50th Anniversary Charity Dinner Honors Community Leaders
Event Recognizes Contributions & Marks Milestone While Benefiting Children

   San Diego — The Oscars will be handed out Sunday to much fanfare, but the night before a crop of more altruistic awards – "The Leos" – will go to a select group of community-minded San Diegans in a ceremony at the Downtown Hyatt, One Market Place, beginning at 7:30 PM.

   Officially called the Bishop Leo T. Maher Awards, they commemorate the late head of the San Diego Diocese who sparked the development of St. Vincent de Paul Village. The honor is bestowed annually upon individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations who, in the words of the late Bishop help to create "a preferential option for the poor." This year’s list of distinguished honorees includes;

Ninteman Construction Co. —
In addition to various other community donations and projects, the company has completed over $11 million dollars of construction projects – at cost – for St. Vincent’s and its regional affiliates.

Larry Lucchino —
In addition to a seat on St. Vincent’s Board of Directors, the President and CEO of the San Diego Padres is deeply involved with numerous scholarship, disease research and sports outreach efforts. He is currently integrating the Downtown Ballpark project with the redevelopment of St. Vincent’s East Village neighborhood.

Annie & David Malcom —
The Malcolms’ dedication to the community includes nearly two decades of work with St. Vincent’s, Annie’s involvement with countless additional charities, and David’s seat on the Boards of St. Vincent’s and the San Diego Port Commissioners.

Larry & Junko Cushman —
This San Diego couple, renowned for their charitable giving and hands-on involvement, began supporting the Village after reading an article on Father Joe in a Hawaiian publication. Since that time Larry has served as St. Vincent’s Board Chairman while the entire family has given time and financial support, individually and via the Cushman Foundation.

   Over 300 people are expected to gather in congratulation of the honorees, enjoy an evening of fine food and entertainment and support the children of St. Vincent de Paul Village, all in recognition of the charity’s 50th Anniversary. While the current incarnation of St. Vincent’s has only been in existence since the mid-1980’s, the founding entity has been engaged in homeless assistance efforts since 1950.

   Originally founded as St. Mary of the Wayside and later becoming the St. Vincent de Paul Center, the Village separated from the Diocese in 1989. Now an independently operated, Board-governed 501(c)3 non-profit organization, St. Vincent’s is honoring its roots with a Golden Anniversary celebration this year.

   As tradition dictates, the Annual Charity Dinner benefits the children who reside at the Village’s transitional family living center. St. Vincent’s daily provides comprehensive services to an average of 180 babies, children and teens, with temporary seasonal and emergency programs boosting that tally to over 400 during the winter months. Youngsters are availed of on-site county-run schools, counseling, tutoring, child development & literacy classes, recreation programs and family unity activities by a dedicated staff of child care and education professionals.

   For more information on St. Vincent de Paul Village, their children’s services programs or the Charity Dinner, please call 619-687-1066.

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