On May 18, 1995, Lincoln Aston was brutally murdered in his San Diego home. Instead of dwelling on the tragedy of his death, Aston’s family and friends came together to begin the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, a resource that promotes equality and tolerance among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
From the humble beginnings of a $29,000 donation from Aston’s estate, the foundation has grown throughout the past 15 years to have assets of over $3 million, according to executive director, Tony Freeman. It’s also the third largest LGBT community foundation in the nation.
To celebrate this great accomplishment, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation is hosting a 15th anniversary celebration on June 11 at 7 p.m.
“We want to acknowledge all of the amazing contributions that so many people have given the foundation so far but we’re also celebrating the future,” Freeman said. “We’re really working hard to be a foundation for the future. A foundation that’s really focused on bringing change to our community.”
While the event will feature important information on new initiatives within the LGBT organization, there is also plenty of fun entertainment on the schedule, including a formal dinner, performance by the Abba Fab tribute band and a silent auction. The gala of about 250 guests is held at Anthology and tickets are available for $150 for general admission or $225 for premium seating.
“We would love to have members of our community come join us for this celebration,” Freeman said. “All the proceeds from the event go to support our programs to benefit San Diego’s LGBT community.”
In addition to general fund raising and grant raising events, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation also includes the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative.
For more information or to order tickets to the 15th anniversary event, visit mylgbtfoundation.org.
