Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Lifestyle

Bears San Diego Celebrated by Pride for Years of Community Service

Bears San Diego, a social and service organization, received significant recognition from Pride, one of the largest local LGBTQ+ nonprofits, for its extensive community service efforts. Founded in 1994, the group has dedicated over 30 years to fundraising and volunteer work, raising thousands of dollars for various charities, including Special Delivery San Diego, which provides meals to individuals facing life-threatening illnesses.

The organization began when five individuals, feeling marginalized within the mainstream gay community, sought a supportive space. According to Donnie Vella, the club’s treasurer, they humorously referred to themselves as an “island of misfit toys.” Vella noted, “It was established by five individuals who felt that they needed a group where they can be together with other like-minded individuals… They felt more like they belonged there… They wouldn’t be judged based on their body style or the way they looked.”

Community Engagement and Fundraising

Bears San Diego has since expanded to over 75 members, actively participating in events such as bowling, karaoke nights, and barbecues. The organization holds fundraisers annually, including a chili cook-off and a mac n’ cheese contest, which have collectively raised substantial amounts for charity. Each year, they also crown titleholders who represent the group and guide its community efforts.

In 2025, the organization introduced new titleholders who have brought a focus on supporting transgender communities. Jimmy Trimble, the newly appointed Mr. San Diego Bear 2025, and his partner Gio, who holds the non-gendered title of Leather Bear, have directed their initiatives towards fundraising for organizations like Trans Lifeline. Their efforts have helped identify the needs of local transgender organizations, ensuring the Bears can support relevant causes effectively.

Acknowledgment from Pride

After decades of being on the periphery of the LGBTQ+ community, the recognition from Pride is a significant milestone for Bears San Diego. Vella expressed the importance of this acknowledgment, stating, “To be recognized by Pride after all of these years, it means a lot.” The award signifies not only the organization’s ongoing commitment to service but also its evolution into a more integral part of the larger LGBTQ+ community.

Bears San Diego continues to foster inclusivity and support within the community, proving that a commitment to service can create lasting bonds and recognition. The organization’s journey from marginalization to celebration illustrates the power of unity and acceptance in building a supportive environment for all individuals.

You May Also Like

Top Stories

California has taken a stand against a federal directive from the Trump administration demanding the exclusion of transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports....

Top Stories

Frontier, a coalition of technology leaders including Google and Meta, has announced a landmark investment in Arbor, a cutting-edge startup specializing in bioenergy with...

Entertainment

Olivia Munn, the acclaimed actress, recently shared an intimate revelation about her personal struggles with trichotillomania, a disorder that compels individuals to pull out...

Top Stories

The Trump Justice Department has not released a client list related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, despite widespread speculation and anticipation. This decision...

Business

Political commentator Brilyn Hollyhand has voiced strong opposition to the prospect of Elon Musk launching a third political party in 2025. In his commentary,...

Politics

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are exploring potential changes to the state’s sales tax exemptions as the General Assembly grapples with a significant budget deficit. This...

Business

The Fourth of July weekend in 2023 brought an unexpected surge in business activity across the United States, driven by sunny weather and increased...

Entertainment

Netflix has seen a significant rise in viewership for the film The Intern, which marks its tenth anniversary this year. Last month, this 2015...

Politics

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California and Governor Gavin Newsom, contesting the state’s anti-animal cruelty laws, which the administration claims are...

Entertainment

The highly anticipated soundtrack for the upcoming film Superman, directed by James Gunn, merges traditional orchestral elements with a punk rock flair. Set to...

Entertainment

Ally Solutions, a Denver-based AI startup, is making significant strides in providing affordable technology tailored for small businesses. As artificial intelligence reshapes the business...

Business

Stonebrook Private Inc. has increased its stake in Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) by 6.0% during the first quarter of the year. This information...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.