Sycuan Donates $77,000 to 30 Charities at Annual Gift Giving Ceremony

Sycuan’s Gift Giving Ceremony

Sycuan’s Gift Giving Ceremony is a 90-minute celebration recognizing organizations that are making a difference in the community. Each year, members of the Sycuan Tribal Council and Sycuan Leadership Team choose one charity to donate to on behalf of Sycuan. 

The Sycuan Tribal Council and Sycuan Leadership Team presented a total of $77,000 to 30 charities during the Ceremony on December 14 at Sycuan Casino’s Paipa’s Buffet.

“On behalf of Sycuan, its our honor to pay it forward. We have many generations of being on the receiving end of a lot of community charities, so for us to be able to pay it forward, we honor our grandparents in that effort,” said Cody Martinez, Tribal Chairman. “30 great organizations and their personal testimonies bring us to the edge of tears – thank you for all you do!”

Full List of Charities 

• ABC Youth Foundation – Secretary Charlene Worrell 
• ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter – Rich LeBaron (Director of Emerging Technologies)
• AutismSpeaks – Tina Muse (Bingo Operations Manager)
• Bethel Christian Assembly – Councilman Xusha Brown
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County – General Manager John Dinius
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County – Operation Bigs – Angie Scantling (Controller)
• Bioneers – Councilwoman Alanna Sandoval
• Calvin J. Lauderbach Elementary – Visual and Performing Arts – Andrew Rees (Superintendent)
• Challenge Center – Maureen Kerr (VP, Human Resources)
• Challenged Athletes Foundation – Bob Bulster (VP, Finance)
• Chicano Federation of San Diego – Vice Chairman Henry Murphy
• ElderHelp – Mary Meier (Director, Slots)
• Father Joe’s Villages/St. Vincent De Paul – Chairman Cody Martinez
• Fisher House Foundation – Juan Baca (VP, Entertainment & Security)
• Legacy Church – Clint Higgins (Director of Golf)
• Linx Advancement, Inc. – Treasurer LaShuuna Davidson
• Mama’s Kitchen – Donald Goff (VP, Food & Beverage)
• Monarch Schools – Grace Paterno (Hotel Operations Manger)
• Perfect 33 Foundation – Councilman Josh Muse
• Ronald McDonald House Charities – Harold Johns (Casino Shift Manager)
• San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus – Dan Morales (VP, Marketing)
• San Diego LGBT Community Center – Chris Cousins Nuno (Director of Casino Compliance)
• Second Chance – Gary Strawbridge (VP, Facilities)
• Shelter to Soldier – Amy Gaulsha (National Sales Manager)
• Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church – Brandy Schwab (Director of Food & Beverage)
• Skinny Gene Project/J. Moss Foundation – Patrick Tinklenberg (VP, IT)
• Team Parker for Life – Sam Bonner (Casino Shift Manager)
• The Salvation Army – Chief Administrative Officer Adam Day
• UCSD Mitochondrial Research Fund – Louie Rivera (Casino Shift Manager)
• Veterans Village of San Diego – Andrew Kerzmann (VP, Hotel Operations)