Spring 2008                            San Diego Human Dignity Foundation Newsletter

A Message from David Miles, President of the Board of Directors

I am proud to announce that the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s John McCusker Memorial Scholarship Fund will support a PFLAG scholarship for the next two years. On April 28, 2008, I had the pleasure of presenting the first $1,000 scholarship in John’s memory to Anne Reynolds. She will use it to support her post-graduate work in English studies at San Diego State University.

The PFLAG scholarship program is a great example of how an organization can transform their passion into meaningful support for our LGBT community in San Diego. This year PFLAG has awarded scholarships to seven LGBT students who will be enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate programs Fall 2008. These seven were selected from a large number of applicants based upon commitment to their goals in their chosen field, an essay, financial need and academic achievement.

Each award recipient read a portion of their application essay for the audience at the PFLAG scholarship award ceremony. A common theme was their commitment to community service as well as their own personal growth. Listening to them, I was reminded that like PFLAG’s program, the memorial fund established by John McCusker’s friends and family has ensured that the passion he had for education and community service will always be a strong positive influence on individuals and our community.

Be A Part of the Art! The Art of Generosity, May 17, 2008. 

The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s Annual Gala, The Art of Generosity, will be held May 17, 2008, at the Westin Horton Plaza. Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours today at www.myLGBTfoundation.org. Just as other art exhibitions celebrate artists and their work, The Art of Generosity will exhibit the practice and benefits of this philanthropic art form in our community. It will be an engaging, creative evening where guests will hear, see, and touch the many variations of The Art of Generosity that come through your San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. Enjoy a night of unique cocktails, full gourmet dinner and live entertainment and a unique photo exhibit of our grantees. Live, musical entertainment will be provided by The Sounds of Generosity featuring Grammy and Emmy award winning performers of smooth and Latin jazz.

We wish to thank our generous sponsors:

The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation has partnered with San Diego MET High to provide internship opportunities for the students in grades 9 – 12.  We welcome Edgar Parra as the Foundation’s first MET High intern! 

Since March, Edgar has been a welcome addition to Foundation operations, assisting with donor acknowledgements and Gala event planning.  Edgar graduates from San Diego MET High in June 2008 and plans to enter undergraduate studies in microbiology in the fall.  Thank you, Edgar, for all your hard work and commitment to SDHDF!

An Interview with Jacquelyn J. Wilson, MD, Board Member of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation

Jacquelyn Wilson, MD, has been a dedicated, forward thinking board member for the past six years. She was first introduced to the Foundation and its mission by Bill Beck. She has contributed to the Foundation's growth while serving on the Board with her strategic and forward thinking. "I see the success and growth of our Foundation based on building stronger, collaborative alliances between the LGBT and straight communities - after all that is how the Foundation was started - reaching out and making strong corporate connections will be integral to our success, as well. The entire world is moving toward a more powerful collaborative mode, and we should, too. We continue to move in the right direction, and our future is bright." Jackie has served on the Foundation's Grants Committee as well as the Marketing Committee. When not giving time to the Foundation, she volunteers at the San Diego Cancer Center, a non-profit cancer support group which is part of UCSD Hospital's integrated treatment program for cancer patients. In the 1980's and 90's, she volunteered with the Holistic AIDS Response Program emphasizing the importance of nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and other non-toxic therapies for those with HIV/AIDS. Jackie is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, serving fifteen years on the board, and has been a volunteer faculty member at UCSD School of Medicine teaching doctor/patient relationships courses. She hopes to see a day when there will be a Human Dignity Museum in San Diego "where people can go to learn about the harm that can be inflicted and the suffering that is caused by others due to prejudice." Thank you, Dr. Wilson, for your passionate dedication to the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation and our community.

WIGFEST: A Celebration of Life and Hair!

Congratulations to all that made this year's Wigfest: A Celebration of Life and Hair! a huge success. The sold out event took place on February 2, 2008. The proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the B-Cause Breast Cancer Fund at the SDHDF. Thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers, staff, and to those who attended for making this year's event so fun and memorable!

If you would like to make a donation to the B-Cause Fund, visit http://sdhdf.org/donoradvisedfunds/bcauseyoucare.html or call the SDHDF office at 619-291-3383.

San Diego Human Dignity Foundation partners with Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute

Planning for your future can be overwhelming. Add in the challenges of doing so without a legally recognized relationship, and it can be downright depressing. We can help. In partnership with Prudential, SDHDF and the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute is sponsoring a luncheon seminar focused on the financial planning and retirement needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families.

This seminar will focus on providing important information on what you can do to provide for your future and protect your loved ones.

• Date: May 29, 2008
• Time: 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Zocalo Grill—2444 San Diego Ave, SD CA 92120 (Located off I-5, at Old Town Avenue).
• The luncheon is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP today

For any questions or to RSVP, contact Stacie Freasier at Stacie@sdhdf.org or 619-291-3383.

June 11, 2008: Charitable Giving Strategies Seminar with Ameriprise Financial.

You are welcome to attend this informational seminar to be held on June 11, 2008 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at California Cuisine located at 1027 University Avenue, San Diego, CA  92103.  The luncheon is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP today.  For any questions or to RSVP contact Stacie Freasier at Stacie@sdhdf.org or 619-291-3383.