News

June 26, 2018

Del Mar, CA… Thirty minutes before the gates to the San Diego County Fair open to the public on Plant*Grow*Eat (PGE) days, busloads of fresh produce-laden elementary students hop eagerly onto the infield Farm where enthusiastic volunteers judge their lovingly grown-from-seed lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, nasturtiums, beets and other edibles. Not every young farmer wins first place, but everyone receives a ribbon, warm accolades for their achievement and a hearty smile from the judges before they set off to pet animals, learn more about agriculture and nutrition from the ground up and, for some children, enjoy their first glimpse of the ocean.

Waiting to greet students on June 22, 2018 were people from organizations who sponsored buses from San Diego area Title I schools through Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s PGE Bus Transportation Program. The program funds buses for schools that could otherwise not afford to transport students to the Fair. Some sponsors, such as Teresa Palzkill, Immediate Past President of Les Dames de Escoffier, served as judges. Others were on-site to enjoy the fruits of their donations as seen in the eyes of happy children proud of their crops.

Ira Sharp, Grants Committee Chairman of the Del Mar Foundation, which has donated to the program for two consecutive years, said, “It’s such a kick to see the kids’ faces light up, even if their plant never grew beyond a little stem. Some of these children have never been honored before. Here, the judges take the time to talk to them and praise them. I love checking out their veggies and seeing the pure joy.”

The Del Mar Kiwanis contingent of Steve Gardella, Relda Colvin and Chuck Phillips were as […]

June 4, 2018

Del Mar, CA… Omaha-based Creighton University, the prestigious destination for Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s top 2018 recipient, Angelina (Gigi) Manasan of San Diego, says it offers a highly ranked education “where students learn to become leaders through service to others.” That makes it the ideal school for Angelina, who has epitomized leading through service – and adversity – throughout her young life.

Faced with multiple, daunting, health conditions starting as an infant, Gigi has turned obstacles into opportunities to help others – especially medically challenged children – and she’s done it with a huge smile on her face, a lei around her neck and positivity in her heart. She established her scholarship eligibility by performing hula with Na Pua Ilima O’Kehaulani at the San Diego County Fair for more than ten years. She was unanimously chosen to receive the top $5,000 Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship plus the coveted $5,000 Spanjian Family Scholarship through her interview with the Don Diego selection committee.

Chairman Roxana Foxx says that the committee members were impressed and moved by Gigi’s personal story, her accomplishments, her selfless desire to give back and her incredible resilience. She notes, “Gigi’s eclectic array of academic, extracurricular, work and volunteer achievements makes one ponder how this remarkable young woman can fit so many activities into her life and do everything so well while battling serious chronic conditions. She is simply awe-inspiring.”

Gigi is as humble as she is extraordinary. As a stellar Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) student who incorporates dancing, singing and theatre into her STEM + Arts = STEAM repertoire, Gigi was involved with Girls Who Code, Robotics and other high-tech efforts at Academy of Our Lady of Peace, where she earned a 4.2 GPA […]

June 1, 2018

Del Mar, CA… It’s time to get your bid on! Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s Online Auction of autographed guitars and other signed collectibles has opened at biddingforgood.com. Bidding closes at midnight on July 4, 2018.

Among the iconic items offered are guitars autographed by the 2016 San Diego County Fair Grandstand performers and by popular groups and individuals. Each item offers a buy-it-now option.

Auction proceeds benefit the Foundation’s educational programs, so when you win the bid of a guitar signed by a legendary musician, your donation is music to the ears of future leaders of our community. In 2018, 30 outstanding students throughout the San Diego area are sharing $72,500 in college scholarships to pursue their career goals.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation was named for Don Diego, AKA Tom Hernandez, who served as the Fair’s welcoming goodwill ambassador from 1947-1984. To date since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has awarded approximately $862,000 in scholarships to 204 students and in agriculture education grants. More information is at dondiegoscholarship.org and facebook.com/DonDiegoScholarship.