Chris Shaw, owner of Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty’s, Gossip Grill and the Hillcrest Brewing Company has pledged to match all donations to The Center in June up to $20,000. Announcing his incredible offer in an email Shaw wrote,
“I have been fortunate to be part of our San Diego LGBT community for many years, and have truly enjoyed seeing how much progress we’ve made together. While I am happy and proud to support The Center and other organizations that do important work in our community, I usually prefer to contribute quietly.
“I’m going public with this gift in the hope that, together, we can make our donations go even further to support The Center. This month, I will match all Center donations up to $20,000. So if you give $100, I’ll match it. If you dig deeper and give $500, so will I.
“Why is supporting The Center so important now?
“For more than two decades, I have watched The Center grow and change, leading our community in service and advocacy. Not only has The Center been there when LGBT San Diegans need personal support, but The Center has helped bring us to this moment in history when we are seeing such significant gains in LGBT equal rights.
“But we can’t stop now. That’s why it’s so important to me to help encourage our community to continue to give to The Center. We must support this vital work, and not quit until everyone in our community can be treated fairly. Will you join me by making a contribution today?
“I hope you will take me up on this challenge, and give to The Center today. It means a lot to me, and to all the people who benefit from the great work of The Center.”
The staff at all of Shaw’s locations – Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty’s, Gossip Grill and the Hillcrest Brewing Company – are also joining in this effort. They are showing their compassion by giving at least a dollar for every shift they work this month. Shaw added, “I hope you will match their efforts as well. I am proud of them, and admire their generosity and commitment to The Center.”
