Don Diego Gala-goers know her as the friendly face who welcomes them, directs them to their table, answers their questions, handles this, that, and everything, and is always helpful, smiling, competent, and charming. Gina Segawa-Scott is the kind of volunteer every organization needs and wants, and Don Diego is fortunate to have her support at our annual Gala at the San Diego County Fair.
Gina says, “It’s my pleasure to give back to the Foundation that supported my daughter, Taite Tephabock, with three 2023 scholarships totaling $13,000.” Fueled by the money and her innate drive to excel, Taite will graduate from Cal Poly Pomona in Spring 2027 with a degree in Animal Science.
Gina recounts, “After Taite won, I discovered the great things Don Diego does for students; many from lower-income families as I was growing up. Seeing the substantial money they invest in students made me want to invest in them.”
After attending the 2023 Gala with Taite, Gina asked Executive Director Ashley Colburn McCaughan, “Do you need a volunteer for next year’s Gala?” Ashley’s response was immediate: “Absolutely!”
We All Need to Give Back to Each Other
Preceding each Gala, Gina helps with set-up, centerpiece creation, and “whatever is needed.” She’s been doing “whatever is needed” since her teenage days volunteering at her local Boys & Girls Club and later at her church, her three children’s schools, and elsewhere. Taite has inherited her mom’s give-back spirit; volunteering, for example as a Rose Bowl float decorator.
“I enjoy being part of Don Diego,” Gina confirms. “It’s a positive organization that changes lives.” Volunteering is deeply ingrained in her nature: “We all need to give back to each other in this world.”