University of San Diego’s Founders Gala raises a record $2.3 million

The University of San Diego’s Founders Gala raised a record $2.3 million for scholarships for USD students. The Founders Gala took place on the field of Petco Park where more than 600 of the region’s most prominent corporate, philanthropic, and community leaders, administrators, alumni and university friends came together. The evening featured silent and live auctions, dancing to live music provided by NRG Music and Entertainment, USD alumni-owned beverage company tasting stations (Kensington Brewing Company, JuneShine, and Notorious Pink), and a charitable paddle raise. The main program concluded with a stunning fireworks show.

About 70 percent of USD students rely on some form of financial aid. Proceeds from the Founders Gala support the Founders Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing financial aid to USD undergraduate, graduate, and law students. This was the sixth Founders Gala to be held. USD alumnus Andrew Firestone served as the evening’s emcee.