Before the icing on the cake – the concert by the legendary Doobies – the event featured hosted cocktails and a gourmet dinner at the apex of the Turf Club. While below, elephants circled, rides twirled and crowds swirled, Gala guests mingled, met the Fund’s four scholarship recipients and bid on fantastic silent auction items.
The event was a “Who’s Who” of San Diego business and society, including DDF Chair Paul Ecke III, Vice Chair and Gala Committee Chair Jon Liss, Board member and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President Joe Harper, a table of guests from major Fund sponsor Sycuan Casino, and KYXY host Sam Bass, who later introduced the recipients on stage before the concert, where Fund guests enjoyed VIP, stagefront seating.
The featured guests were the Don Diego Fund Class of 2011 recipients, each of whom will take a $5,000 scholarship award with them when they begin achieving their dreams at the college of their choice this fall. In attendance with their families were Katelyn O’Brien, Brett Huff, Daniel Menno and Prithvi Undavalli.
DDF Executive Director Chana Mannen relates, “Each year’s crop of recipients is special, but these four students are unique and amazing. I was delighted to observe them at the Gala; going right up to people, introducing themselves and thanking them for contributing to their education.”
At the dinner, Brett Huff’s mother, Debora, confided, “This scholarship brings Don Diego full circle for my family. As the 1976 ‘Miss Ramona,’ I was a member of the ‘Fairest of the Fair’ court and got to know Mr. Hernandez, the man who played the role of Don Diego. He was a true gentleman and a great ambassador for the Fair. Now, to see my son as a beneficiary is unbelievable and very exciting!”
Amber Fields, Manager of Public Affairs for The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, said, “We are honored to be part of this event and support the Don Diego Fund. Education is important to the Sycuan Tribe and we are proud to support these outstanding students. I have enjoyed meeting and talking with them. I’m sure they’re all headed for success.”
As each student rose to speak with feeling and sincerity to the 150+ people in attendance, it seems certain that they are headed for bright futures, thanks to their own initiative, their parents’ encouragement and the support of The Don Diego Fund.
Chair Paul Ecke notes, “For all of us on the Board and for all who contribute to the Fund, this event makes us realize the significance of our efforts, eloquently reflected on the four students’ faces so full of optimism and confidence for the future.”
To obtain more information on year-round Don Diego Fund activities and opportunities for participation and support, please visit www.dondiegofund.org, email cmannen@sdfair.com or call 858.792.4210.
The Don Diego Fund is a nonprofit scholarship program of the San Diego County Fair. It was formed in 1986 as a lasting tribute to Tom Hernandez, who, in the role of Don Diego, served as the legendary goodwill ambassador of the Fair from 1947 until his death in 1984. To date, the Fund has awarded $556,000 in scholarships and grants, helping 130 students pursue higher education.