Fall 2025 Philanthropy Update
SDBB Director of Community Relations and Media and Avila, a leukemia survivor who was our special guest speaker at our Gift of Life Benefit. At the conclusion of the program, Avila performed a touching rendition of the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.
Dear Friend,
I’m thrilled to share our fall quarterly Philanthropy Update.
SDBB’s story is one of people helping people. For 75 years, this has fueled our mission, creating a vital lifeline for the region. As we honor this anniversary, we commit to continuing that legacy of generosity, service, and innovation for the next generation.
We began this holiday season with our first fundraising event in 11 years—the Gift of Life Benefit—an event celebrating San Diego Blood Bank’s (SDBB) 75th anniversary, recognizing and stewarding our valued financial donors, as well as securing vital funds for the future.
Today, SDBB launches its 2025 Year End Appeal, a pivotal time when generous financial donors like you can choose to support our mission and improve community health. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2025, specifically for the Greatest Needs Fund.
Thanks to the dedication of our blood donors and financial supporters, SDBB provided lifesaving blood components—a crucial resource that saved and improved the lives of over 150,000 patients last year. That significant partnership must continue as we look ahead to 2026.
While every program at SDBB is vital, our most urgent need is Greatest Needs funding to allow for maximum flexibility and rapid response to unexpected demands, whether it's replacing critical, aging equipment or supporting community outreach in underserved areas.
Your support ensures that when a trauma patient arrives requiring numerous units of blood, when a newborn needs a transfusion, or when specialized collection equipment is necessary, we are prepared. SDBB’s essential programs and rapid response capabilities are made possible solely through your generosity.
Your tax-deductible gift is crucial in transitioning from celebrating the past 75 years to actively planning for SDBB’s future.
On behalf of everyone at SDBB and the thousands of patients we serve, we wish you and your family a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cherryl Castro-Lector
Senior Director of Development
(619) 400-8214
cclector@sdbb.org
gift of life benefit a resounding success
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating 75 years on October 8th at the Mingei International Museum.
The Gift of Life Benefit Fundraiser gathered new and legacy supporters for an evening of food, entertainment, connection, and impact, where Dr. McKnight, Medical Director of Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, shared insights on how blood transfusions extend the life of patients until they can receive the surgery or treatment they need to survive. Guests also heard from Team Survivor, Avila, who shared her leukemia journey and ambitions for her future ahead now that she is in remission. After her talk, Avila treated guests to a touching rendition of the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.
Through ticket purchases, silent auction, and the fund-a-need portion of the program, over $137,000 was raised to support San Diego Blood Bank’s greatest needs for blood collection resources.
Our Gift of Life Benefit was a wonderful evening that showcased community support for our mission. Thank you!
Title Sponsor
Community Circulator Sponsor: Ms. Janet Roemer* and Mr. Stephan Charlton
Pulse Partner Sponsor: Marsh McLennan Agency
Blood Drop Sponsors: Antibody Design Labs, Jeff and Stephanie Brown, Tanya* and Steve Castaneda, Douglas and Chandra Morton, and RCP BLOCK & BRICK.
Entertainment Underwriter: Peter and Sandra Phillips
Media Sponsors: Giving Back Magazine and Local Umbrella Media
Emcee: Delana Bennett from 94.1
Caterer: Continental Catering
Entertainment: Israel Maldonado Music
Auctioneer: Mike Hogan, Fundraisers Only!
*San Diego Blood Bank Board of Directors
save-the-dates
This year, our goal is to raise $100,000 through December 31, 2025, to benefit our greatest needs and while you can donate HERE at anytime, below are upcoming days of note on which you can support our mission.
National Philanthropy Day is November 15 and launches the start of our Annual End of Year Appeal and the Season of Giving!
This year, Giving Tuesday is December 2nd!, This annual worldwide day promotes philanthropy and community support. Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world in which we all want to live.
This holiday season, give a gift that gives back! We're thrilled to partner once again with Kendra Scott for two special Give Back Events supporting San Diego Blood Bank:
Thursday, December 6 | 12–2 PM, Fashion Valley Mall
Tuesday, December 17 | 3–5 PM, UTC Mall, La Jolla
During both events—and all day online—20% of proceeds will benefit San Diego Blood Bank’s greatest needs for blood collection resources, helping to ensure patients in our community continue to receive life-saving care.
With exclusive seasonal collections and holiday specials, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop for meaningful gifts while making a real impact.
Save the dates, spread the word, and make every purchase count.
For more info about philanthropy and other ways to support San Diego Blood Bank, contact Cherryl Castro-Lector, Senior Director of Development at cclector@sdbb.org
honor someone special
At San Diego Blood Bank, we believe that the most enduring legacies are those that continue to effect positive change in the world. By making a financial gift in tribute to someone special, you are helping to ensure patients receive the life-saving care they need – today and for generations to come. To make your gift click HERE.
You can also celebrate, honor, or memorialize a friend or loved one on a brick at our headquarters.
The Entry Plaza at our San Diego Blood Bank Headquarters welcomes more than 18,000 donors, volunteers, guests, and staff members each year. More than an entryway, this space serves as a living tribute to those who give, those whose lives have been saved, and those we’ve lost.
Through the purchase of a personalized brick, you can:
· Celebrate milestones: “Happy Birthday,” “Happy Anniversary.”
· Honor a loved one: “In Loving Memory,” “Forever in Our Hearts.”
· Show gratitude: “Thank You for Saving My Life.”
Your heartfelt message will inspire and encourage all who visit, while your gift will directly support our life-saving work.
For more information, contact Diane Owens, Development Manager, at (619) 400-8336 or email dowens@sdbb.org.
special thanks to our winter wishes bears sponsors
For 16 incredible years, San Diego Blood Bank has proudly partnered with Sharp Grossmont Hospital during the holiday season to bring warmth, comfort, and smiles to patients through our Winter Wishes Bears event. This year also marks an exciting milestone — the expansion of Winter Wishes to Sharp Memorial Hospital, allowing even more patients and families to experience the joy this program brings.
We extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to our generous financial sponsors — North Island Credit Union (La Mesa & El Cajon Branches) and Platt/Whitelaw Architects, Inc. — whose support makes this beloved tradition possible this year. We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to bringing compassion and hope to patients and families during the holiday season and beyond. Your community-driven dedication and generosity truly make a difference across Southern California.
For more information about sponsoring next year’s Winter Wishes or exploring other opportunities for companies and organizations to support San Diego Blood Bank, please visit sandiegobloodbank.org/corporate-giving or contact Corporate Giving Manager, Christopher Tobin-Johnson at ctobin-johnson@sdbb.org or (619) 400-8235.
celebrating the leadership and heart of women in philanthropy
We are incredibly proud to celebrate one of our own—Cherryl Castro-Lector, who was recently promoted to Senior Director of Development at San Diego Blood Bank. Cherryl was honored as a nominee at this year’s Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL), hosted by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce at Sycuan Casino Resort. This year’s event marked a historic milestone, with 87 remarkable women nominated—the most in the event’s 23-year history.
Cherryl has been a driving force at SDBB since 2019 and has over 30 years of experience in the fund development industry of the nonprofit sector. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Woman’s Club, a 131-year-old service organization dedicated to supporting San Diego-based nonprofits through grants and community work. Cherryl earned her MA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego.
Please join us in congratulating Cherryl on this well-deserved recognition. Her achievement is not just a personal milestone—it is a testament to the kindness, leadership, and unwavering purpose that women bring to our mission every day.
planned giving:
your legacy
Philanthropy is personal, and every donor has a unique “why” for why they give. There are many ways to make a planned gift such as stock, real estate, life insurance, will or living trust, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, and charitable lead trust.
For more information on legacy gifts to San Diego Blood Bank, please contact Cherryl Castro-Lector, Senior Director of Development, at (619) 400-8214 or cclector@sdbb.org.
donate your unwanted vehicle
to san Diego Blood Bank
San Diego Blood Bank is proud to partner with Charitable Adult Rides and Services (CARS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise owned by a nonprofit and supporting only nonprofits through vehicle donations. CARS takes care of everything, from the pick-up and sale, to sending you the donation receipt and necessary tax documents. CARS is committed to treating every vehicle donor with gratitude and great service while delivering the highest possible returns to our partners. To date, CARS has returned more than $300 million to their nonprofit partners because of vehicles donors.
It’s easy! Click here and complete the form. CARS will reach to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You will make a difference in the lives of patients needing lifesaving blood and your generous gift could earn you a tax deduction.
Shop. Donate. Save lives!
This holiday season, while shopping for gifts, you can also support San Diego Blood Bank! Here are a few sites you can use to find those perfect gifts while donating in support of our lifesaving mission.
Roundup at Walmart.com: You can support SDBB when you shop online or in the Walmart app. Just choose San Diego Blood Bank as your cause and toggle on “Round Up” at checkout.
GoodShop: Register and choose San Diego Blood Bank as your charity of choice. Then, use their search engine to find what you’re looking for and click through to a retailer's site to make your purchase, part of which will go to San Diego Blood Bank.
iGive: This works almost the same way, but you use a button on various retailers' websites. Go through the iGive.com easy registration process and choose San Diego Blood Bank. Your favorite retailers will start supporting San Diego Blood Bank.
Paypal: Supporters can donate to San Diego Blood Bank on PayPal, eBay, and other online platforms through the PayPal Giving Fund. Register and choose San Diego Blood Bank as your charity of choice.
Every little bit helps us provide critical blood products to our 30+ hospital partners and patients in need so they can thrive. Thank you for turning your holiday shopping into a season of giving!
Ways to Make a Financial Gift
MONTHLY GIVING — Join our Visionary Circle by making a monthly gift to help sustain our mission. Monthly gifts fund San Diego Blood Bank’s greatest needs. To join the Visionary Circle, contact Development Manager Diane Owens at (619) 400-8336 or dowens@sdbb.org.
GIFTS OF STOCK — Did you know San Diego Blood Bank accepts appreciated gifts of stock with tax benefits for the donor?
MATCHING GIFTS — Ask your employer if your company has an employee matching program. Double your impact and encourage corporate giving to local nonprofits
COMMUNITY AND DIY FUNDRAISING — Partner with us and fundraise with your company or team or for your birthday with a Facebook fundraiser!
HELPFUL LINKS
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Don’t miss out on impact stories, donor milestones, Guardians Circle announcements, and organizational updates in our blood donor newsletter! Visit sandiegobloodbank.org/newsletter
THANK YOU TO OUR TOP SPONSORS
