President's Message
2019 was a record-setting year for #FODSD! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Board of Directors, seasoned members and many new members for your support and participation.
Our goals this year were to take our organization from good to great by:
· Growing membership through compelling events and enhance digital communications
· Raising community impact through increased fundraising and community service activities
· Improving operations through new processes, automation and additional board and committee members
I am thrilled, proud and humbled by what our organization has accomplished this year!
Signature Accomplishments
Under Julie Lukoski’s leadership we significantly increased our membership roster and held a new-member happy hour in September to welcome the newcomers. At our Monthly Luncheons we implemented new processes to streamline operations and hosted community leaders and institutions including Todd Gloria, Rafael Castellano, Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen and the Protea Waterfront Development team, San Diego Law Library and the San Diego Police Department. Lori Vialpondo managed our venues, taking us to many favorite restaurants in downtown.
We strengthened our relationship with San Diego City College and continued to improve the scholarship program, run by Patricia Waldron. And as a new Board Member, Ben Price helped us solicit new donors and we raised funds to award 30% more scholarships in 2019 to SDCC students
We partnered with Santaluz Community, thanks to Ashley Roberts’ efforts, and welcomed BakerNowicki Design Studio as a new partner as we filled 50% more holiday bags. Under Lori Carpenter’s leadership, Serving Seniors delivered these holiday bags in December to 150 low-income seniors in our community who are unable to leave their homes.
We have a new, modern website thanks to our long-time member Angela Dido, enhanced monthly newsletters and electronic communiqués thanks to new Communications Chair Crystal Bonetto and active Facebook and Instagramaccounts thanks to new member Stefanie O’Sullivan.
Board of Directors
Our Officers continue to set strategic direction, run the organization, manage our finances and ensure compliance. I am personally very grateful to Erika Migliore who has been Treasurer for 4 years, Nancy Anderson Martin who has been a Board Member for many years and Secretary for 3 years, and Patricia Waldron who has been Scholarship Chair for two years and stepped in to Vice President role this year.
I am delighted that we will retain all current Officers and Board Members, AND welcome new Board Members in 2020:
Tracie Hasse – Program Chair
Stefanie O’Sullivan – Social Media Chair
Jessica Schatz – Scholarship Chair
2020 Goals and Activities
This strong board will help us continue to grow our organization and the value we provide to members and to our community. In 2020 our focus is to:
· Attract, retain, engage and recognize members
· Upgrade event processes, programs, venues and networking opportunities
· Enhance member communications, social channels and external visibility
· Expand events to increase fundraising, networking and community
To that end I am excited to announce that we will hold our first-ever Fundraising Golf Tournament in 2020 at Coronado Golf Course. Mark your calendars for August 28th, and stay tuned for more information. We are fortunate to have new member (and former golf pro) Aaron Rhine and Ben Price spearheading this event for us.
Monthly Luncheons
We already have a slate of excellent programs planned for 2020, so make plans to join us for these Monthly Luncheons
January 16th
Starting Your Year Right - Bringing Hope and Direction to Your Purpose!
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Manna Ko; Author of 2 dozen books including her top selling autobiography “Made For More,” International Speaker, TED Talk Speaker
February 20th
The Changing Landscape of Media & How KPBS is Adopting to a Digital Multi-Platform Industry
Guest Speaker:
Tom Karlo, General Manager of KPBS
March 19th
San Diego Symphony’s NEW BAYSIDE Ampitheater Project Update!
Guest Speaker:
Martha Gilmer, CEO of the San Diego Symphony
As a reminder …
We are a 100% volunteer organization, and I am asking for members to step up and participate in the success of our organization. We will require lots of hands on deck for our golf tournament so please let me know if you are interested and willing to help us grow our organization and ultimately improve our community outreach.
Again, I want to thank you each of for your enthusiasm and support for Friends of Downtown as we take our organization from Great to Awesome in 2020.
Christine Baker
President, Friends of Downtown