Monday Morning Good News: May 27

Ronald McDonald House raised $2 million on the 9^th Annual Dream House Raffle. The winner was announced on May 18 when supporters gathered at the Ronald McDonald House. Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego said “Every year we are amazed by the generosity of raffle participants and this year was no exception, so we were excited to spread some of that joy this morning by announcing many raffle prize winners.”  Other prizes awarded included a 2013 Porsche Boxster and a 2013 Fiat 500. Funds raised from this year’s Dream House Raffle will help the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego operate its 47 overnight guest suites and its Family Care Center, which is open to anyone with a child being treated at a local hospital.

Grossmont Healthcare District named the winners of its 2013 Healthcare Hero awards given to volunteers for their contributions to improve healthcare in the East County.  The awards were presented at a luncheon held at Sycuan Resort on May 15. Winners included Frank Ault, a volunteer firefighter; Philip Bresnick, financial planner with Morgan Stanley; Connie Conard, philanthropist; Dr. Susan Kaweski, volunteer for Project Access San Diego; Dr. Ernest Shaw, mentor to medical students; and Chase Whittaker of West Hills High School.

Lions, Tigers & Bears held its annual Wild in the Country Gala on May 4. The event raised $136,000 to support the operations at the sanctuary and is a celebration in itself-the sanctuary is celebrating 10 years of saving lives this year.

Mental Health Systems is hosting events throughout San Diego County during the month of May to raise awareness for Mental Health Month. MHS President and CEO Kim Bond said, “Our commitment to improving people’s lives and instilling hope is unwavering year-round, but it’s certainly nice to be able to recognize the good things MHS does in conjunction with May being Mental Health Month.”

San Diego Padres honored the recipients of the first of four Hispanic Heritage Comunidad Awards for 2013 on May 17. Carmen Delgadillo, founder of the Friends of Scott Foundation and Richard Nares, founder of the Emilio Nares Foundation were selected as co-recipients of the award by members of the Padres ‘Hispanic Community Leadership Council for their dedication to improving the lives of families and youth, specifically in the area of children’s health. Padres President and CEO Tom Garfinkel said “their service to our community has positively impacted countless families.”

The San Diego Women’s Foundation is issuing grants totaling $166,000. The 2013 grant recipients are: Able-Disabled Advocacy: Career Smart; San Diego County Medical Society Foundation: Project Access San Diego; San Diego Public Library: San Diego Public Library: READ/San Diego; YMCA Youth Services & Family Services: YMCA Kinship Support Services. The SDWF Annual Grants Celebration will be held on June 4 at the Francis Parker School.

Holland America Line was awarded the Cruise Line of the Year by the New York Travel Writers Society.  Twenty categories and 20 awards were announced in the first annual Business Awards on May 15, 2013. Holland America’s Award was in the category of Charitable Causes or Charities Supported by Companies.

STAR/PAL’s SUPERHEROES for Youth 13^th Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon was held on May 17 at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center.  $110,000 was raised to bring youth and law enforcement together to build safer communities. The 2013 SUPERHOES for Youth Award Honorees were Jerry Sanders and Rana Sampson. Corrections Corporations of America, US Bank, San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres, Sycuan Resorts, Jack in the Box, Kearny Pearson Ford and Union Bank were sponsors.

The May 17^th BBQ fundraiser sponsored by Zodiac P.A.T.H. (Providing Alternative Tomorrows Hope) raised $600 to be matched by Zodiac Pool Systems. The event was held at Zodiac’s headquarters in Carlsbad. The funds will go to the Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School to purchase school supplies for children. The PATH team will hold two additional school supply fundraisers over the summer and is partnering with Staples.

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