.I. after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo. Shortly after arriving in America, Wanda's youngest son, 9 months old, fell very ill with meningitis. Wanda was so moved by the compassion and care from the nurses for a stranger - her son - that she went home to tell her husband she was going to become a nurse and be there for other mothers. From that point on, the trajectory of her life changed and Wanda has forever been moved to help others. Which is also why she became a donor to San Diego Gives - she has trust and care in her heart and knows the money will go to great use. Just an absolutely great story. But even better as we're happy to say that Wanda's youngest son is now 33 years old! Wanda Ruben - thank you for ALL that you do and for your donation to San Diego Gives! Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, and Sara Vaz, the Community Relations Manager for Nordson Corporation. Founded in 1954 by Walter Nord and his two sons (and thus the name Nordson!), this publicly traded, $2.6 billion company with 600+ employees in Carlsbad, epitomizes exactly what it means to be a great community partner. Why is this, you might be thinking? Sara shares with our listeners that from day one - right in the initial charter for the company - Nordson distributes 5% of its US profits to local community needs. This is astounding for a public company and reflective of the DNA of this great organization. Sara goes on to share that approximately 70% of local community distributions go toward K-12 education, with the remaining funds going toward human wlefare needs, arts & culture, and civic engagement. We also learn how Sara and Nordson became involved with San Diego Gives. Let's just say that she was there at the very beginning brainstorming sessions! And, she liked what was happening so much that Nordson became the initial corporate sponsor to help get this great idea into orbit. What does she love about San Diego Gives? Many things, but she loves that it is grassroots and helps so many smaller non-profits without full time funidng professionals on staff. Sara Vaz and Nordson - thank you for ALL that you do! Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, and Trevor Blair, the CEO of Blair Search Partners. With over 18 years of experience in the fields of executive search, recruiting, staffing, coaching and workforce development, Blair and his team serve the San Diego non-profit and public sector organizations with retained search and recruiting services. A San Diego native who grew up with parents who were very focused on community service and philanthropy, Blair is passionate about the non-proft world and the sharing economy that is San Diego and works tirelessly to help his friends, clients and colleagues build a better San Diego. And speaking of building a better San Diego, Blair said "yes" immediately when Sharyn Goodson asked for his sponsorship and involvement with San Diego Gives. His work has extended to San Diego Gives University, which included the #1 viewed presentation he made on "career advancement." He loves that San Diego Gives has four components he considers essential for success: inpact focused, networking component, social aspect, and brain food with talented people! Trevor, who knows the world of social impact well, gives a fascinating perspective on competition and innovation in the non-profit space and what he describes as a Silicon Valley model for non-profits. One great takeaway for the San Diego Gives community: find your right size, essentially advising that growth for growth's sake doesn't mean better services or outcomes. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this very touching episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a wonderful and important conversation between Charles Parisi (the guest host filling in for Dave Mason), co-host Hannah Jaime, the Executive Director of Helping PAWS and a Steering Committee member of San Diego Gives, Stephanie Ortega, the COO of Promises 2 Kids, and Juliana Lopez, an entrepreneur, mother of two and a former foster youth with a deep connection to Promises 2 Kids. Listeners are also joined by the beautiful sounds of Juliana's son, in many respects the shining example of the importance of Promises 2 Kids. Through Juliana's story - taken into foster care at age 3 - we learn the incredible array of services provided by Stephanie and the team at Promises 2 Kids. From safety, healthcare, and wellness to academic achievement, mentoring and college scholarships, Promises 2 Kids is there in every way possible for their kids. Juliana and Stephanie, who enjoy a very special relationship, share with listeners the importance of supporting foster youth through many programs such as Camp Connect, Something Special and the Guardian's Scholars. In fact, we learn that Juliana was one of the first Guardian Scholars at San Francisco State, which provided her with the financial support she needed just as an error happened with her financial aid. Without Promises 2 Kids, how would the story of Juliana have been different? We'll never know, which is the power of Promises 2 Kids. We also learn that Juliana has started a business and has quite the baker's touch with her French macarons! In fact, Juliana and her baby were working during the episode on her very first Farmer's Market - the classic multi-tasking mompreneur! San Diego Gives is proud of Stephanie Ortega, Promises 2 Kids, and Juliana Lopez for being a shining example of how humans turn adversity into ascent, reflected in the mother she has become, driven to provide for her children all that she did not have. Well done, very well done. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a wonderful conversation between Charles Parisi (the guest host filling in for Dave Mason), co-host Hannah Jaime, the Executive Director of Helping PAWS and a Steering Committee member of San Diego Gives, and Kathleen Sandoval, the Director of Marketing and Events for the nationally renowned San Diego Children's Discovery Museum (SDCDM). Driven by her passion for working with children, Kathleen, who thrives from the natural wonder and curiosity of children, shares with listeners how this very special hands-on STEM museum, combined with art and reading, has created a one-of-a-kind "STREAM" place and space of exploration, all wrapped in a cocoon of a "learn by playing" approach. Kathleen, who joined SDCDM in 2019, just in time to enjoy the evolutionary chaos of COVID, shares how it was a period of great transformation and strategic reflection for SDCDM, all for the benefit of the 4-5 year old children it serves.Kathleen was also extraordinarily generous with respect to her appreciation for San Diego Gives. We learned that as a result of its relationship with San Diego Gives, over 1100 children and adults enjoyed reduced admission to the museum! Now that is impact! Her advice to all non-profits: lean-in to San Diego Gives and take full advantage of the marketing opportunity which provides an uncluttered, focused and local giving story to share with new and existing donors. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a master class conversation between Charles Parisi (the guest host filling in for Dave Mason), co-host Hannah Jaime, the Executive Director of Helping PAWS and a Steering Committee member of San Diego Gives, and Drew Schlosberg, the Host of Spotlight On The Community, one of the longest running podcasts in history, as well as the CEO of Xtra Weekly and President of DS Studio. Drew, the eminence grise of San Diego non-profits, and formerly the head of PR and Community Affairs for the San Diego Union-Tribune, shares incredible wisdom and best practices from the many leaders and non-profits he has observed, served and interviewed over the years. With 5,000+ episodes recorded, Drew has quite a list of tips, strategies and best practices for the San Diego Gives community. Here are six ideas and thoughts: - Connectivity capital is the bread and butter for non-profits and often more valuable than money- The importance of building relationships- The essentiality of networking- The importance of the Board members- The power of saying thank you and a thank you note- Trust and honesty are non-negotiable - Putting ego to the side in the interest of serviceDrew even discusses leadership with a mention of Dr. Paula Cordeiro, the former Dean of USD's School of Leadership & Education Sciences (SOLES), as one of many he has admired. He also correctly points out that behind the scenes leaders are also essential in great organizations and makes mention of Carrie Scott and her service to the San Diego Council on Literacy. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a warm and insightful conversation between Charles Parisi (the guest host filling in for Dave Mason), co-host Hannah Jaime, the Executive Director of Helping PAWS and a Steering Committee member of San Diego Gives, and three exceptional non-profits with an exclusive focus on serving the holistic needs of the Jewish community in San Diego: Karen Perry, the Executive Director of Hillel San Diego, Mindi Frankel, the Executive Director of Hebrew Free Loan San Diego, and Mark Greenberg, the Development Director of Kindness Initiative. We learn almost instantly that these three organizations embody the true spirit of San Diego Gives in how they collaborate to serve their community. It is about the human being served, and the answer often involves close collaboration. In the case of Hillel, we learn that in the service of Jewish students, finances are often an issue and who do they turn to? Hebrew Free Loan! And when Kindness Initiative identifies a need, they also turn to Hebrew Free Loan. And vice versa. Kindness Initiative and their Volunteer Angels are always ready to serve Hillel and Hebrew Free Loan. Quite an interconnected model that is working to serve a rather large need in San Diego, with 20% of the Jewish community at or on the cusp of poverty. Whether it is finances, food insecurity, spiritual support, or just the all-important feeling of connection, these three stellar leaders and organizations make it happen every single day for the Jewish community. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In yet another great episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service, and long-time fundraising professional and trainer, Jack Alotto. Currently a Trainer and Product Developer with National University's Fundraising Academy, Jack has worked with countless non-profits over the years in helping them raise their game on the capital acquisition front. Jack has also been critical in course development for San Diego Gives University and even taught some classes! What we hear loud and clear from Jack is that to be successful at securing donations, you must be laser focused on building a long-term relationship and understanding the needs of the donor. Generally, donors act out of love for a cause and the desire for impact, and you must be willing to act with long-term intentions and always remember that "donors are not ATMs"!! Well said, Jack. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service, and Nita Kurmins Gilson, the Executive Director of ProduceGood. The classic story of "see a problem and solve it", ProduceGood has gone from humble beginnings, picking up fruit from trees in just one local neighborhood, to what is today a 3,000 volunteer organization encompassing 700 growers and 60 feeding partners. Listeners learn of the immense nature of the challenge in a community where 40% of food is wasted and 25% are food challenged. San Diego Gives is so proud of ProduceGood for their excellence, empathy and execution in getting precious produce from grower to plate! We were also inspired by Nita's beautiful story of inspiration - her very own daughter - who has gone on to become a lawyer focusing on social justice. Since this show is also about gleaning best practices from Sam Diego Gives members, listen in to hear about the importance and first class social media platform of ProduceGood. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between three non-profit leaders and early adopters of the San Diego Gives mission! Dave Mason, the Host, along with this episode's co-host, David Drazenovich, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service, sit down with Susan Arias, the Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, Justin Buhagiar, the Business Development Manager for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, and DeMilo Young, the CEO & Executive Director of the BIPOC Support Foundation. We hear from each of them a snippet of the work which makes them most proud of their organizations. All we'll say is we're proud that they are part of San Diego Gives - they are doing great work! We also hear loud and clear the core message of San Diego Gives: collaboration and connection, including how these three non-profits are already collaborating. A particularly powerful moment resonated on this episode when we hear how San Diego Gives is a platform to "influence a culture of philanthropy." That made our day (and year!). Also impactful was how they see San Diego Gives as an opportunity to "re-engage donors" and as a platform to "reach out to new and younger donors." Well done, we say, to our powerful non-profit leaders! Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between two of the great community catalysts who made San Diego Gives a reality! Dave Mason, the Host, sits down with those very fine humans, Lauren Welch, the Director of San Diego Gives, and David Drazenovich, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service. We learn all about the big bang, pandemic-fueled moment when "Fundraising Fridays" evolved into San Diego Gives. And what an evolution it has been! From 0 to 327 non-profit participants in the second year, over $1 million dollars raised and in excess of 1,000 NEW donors compared to 2021. Well done, we say, well done! Lauren, David and Dave also discuss some of the unexpected benefits of the 2022 campaign - one of which is this podcast, providing a weekly opportunity to celebrate the community and the many incredible non-profits who are San Diego Gives! It was quite a second year...and year three will be even better! Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, Lauren Welch, the Director of San Diego Gives, and three remarkable, hardworking and visionary Committee Members for San Diego Gives. And who might these three great humans be? David Drazenovic, the Director of Development for Palomar Family Counseling Service, Dominique Dashwood, the Program Lead for ProduceGood, and Wes Burt, the Founder and Executive Director for +BOX. In addition to the laughs and camaraderie between Dave, Lauren and The Remarkables (!), you'll hear yet again about the spirit, the collaboration, and the lifting of communities that is the heart and soul of San Diego Gives. You'll also hear about the daily remarkable missions of the three organizations in helping with mental health, healthy produce and student hunger. Well done, David, Dominique, and Wes - we're proud to have you with San Diego Gives! Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a "trifecta" conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, Lauren Welch, the Director of San Diego Gives, and three exceptional non-profits. Joining the show were Katie Woolsey, the Grant Manager from the San Diego Humane Society, Gretchen Veihl, the Director of Philanthropy for Elder Help, and Kyle Kennedy, the CEO of Urban Corps. We hear from each leader as to the importance of the collaboration and the funding opportunities made available through the affiliation with San Diego Gives. One cool reveal during the show is how Elder Help collaborates with the Humane Society for pet care for elders! This is the true spirit of San Diego Gives - build capacity, collaborate and serve the community! And what were the target areas for funding and support for this year's San Diego Gives fundraising campaign for each non-profit?San Diego Humane Society - improving access to vet careElder Help - increasing volunteerismUrban Corps - wrap around services, with eyeglasses being a stellar exampleThank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, Lauren Welch, the Director of San Diego Gives, and Min Kim, the Program Officer for the Alliance Healthcare Foundation, a powerful member of San Diego Gives and an organization which has distributed over $100 million to advance health and wellness for the community we love - San Diego! In addition to the laughs and camaraderie between Dave, Lauren and Min, you'll hear about the various programs of Alliance Healthcare and why they are such a supporter, cheerleader and connector for San Diego Gives. And, why they provided initial funding for San Diego Gives University, which we learn on the episode has already had over 500 attendees! That is what we call an impactful university! If you're interested in learning more about how this powerful member of San Diego Gives generates impact, consider checking out their 2022 Community Impact Report by visiting www.alliancehf.org. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this very first episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, and Lauren Welch, the Director of San Diego Gives, and Sharyn Goodson, the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Leichtag Foundation. From the how and why behind the creation of San Diego Gives and the support of Urban Corps (where Lauren Welch applies her vast skills) and the Leichtag Foundation, to the courses available through San Diego Gives University, this first episode gives a great foundation to all that is to come from the "Live Local, Give Local" podcast. Of course, we also hear about the idea and purpose behind launching the podcast for the San Diego Gives community. Think audio-curriculum! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.

In this pilot episode, two individuals very closely tied to the creation and launch of San Diego Gives, Lauren Welch with Urban Corps and Sharyn Goodson with Leichtag Foundation, sit down to discuss the back story on San Diego Gives and the purpose for "Live Local, Give Local." And, we hear quite a bit about the many amazing services for the non-profit members of San Diego Gives. For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.