Presidents Message Q3 2020

September 2020

While the world keeps spinning FODSD continues on our mission to deliver value (digitally) to you – people whom live, work and play in downtown San Diego.

Circumstances have caused us to pivot from meeting in person, and starting in May we went virtual with our monthly Lunch @ HOME presentations. Given the current landscape, for the remainder of 2020 we plan to continue operating on-line and to advance our mission:

  • Education, networking and communications for members

  • Financial support for San Diego City College students and Seniors shut-ins living in the

    downtown area

Here is a summary of our new engagement model, upcoming activities and goals for the second half of the year.

Events

Many of you have joined us on Zoom for our ‘Lunch @ HOME’ events, held on the THIRD Thursday of each month at noon. We’ve had excellent speakers giving us timely information on Horton Plaza, Convention Center, San Diego Symphony Orchestra and San Diego City College (SDCC). You can read – and forward to others - event summary blogs on our website.

Our events are free (though donations are optional and happily accepted) and we’ve made registering and attending events as quick and easy as possible. I urge you to register promptly when you receive invitations, as we’ve reached our online attendee limit several times! Mark your calendars for upcoming events:

  • September 17th – Rafael Castellanos, San Diego Port Commissioner

  • October 15th – Michael Trimble, Executive Director, Gaslamp Quarter Association

  • November 12th – The BIG Give – SDCC Scholarship Awards

  • December 10th – Holiday Event, Annual Meeting and 2021 Election

Communications & Social

Digital communications are essential these days, so we’ve increased and enhanced our newsletters, website and our Facebook and Instagram posts to keep you up-to-date.

You can help to keep our organization vital and visible! Share our posts and forward newsletters and invitations to individuals in your network who may be interested in our content, causes and community.

Self-Service

You can now complete the following activities online:

  • Questions about FODSD, Membership: email friendsofdowntownsd@gmail.com

  • Contribute: go on line and make a secure Donation

  • Tax receipts: download a Donation Receipt from our website

Board of Directors

Our Board has really stepped up and skilled up to implement new technologies and tools that keep us all connected. Join me in recognizing and thanking our 2020 Board:

Vice President, Patricia V Waldron

Secretary, Nancy Anderson
Treasurer, Erika Migliore

Communication Director, Crystal Bonetto

Program Director, Tracie Hasse

Membership Director, Julie Lukoski

Social Director, Stefanie O-Sullivan

Fundraising Director, Ben Price

Scholarship Director, Jessica Schatz

Students & Seniors

SDCC e-Grocery Program

As you may know, SDCC has an Emergency Food Pantry on campus, which is not able to dispense food during the pandemic and remains closed indefinably. Many students rely on the Pantry, so SDCC has created a way to electronically deliver $35 e-gift cards to students to purchase groceries at local supermarkets. We thank the FODSD members and guests who donated to this cause and it was a pleasure to send SDCC $1125 so students can get much-needed supplies. Thank you to everyone who supported this program!

SDCC Scholarship Program

Despite disruptions our 2020 scholarship program is underway! All processes from applications and interviews to recipient selection and awards will be digital this year. I am thrilled that we even during this challenging time we have raised $25,000 enough to award 33 students $750 scholarships. Our goal is to increase this to 40 scholarships (or $30,000). Contact Ben Price our Fundraising Director or Jessica Schatz our Scholarship Director for more information.

Seniors

We are coordinating with Serving Seniors on the best ways to support local low-income homebound seniors. For over 20 years FODSD have been putting together holiday gift bags for these individuals – read about our record-setting 2019 program. Stuffing the bags is a highlight for our partners, members and a wonderful way to help those in our community who have limited mobility, physical disability or other health issues. More information on how to donate or volunteer will be shared in the next 30 days.

Want to Get Involved?

FODSD is a 100% volunteer organization, and as we look forward to 2021, we are in search of 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 FODSD, our causes and our community, during this time when we are limited to digital connections. I look forward to resuming our regular in-person luncheons, members-only events and happy hours when it is safely permitted.

Christine Baker
President, Friends of Downtown San Diego

Friends of Downtown