USO San Diego’s 75th Anniversary Stars and Stripes Gala
USO San Diego’s 75th Anniversary Stars and Stripes Gala
Jun. 4
Papa Doug and Geniya Manchester have taken the lead as Premiere Title Sponsors for USO San Diego’s 75th Anniversary Stars and Stripes Gala: It Takes a City to Support our Military. The event will take place at the Hotel del Coronado, and Mayor Kevin Faulconer has been named as an honoree.
“I’m proud of the work USO San Diego does to provide services to more than 200,000 military men and women 365 days a year,” says Mayor Faulconer. “On behalf of all San Diegans, I would like to express a heartfelt appreciation to our military and their families in San Diego, and for all of those who serve and protect our country.”
The gala will celebrate the strong, enduring relationship between San Diego and our Armed Forces, and will feature the stories of San Diego service members as they share their experiences and inspire us with their bravery. The gala will also include a return performance by the Wounded Warriors group MusiCorps, a finalist for CNN’s 2014 Heroes award, and a keynote speech by former Navy SEAL and motivational speaker, Clint Bruce.
Co-chairs for the event include Hélène and George Gould, Jim Bartell, Katherine Faulconer, Jeanne Jones and Don Breitenberg, Reena and Sam Horowitz, and Stephanie Brown.
“We’re deeply honored that Papa Doug and Geniya have stepped forward as Premiere Title Sponsors for our 75th Anniversary Stars and Stripes Gala,” says Lynn Congemi, USO San Diego Board Chair. “Their gift of $75,000 continues Papa Doug’s lifelong dedication to our armed forces and is an inspiring start to our goal of raising $750,000 for our military and their families.”
Founded in 1941, the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. The organization operates USO centers on military installations across the United States and throughout the world, including in combat zones, and even unstaffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy. In San Diego, the USO Neil Ash Airport Center and Downtown center offer services for traveling members and their families. The organization’s many specialized programs provide a continuum of support to men and women throughout their journey, from the first time they put on their uniform, until they leave military service.
“USO San Diego uplifts active-duty, reserve, guard and military families; from transitioning, to deployed troops, to the wounded, injured and fallen,” said Arne Nelson, CEO of USO San Diego. “We can only accomplish this with a dedicated and compassionate community of staff, volunteers and magnanimous supporters like Papa Doug and Geniya, all of whom work together to honor, respect and elevate the spirit of all military and their families.”
Papa Doug Manchester adds, “we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world, and it is our duty and responsibility to honor and serve those men and women who sacrifice their lives on our behalf. I am honored and humbled to support USO San Diego’s 2016 Stars and Stripes Gala and I encourage other generous and compassionate donors to join and support our cherished military who are so near and dear to our hearts.” 619.987.8020, sharon_smith@cox.net, usosandiego.org
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