The Don Diego Fund provides financial support for deserving San Diego County college-bound students. The fund was formed in 1986 as a lasting tribute to Tom Hernandez, who, in the role of Don Diego, was the legendary host of the San Diego County Fair from 1947 until his death in 1984.

By serving as the Fair’s goodwill ambassador, Don Diego has become indelibly linked to the Fair and its history. To honor this legacy, the Board of Directors of the Fair and an influential group of San Diegans provided the seed money to form the Don Diego Scholarship Trust Fund in 1985.

Since then, the name had changed to the Don Diego Fund and our mission is to provide college scholarships and grants for agricultural education. Our goal is to grow the Fund to add to the number and amount of scholarships and find more ways to enhance agricultural education. We raise funds with revenue from out annual gala, our Amigo Club and donations.

Please join us in making a difference in the lives of San Diego’s young people.

Paul Ecke

Chairman