President's Message

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the mid-point of 2019!  I think this is a perfect time to highlight our first half accomplishments and to share upcoming activities!  

In 2019 the Board of Directors is focused on increasing value for members through enhanced education, networking and communications, and growing our organization by enrolling new members. 

Membership 

Membership is the life-blood of a volunteer organization - fresh perspectives and new members keep us relevant as an organization.  That’s why we are offering two mid-year membership specials effective until June 30th

·     First-time members can join us at a 50% discounted fee of $65 

·     Past members can renew for 2019 at a 25% discount of $100

Click here to join before the offer expires!

Our annual dues are $125, so I encourage you to take advantage of these special one-time discounts offers which expire on 6/30/19.  Contact Julie Lukoski at friendsofdowntownsd@gmail.comfor more information or for assistance. 

Education & Networking Events

At our May Luncheon we heard from by Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen and his team at Protea Waterfront Development, where we had a sold-out crowd of 40+ members and guests!   If you missed hearing about the big changes on the horizon for downtown San Diego’s skyline and Seaport Village, you can read a summary on our website and stay tuned as we hope to have Gaf back for an encore presentation later this year!

We have superb speakers and venues for the remaining luncheons, including: 

Rafael Castellanos, San Diego Port Commissioner; San Diego Law Library Tour, Malmuth Development / I.D.E.A. District (Innovation, Design, Education and Arts) update, and Todd Gloria, Assembly person, as well as our annual San Diego City College Scholarship Award Presentation and Holiday Luncheons.

I urge you to register early and to bring guests who would benefit from becoming a FOD member.   

San Diego City College Scholarship Program 

It was such a pleasure to see so many members, guests, and of course, sponsors at our Annual Fundraising Luncheon on April 11th!   As always the University Club was an outstanding host, not to mention the best view in town!  

There are many people to thank for making this event a success, especially our sponsors and donors.  I am proud to report that while we raised $30,000 and are well on our way to meeting our goal of awarding at least 50 scholarships in 2019, we still have a way to go.  Please consider making a donation or asking your company, business partners and personal network to contribute to this very worthy cause.  We have $10,000 to go to achieve our 2019 goal of $40,000.

Communications and Social Media

I am thrilled to announce that our website has been modernized and enhanced, thanks to the efforts of our talented member Angela DiDio.  I hope you’ll visit the site regularly to get new information, particularly including our Blog series featuring member profiles and event summaries.  

Along with our new website you may have noticed that we are ramping up our social media activity to keep you informed, to grow our community profile and to attract new members. You can help by following, liking and sharing our Facebook and Instagram posts as well as creating your own posts!  

As a reminder … 

We are a 100% volunteer organization, and I am looking for members to step into committee or Board positions. Please let me know if you are interested and willing to help us run and grow our organization and ultimately improve our community.  

Again, I want to thank you each of for your enthusiasm and support for Friends of Downtown.  

Christine Baker

President, Friends of Downtown