The GSDBA Charitable Foundation has awarded scholarships to 14 LGBT students for the 2011 academic year. This year’s $12,750 worth of scholarships brings the grand total of scholarship awards to $109,000 during the last 10 years.
“It is a testament to the San Diego community that the foundation has been able to raise so much money to benefit deserving LGBT college students and student allies,” said GSDBA Charitable Foundation President Stampp Corbin. (Corbin is also publisher of San Diego LGBT Weekly.)
The foundation generates money for scholarships at its annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras street party, which also benefits the Hillcrest Business Association.
“What is so rewarding is seeing how the money we raise impacts the LGBT community,” noted Lisa Mata, a foundation board member.
According to “Big Mike” Phillips, who is a contributor to this publication, as well as a community activist and member of the foundation’s selection committee, proceeds from the Mardi Gras go directly to scholarships.
“(That’s possible) … because it is a totally volunteer run organization,” he said.
“It’s a street party for a cause: helping LGBT students get an education” said the group’s treasurer Tom Abbas.
2011 Scholarship Winners
• Tiffany Ross, San Diego State University
• Juan Garcia, San Diego State University
• Meghan Fagundes, Alliant International University
• Javier Martinez, Ashford University
• Letitia McGuinness, San Diego City College
• Marcel Hetu, San Diego State University
• Pamela Highfill, Springfield College
• Daniel Tillapaugh, University of San Diego
• Gina Spidel, San Diego State University
• Mark Seymour, San Diego City College
• Jennifer Acosta, San Diego State University
• Brandon Webb, San Diego State University
• Michelle Kim, University of California – San Diego
• Devon Morris, University of San Diego
