We built it together!
On April 16, we unveiled our new, state-of-the-art lodge during a festive ribbon-cutting celebration marked by applause, laughter, hugs and high fives. Joined by hundreds of supporters, girls explored the two-story, 2,800 square-foot facility, which features elements named after generous donors. Find photos, TV spots and details about the lodge, contributors and remaining funding opportunities on our website.
More than 5,000 girls and adults will enjoy the structure and adjacent Adventure Zone each year for day camps, trainings, events and overnight camping stays. Thanks to all who contributed to making the dream of the lodge a reality. For other examples of how we used resources wisely this past year, please read our 2015 annual report.
Sincerely,
Gerry Keshka
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Saluting Jo Dee C. Jacob
Former CEO Jo Dee Jacob and her husband Glenn were honored in a special way when the board of directors named our multipurpose building the Jo Dee and Glenn Jacob Leadership Center. Jo Dee recently retired after nearly 15 years of service. Her vast contributions include launching Operation Thin Mint® and spearheading capital campaigns to significantly enhance our properties.
Jo Dee and Glenn joined our Legacy Circle in 2002 by adding Girl Scouts San Diego to their estate plan. Their planned gift is just one of many ways the couple have given back to our organization. Jo Dee says Girl Scouting will always be a big part of their lives.
Urban Campout goes glam!
Event Co-chairs Sue and John Major and Committee Chair Liza Crisafi invite you to join them on Friday, Sept. 9, 6-11 p.m. for “Urban Glampout!” This year's fun fundraiser for grown-ups takes place on the grounds of our new Balboa Lodge. No need to pitch a tent or build a fire … just show up ready for a high-energy night of deluxe adventure. Don your most glamorous camp attire, get in the groove with our rock 'n' roll band (The Heroes return!), play games and enjoy gourmet grub under the stars. Plus, bid on exciting auction items, including a vacation to Mes Amis, a spectacular, 11-bedroom luxury rental villa located on the French Caribbean Island of St. Martin.
Generous sponsors making this event possible include Patti Roscoe and Jim Tiffany; and Mission Federal Credit Union. In addition, Chevron Products, Hoehn Motors, Holland America Line and Sycuan are providing key support. Find information online about early bird ticket discounts, sponsorships and volunteer opportunities.
Gold Award turns 100
Let's celebrate a landmark year of the highest award in Girl Scouting! Girl Scouts have been making the world a better place through sustainable Gold Award projects for 100 years. Just five percent of Girl Scouts earn this prestigious honor. The public is invited to our Gold Award Centennial Ceremony on Saturday, June 4, 2 p.m. at Copley Symphony Hall, where we will honor 32 teen Girl Scouts for their far-reaching achievements. (Refreshments will be served; RSVP by Friday, May 20.) The community is also welcome to attend our Silver Award celebration earlier that day (same location, at 10 a.m.; reservations not necessary).
Gold Award program keynote speaker Julia Brown — one of the Cool Women of 2005 and a member of a four-generation Girl Scout family — is known for her leadership in the life sciences and pharmaceutical fields. Her roles during her 40-year career include serving as executive vice president of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Julia is on our board of directors, as well as those of Biodel Inc., Cleantech San Diego, CONNECT and the San Diego Symphony. In addition, she chairs the Corporate Directors Forum and is chair emerita and trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation board.
Doing good with cookie dollars
Every cookie has a mission: to help local Girl Scouts do great things … like serving the community. The Brownies of Troop 5081 (black and white picture) invested cookie proceeds in care bags for pediatric cancer patients (see News 8 story). Multi-level sister troops 6057, 6058, 6015, 6112 and 6971 combined their cookie earnings to donate 500-plus emergency supply kits for the homeless. They recently presented the packets of food, water and ponchos to the Turning Hearts Center in Chula Vista.
Junior Troop 4152 (top photo) used cookie dollars, along with donations of books and building materials, to create and install a Little Free Library in front of Old Town Academy as an Agent of Change Journey project. Passersby are welcome to take or leave a book, say the girls, who hope the resource will promote literacy.
GSUSA increasing dues for 2018
To ensure that Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has resources to support the Girl Scout mission, annual dues will increase to $25 for girls and adults for the 2018 membership year (which begins Oct. 1, 2017). The fee will remain at $15 in the meantime. All dues go to GSUSA for program development, research, training, technology and services to councils nationwide. For more information, see FAQs. As always, we will continue to provide families in need with financial assistance for dues and other Girl Scout expenses.
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