Don Diego Gala Soars Above and Beyond to Celebrate Stellar Scholarship Recipients

Don Diego Class of 2023 left to right: Reagan Ochalek, Karlee Klemm, Morgan Nelson, Emily Grothe, Taite Tephabock, Collin Cavataio, Wesley Gratzer, David Gooding, Canyon Benner, Spencer Abramson, Maria Wang, Bart Backer, Moriah McLellan, Luke Anderson, Denisa Petricko. Not pictured: Nicole Guerrero, Marisa Monasterio, Taylor Michalke, Gregory Flores, Mallory Sehnert, Jordan Reyburn
Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s July 1, 2023 Dinner and Concert Gala at the San Diego County Fair attracted a packed house. Guests enjoyed a high-top view overlooking the Fairgrounds at the famed Turf Club; an over-the-top reception, dinner and live auction of unique items, including a private flight on “The Yellow Peril” Lockwood Aircam; with the evening culminating in VIP stagefront seating under the stars at the Corona Grandstand for a concert by the iconic band, Alabama.
The actual stars were Don Diego’s 21 “Class of 2023” honorees sharing $62,000 in scholarships. Preparing to advance to prestigious colleges around the country and close to home to pursue their passions, the future leaders were presented on stage one by one by a beaming Don Diego Chairman Stephen Shewmaker. He stated, “We are proud of our accomplishments in rewarding and incentivizing ambitious students for 37 years. It would not have been possible without ongoing, generous donor support. We’re excited to keep the momentum moving forward. I promise you: we’re not going to stop!”
Board of Directors
Steve Shewmaker, Chairman
Glenn Drown, Vice Chairman
Alysha Stehly, Treasurer
D Prestininzi, Secretary
Lisa Barkett
Alyson Connelly
Sandra DiCicco
Jim Edwards
Susan Farrior
Joe Harper
John Hoeflich
George Karetas
Kirby Morrison
Frederick Schenk
Chairs Emeritus
Paul Ecke III
Roxana Foxx
Jon Liss
Executive Director
Ashley Colburn McCaughan
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