Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty’s and Gossip Grill are leading an effort throughout Hillcrest to help bring smiles, food and gifts to underprivileged children, youth and those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS this holiday season. The local group of restaurants, owned by Chris Shaw, has signed on to two different programs benefiting The San Diego LGBT Center’s Family Matters Program and Being Alive San Diego.
This season many families in our community are unable to provide gifts for their children, and through the Make A Wish Come True For A Child program, guests at the restaurants are invited to help sponsor one of nearly 100 children by taking and purchasing a gift from one of the holiday ornaments with an attached card that includes a child ID number, the child’s gender, age and a gift wish list. Ornaments have been hung at Urban Mo’s Christmas tree, as well as inside the restaurant, hanging on the garland. Guests should see a host or server at Urban Mo’s if they need help or assistance picking out an ornament. Guests are then asked to drop off their unwrapped gift, marked with the child ID securely attached at The Center, 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, 92103 by Dec. 15. All donations to the Make A Wish Come True For A Child program are tax deductible. For more information please contact Jane Schmoll at 619-822-3969 or families@thecentersd.org.
Family Matters, the family program at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, is designed to provide resources, education, support and opportunities for community engagement for LGBT-headed families and those considering parenthood. From the provision of school supplies and basics to helping families impacted by the financial downturn, to workshops focused on parenting skills, school choice, resources for adoption/fostering and family activities, Family Matters provides families growing up in LGBT-headed families the support and resources many need to develop and sustain healthy and affirming child and family development. This array of educational support and resources coupled with affirming social opportunities are provided to approximately 2,100 LGBT parents, grandparents, relatives and their children each year.
The second program is the Ribbons of Hope program to benefit Being Alive San Diego. The Ribbons of Hope campaign encourages guests to purchase an HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon for one dollar or a larger ribbon for five dollars. Customers can write on their ribbon before it is hung in the store. Being Alive has been providing services to HIV/AIDS infected and affected community members since 1989.
All monies raised will go to client programs such as Daniel’s Food Pantry, the Peer Advocacy and Support Groups, as well as HAARP Therapy, the Resource Room, the Moving Program and much more. The Ribbons of Hope can be purchased through your host at Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty’s or Gossip Grill.
