The giving season has started. (Photo courtesy of Geppeto’s Toys in Carlsbad)
San Diego is bustling with initiatives supporting veterans, community programs, and seasonal attractions this November. Here’s what local businesses and organizations are up to this coming week and beyond.
USAA Launches ‘Honor Through Action’
Ahead of Veterans Day, USAA introduced “Honor Through Action,” a $500 million, five-year initiative designed to provide veterans and their families with career opportunities, financial security, and overall well-being.
Locally, this program will support organizations including Team Red, White & Blue, Wounded Warrior Project, Armed Services YMCA, and FourBlock. From mental health services and career transition programs to childcare and deployment support, these initiatives aim to create systemic, long-term benefits for the military community in San Diego.
(Logo courtesy of USAA)
SeaWorld Salutes Veterans
SeaWorld San Diego will honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families Nov. 8–10 with flag ceremonies, a Field of Honor display of 1,000 American flags, nonprofit pop-ups, and nightly fireworks. Military members also have access to the Waves of Honor program, which provides complimentary admission and priority entry, sponsored in part by Navy Federal Credit Union.
A veteran family. (Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)
Geppetto’s Toy Drive Kicks Off with $100K Donation
The spirit of giving returns to The Forum Carlsbad this holiday season as an anonymous donor contributes more than $100,000 in toys from Geppetto’s Toys, marking the seventh consecutive year of this tradition. The annual donation supports Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program dedicated to ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays.
In addition to the donor’s contribution, Geppetto’s will add toys to the collection. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will box and load the toys at Geppetto’s at The Forum Carlsbad on Wednesday, Nov. 12, officially kicking off this year’s campaign. Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto’s, said the program will bring the store’s total contributions to $750,000 over seven years, emphasizing the power of generosity and community support.
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will box and load the toys at Geppetto’s at The Forum Carlsbad on Wednesday, Nov. 12. (Photo courtesy of Geppetto’s Toys)
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at any Geppetto’s location through the season. Those bringing a toy donation to The Forum Carlsbad on Nov. 12 will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Geppetto’s gift card. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., with the store opening to the public at 10 a.m.
San Diego Women’s Foundation Expands Childcare Support
The San Diego Women’s Foundation is now accepting grant applications to address the city’s growing childcare gap. Unaffordable care and “childcare deserts” leave many families struggling, particularly those with children ages 0–4.
Selected nonprofit partners will receive unrestricted funding to expand access to high-quality early childhood care, develop sustainable programs, and train culturally responsive staff. Letters of inquiry are due Nov. 20.
San Diego Automotive Museum Supports Federal Workers
During the federal government shutdown, the San Diego Automotive Museum is offering free admission to federal employees and military personnel, including up to five family members.
Visitors donating at least $5 in non-perishable food will receive $10 off admission, with all donations going to the San Diego Food Bank. The museum provides a space for federal employees and families to relax while enjoying exhibits in Balboa Park.
The San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park. (Photo courtesy of the San Diego Automotive Museum)
Lightscape Returns to San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape returns Nov. 14–Jan. 4, offering a one-mile illuminated walking trail with returning favorites like the Winter Cathedral and California poppies, along with new installations, including a firefly field and a laser garden.8
Scene from San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape. (Photo courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden)
Young Skater Makes International Waves
The annual Exposure Skate contest returned to Encinitas Community Park on Nov. 1–2, drawing over 200 riders from 21 countries to compete in bowl, vert, and street disciplines. Fifteen-year-old Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew stole the show, taking first place in the Women’s Pro Skateboard Vert and also winning the Pro Vert Best Trick competition. Her high-flying runs included an alley-oop McTwist, backside 540 melon, judo air, frontside varial lien over the channel, and a frontside crooked to fakie.
Monster Energy’s Arisa Trew takes first place in Skateboard Vert and claims first place in Pro Vert Best Trick Competition at Exposure Skate in Encinitas. (Photo courtesy of Monster Energy)
Monster Energy team rider Trew earned $6,000 for her Pro Vert victory and an additional $1,500 for Best Trick. Other standout winners included 18-year-old Ruby Lilley from Ocean Beach, MD, who claimed first in Longest Frontside Grind, and 16-year-old Harlow Johnsey from Bradenton, Fla., who won Longest Backside Grind.
For more information on Arisa Trew, Ruby Lilley, Harlow Johnsey, and Monster Energy’s skateboarding team, visit www.monsterenergy.com.
Family Fun with Zephyrene
The GO Deck encourages families to print, color, and cut out Zephyrene, a mascot for local adventures that snap photos at different locations, observe environmental impacts, and share their discoveries online.
Friends and family can also participate by mailing Zephyrene to new locations and sharing stories, building a collaborative community experience. Created by local Deanne Ratnikova, who said, “I’m always looking for ways to get my daughter (now 9 years old) outdoors and off devices. That’s been the inspiration for the products that I sell through my small business, and it’s the case again with our new mascot that children can color, cut out, and take on adventures. It’s like the Flat Stanley project but focused on exploring outdoors.”
Deanne Ratnikova with Zephyrene. (Photo courtesy of Deanne Ratnikova )
USPS Observes Veterans Day
All U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Priority Mail Express service continues, while regular mail delivery and retail services resume Nov. 12. Self-service kiosks remain available for postage, tracking, and package drop-off.
A post office box in California. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
The Lucky Duck Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Showcase Soirée on Oct. 9, where the nonprofit committed $6 million toward addressing youth homelessness throughout San Diego County.
Stephanie & Pat Kilkenny, LDF co-founders. (Photo courtesy of LUcky Duck Foundation)
Convicted 4 Christ was awarded $250,000 as the Lucky Duck Foundation’s “Father Joe Hustler of the Year,” an award recognizing an individual or organization that embodies the late Father Joe Carroll’s spirit and ability to help those experiencing homelessness. And the event’s longtime emcee, sportscaster Neil Everett (former ESPN SportsCenter co-anchor and current co-host of The Stan and Neil Show), was named “Lucky Duck Person of the Year” for his ongoing dedication to the organization, including emceeing the annual event.
The Soirée – held at Estancia La Jolla for the first time – featured live music, a live auction, a live painting, an awards ceremony, surf & turf dinner, casino games, open bars, many heartwarming stories, and much more.
Got any biz news you want to share? Please drop me a note at DebbieS@timesofsandego.com.
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