community spotlight by bill biss and david vera
We can count the pillars of our community on one hand because they’ve
made a name for themselves. But are we really recognizing people who
make a difference in our lives or just camera-ready posers? One unmistak-
able quality to look for in a genuine leader is the propensity to lend a helping
hand to those in need. In our search for modern-day heros, it’s reassuring to
know that Michael Mack has been doing just that for years.
“Giving back to the community has always been very important to me,”
said Mack. “I’m a firm believer of the idea that you get back what you put out
there, and from the first day that I opened Club Montage, I knew that hav-
ing an active role in the community was something that would always be at
the top of my priority list. This year I’ve been able to help out organizations
such as The John McCusker Scholarship Fund, Mama’s Kitchen, FilmOUT,
The Center, The San Diego Lyric Opera, HRC, Old Globe Theatre, HomeStart
and The Trevor Project.”
Having grown up in Michigan, Michael moved to San Diego for what
was supposed to be a six-month vacation, but he never went back. On
September 26, 1996, he and business partner John McCusker opened Club
Montage—a longtime dream for both. The club quickly rose to be a success
with DJs such as Oakenfold, Moby, Manny Lehman, Phil B and performers
like RuPaul and Deborah Cox. Mack went on to manage Bourbon Street and
opened Lei Lounge as a joint business venture with Billy & Michael Weiss.
Two years later, he and Dave Cohen purchased Hawthorn’s Restaurant.
Today, while most people are scavanging to get their holiday shopping
done, Mack is on track making plans for additional charity work in the
coming weeks.
“Right now I’m working on a Christmas Show at the North Park Theatre
with a portion of the proceeds going to The Center,” detailed Mack. “The
show is featuring Jackie Beat and San Diego’s own Dreamgirls Revue. I’m
also working on some exciting new stuff for 2010.
I’ve been lucky enough to be able to take some time off for myself, but
I’m doing special events once or twice a month to keep me from going stir
crazy. Every 3rd Saturday at Spin Nightclub is one of the first events I’ve
been able to throw myself into.” When he’s not setting up events, Mack
Michael Mack
makes time for old companions—and a new one who has entered his life.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my new puppy, Nova. She’s a four-
month-old great dane who is quickly taking up more space on my bed than
me. I also enjoy sailing on the bay during the summer and doing anything
The Business of PhilanThroPy
else that includes spending time with my friends and family.
For Michael, donating to charities such as the Trevor Project and Mama’s
Kitchen doesn’t just give him a sense of accomplishment, it is something
that he has always believed to be important and he encourages others to
contribute in any way they can.
“These charities are able to reach out to more people than I ever could
alone, and it feels great to be a part of something bigger.” Michael contin-
ues, “Sometimes, though it feels really good to do something small that
might only impact one or two people. Back in Michigan there was a boy in
my town growing up named Jimmy who needed a bone marrow transplant
in order to survive, but his family hadn’t been able to find a match yet for
donors. I went down to the hospital to register myself as a donor, but I
wasn’t a match either. A few weeks later I orgainzed a car wash fundraiser to
help raise money for Jimmy’s family and to register donors in hopes that we
would be able to find a match for him. Jimmy didn’t make it, but I did raise
not only awareness about bone marrow transplants but also registered a
few hundred new donors.”
8 RAGE monthly | December 2009
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