2022 Don Diego Gala Will Be Held at the Fairgrounds’ New Venue:
“The Center!”
Guests attending Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s exclusive June 24, 2022 Gala and Sam Hunt Concert at the San Diego County Fair will be the first to experience the debut of the fantastic new Del Mar Fairgrounds’ venue: “The Center”.
Gala-goers enjoy all-day preferred parking, a hosted beer and wine bar, gourmet food stations, and a 35th anniversary Don Diego celebratory program; all culminating in VIP Grandstand seating for country music star Sam Hunt.
The Gala will also feature Don Diego’s 2022 college scholarship recipients, who will mingle with guests and donors, and receive recognition for their achievements.
Saying the Board is delighted to present the premiere event at The Center, Don Diego Chair Juanita Hayes states, “This year’s event is very special as we reunite three years after our last Gala and celebrate 35 years of building a better San Diego, one scholarship at a time. We have many surprises in store and encourage people to buy tickets before the event sells out.”
Enjoy the return of the San Diego County Fair!
Attire: Country Western Suggested
| 4:00PM | Gala Reception Fabulous Gourmet Food Stations Hosted Wine and Beer |
| 6:00PM | Gala Program Presentation of 2022 Scholars Tribute to Retiring Executive Director Chana Mannen Live Auction Paddle Raise |
| 7:30PM | Concert Starring Sam Hunt VIP Corona Grandstand Stagefront Seating |
Your Generous Support Benefits Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s Scholarships and Programs
Each Gala Ticket Purchased Includes:
Fair Admission (all day)
Preferred Parking (all day)
Gala Reception
Gala Program
Sam Hunt Concert
Meet Our 2022 Scholarship Recipients!
Ethan Rockwell
- Valley Center
- South Dakota State University
- I want to make a difference in this world, helping to protect wildlife and preserve their habitats. With a major in Natural Resource Law Enforcement and minor in Wildlife & Fisheries Science, I can achieve my dream career of being a Conservation Officer/Fish & Game Warden; helping both the environment and people.
Abigail Cotton
- Valley Center
- Blinn College
- I graduate as Valedictorian, AP scholar, five-time Grand Champion Beef Showman and other accomplishments because I refused to let anyone define what I could achieve. As a livestock veterinarian, I will research cattle genetics. Agriculture is the science of hope for a better future.
Madilyn Golden
- Fallbrook
- Cal Poly SLO
- I have spent numerous hours helping raise and train service dogs for veterans with PTSD, and providing therapeutic horse-riding lessons to disabled children and adults. I plan to major in Animal Science and become a veterinarian specializing in equine medicine.
Kyra Chen
- Carlsbad
- Duke University
- To finance my college education, as a USFSA Synchronized Skating Gold Medalist, I will continue coaching young ice skaters. I am eager to pursue a Biomed career; conducting research that contributes to the development of new medicines.
Alyssa Arias
Julian
$2,500 Juanita Hayes FFA Scholarship
UC Davis
Monica Ferris
Lakesideb
$1,000 Ecke Family FFA Scholarship
$1,000 Zable Foundation Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship
Oklahoma State University
Pauldean Gevarges
San Diego
$2,500 Schenk Family Employee Scholarship
San Diego State University
Will Warner
Lakeside
$2,500 Allan Royster Vocational Education Scholarship
Grossmont College
Julia Bellavance
Santee
$2,500 Zable Foundation 4-H Scholarship
San Diego State University
Charles Diltz
Escondido
$1,500 Zable Foundation 4-H Scholarship
Palomar College
Anna Sohn
Del Mar
$1,000 Zable Foundation 4-H Scholarship
University of Michigan
Marianne Sadik
San Marcos
$2,500 Karetas Family Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship
Cal State San Marcos
Amelie Simpson
El Cajon
$1,500 Mannen Family Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship
Centre College
Darby Gallagher
Oceanside
$1,000 Ecke Family Exhibitor/Participant Scholarship
University of Denver
Rachel Rapue
Julian
$1,000 Zable Foundation Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship
Butte Glenn Community College
Carson Rossi
Lakeside
$1,000 Zable Foundation Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship
Cal Poly SLO
Skylar Rossi
Lakeside
$1,000 Zable Foundation Junior Livestock Auction Scholarship
Cal Poly SLO
Keleigh Williamson
Valley Center
$2,500 Brothers Forever Scholarship
Cal Poly Humboldt
Board of Directors
Juanita Hayes, Chairman
John Hoeflich, Vice Chairman
Dee Prestininzi, Secretary
George Karetas, Treasurer
Lisa Barkett
Alyson Connelly
Sandra DiCicco
Glenn Drown
Susan Farrior
Joe Harper
Kirby Morrison
Frederick Schenk
Stephen Shewmaker
Alysha Stehly
Chairs Emeritus
Paul Ecke III
Roxana Foxx
Jon Liss
Gala Co-Chairs
Susan Farrior
Roxana Foxx
Juanita Hayes
Executive Directors
Chana Mannen
Ashley Colburn