Monday Morning Good News: April 22

The Greater San Diego chapter of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) introduced the three recipients of its 2013 Father of the Year Awards at a kickoff reception on April 3 at the University Club. Donald Ankeny, president/CEO of Westcore Properties;  Jim Fitzpatrick, owner, CEO and publisher of San Diego Magazine; and Todd Leigh, attorney with Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch will be honored at the 10^th annual Father of the Year Awards on June 6 at Hyatt Regency La Jolla. The program is presented by the Father’s Day Council honoring fathers in the U.S. who have demonstrated the ability to balance their personal lives, serve as role models of strength, commitment and love for their children and help make positive contributions to their communities.

Grossmont Hospital Foundation hosted “A Day on the Green” for Patient Care, its 29^th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament on Apr. 18 at Sycuan Resort.  The tournament raised more than $360,000 to improve health care for the East County community by increasing hospital capacity, purchasing new technology and support programs at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Title sponsors were EDCO Disposal Corporation, Grossmont Shopping Center and the Shea Family.

Tri-City Hospital Foundation’s second annual Fashion that Heals champagne luncheon and fashion event is set for May 4 at the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront hotel. San Diego Imaging, Bellus Academy, Tri-City Emergency Medical Group, Federal Heath Sign Company and Datron are among the sponsors for the event. Two-time breast cancer survivor Diane Scholfield will be one of several fashion show models who have had personal experience with breast cancer and the care available through Tri-City Medical Center.

Old California Restaurant Row ArtWallk is being held on May 5 and will be catering their creations to the Mexican-American Heritage Celebrations. The ArtWalk will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the North County Communities. San Marcos resident Joanne Tawflis, the founder of Art Miles will offer hands-on mural painting at the May ArtWalk.

Higgs Fletcher & Mack awarded a $3,500 scholarship to Thomas Wang, a second-year law student at California Western School of Law and an Asian immigrant. The Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate ethical and/or civic leadership, as well as a commitment to providing services to underrepresented groups in the community.

The 32^nd Annual Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala, Evening of “Epicurean Elegance” is being held on Apr. 27 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. Benefitting the University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, the event will feature 11 prominent chefs preparing their signature hors d’oeuvres paired with fine wine. This year, all proceeds will support the cancer center’s visionary initiative MyAnswertoCancer™, which uses DNA analysis to make personalized cancer treatment a reality. Chairing the event this year are Joann and Eric Weitzen who both lost a parent to cancer.

The San Diego Foundation Our Aging Society Program awarded a $20,000 grant to Jewish Family Services for their Aging and Wellness Program. The funds will support the Cyber Café at the College Avenue Center and transportation through On the Go to and from the College Avenue Center through February of 2014. The Aging & Wellness Services of Jewish Family Service delivers programming to more than 4,000 older adults annually across the country’s most densely populated areas.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center held its 15^th Annual Morning Glory Brunch on Apr. 13 in the Organic Garden in El Cajon. Sycuan Casino was the Title Sponsor and others included Video Fact, Waste Management, KPBS, Lundy Insurance Services and San Diego County Credit Union.  Over 20 food and beverage stations from local restaurants participated as well as entertainment and children activities. Funds raised support the Organic Garden and Aquatics Program.

Connie Duckworth, Founder and CEO of ARZU(which means “hope” in Dari” will be exhibiting ARZU Studio Hope’s New Collection on May 2 at The White Box Gallery in downtown San Diego. Proceeds from the sale of the works will benefit Afghan women and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them with a steady income and benefits, including access to education and healthcare.

Please send news items to Joyce Glazer at [email protected].