Stepping Stone of San Diego, a non-profit alcohol and drug recovery facility serving the LGBT community, will hold its annual summer fundraiser, Cirque du Summer, Saturday, June 16, 4-10 p.m. at 3767 Central Ave. in San Diego.
Billed as a day of old-time circus fun, live entertainment, great food, celebrity auctions, and friendship, all proceeds will benefit the organization’s resident fund.
The event is being held at Stepping Stone’s facility in City Heights and there is a suggested donation of $10 upon entry. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of carnival fare – everything from hot dogs and chicken wings to cotton candy and popcorn. Local and visiting performers, including the Twisted Movement dance troupe and a special secret celebrity comedian, will provide live entertainment, while throwback circus characters will stroll among the crowd. A silent auction featuring local and celebrity items will take place on the day. Items being sold via online auction including signed high heels from Christina Aguilera, Demi Moore and Tyra Banks and a signed photograph from the likes of Michael Jordan, will be on display. There will also be a series of glamorous “opportunity drawings” offering the very best of what San Diego has to offer.
“This is an event entirely created by the residents of this LGBT recovery center in City Heights. Stepping Stone’s residents pull the event together using their own resourcefulness, decorations, event donations, food prep, talent wrangling and so forth. It has been a successful annual event for many years and this year’s circus theme party should be no exception,” said Andrew Stone, the event’s publicity volunteer.
Stepping Stone provides a comprehensive recovery and life-skills building environment for individuals facing their addictions to alcohol and drugs. Often, residents have very few possessions; some are homeless, others haven’t accumulated much in the way of “essentials” or have lost nearly everything. The resident fund provides these residents with basics like toothbrushes and toiletries, sheets and pillows, clothing for circumstances such as job interviews and the occasional experience out and about.
Founded in 1976, Stepping Stone takes a highly effective, multi-tier approach to drug and alcohol abuse and provides customized treatment plans for men and women living with HIV. A county-funded organization, Stepping Stone holds itself to the standards of a privately funded facility, say administrators, who also told San Diego LGBT Weekly their staff work long hours and provide thoughtful one-on-one attention. A world-class food program eliminates excessive processed sugar and provides well-balanced meals designed to maximize the nutrition of individuals taking HIV medications.
“Stepping Stone provides a service that is crucial for integration into society,” added Stone. “This event is for a fantastic cause and it’s sure to be a fun-filled day that the whole family will enjoy.”
Stone urges San Diegans to come out and support the event, not only for the benefit of the residents, but also for the community and San Diego as a whole.
For more information on Stepping Stone of San Diego visit steppingstonesd.org.
