A-LISTS community by david vera ROB BENZON
OUR COMMUNITY GUARDIAN CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
THROUGH GENEROSITY Chances are good that you knew Rob Benzon—even if only in a casual respect. His
giving spirit and grin-inducing demeanor were contagious, as was his willingness to assist where help was sorely needed. This Pride season, there are more outlets of diver- sion than ever before, but the events that truly stand out are the ones that provide you with the opportunity to give of yourself. Rob’s closest friends and family members took measures to ensure that his generous legacy would continue its charitable momentum and bring aid to struggling individuals connected to San Diego. Thus the Rob Benzon Foundation (RBF) was born. “Rob contributed so much to so many people,” RBF Board Member Steve Miller said
of Benzon, describing the spirit behind his late friend’s charity organization. “He was not a wealthy person; however, he always gave what he could and encouraged others to do what they could to help others in need. The Foundation was started to keep his memory alive by helping others.” The RBF mission statement details its intention to honor Benzon’s memory by turn- ing his tragic death at 31 into a positive force that provides “unexpected help and hope to those suffering from a personal catastrophic event.” “Small contributions from ordinary people” apparently comprise the driving force behind RBF’s already powerful sentiment. Monetary grants are allocated either to individuals in (or connected to) San Diego with a documented loss or need or to organizations for a specific purchase. Each case is individually examined for eligibility and sexual orientation/identity are not discriminatory factors—anyone with a verified
Rob Benzon, 1998
need may qualify for assistance. For example, past beneficiaries have received funds to cover rent, medical or funeral expenses. Others have had groceries and specialized medical equipment purchased for them that they could not have possibly afforded without help.” Clearly this organization is imperative to the very survival of many in need. But what
can we do to help? Though the all-volunteer board handles most everything, the RBF annual fundraiser, LAUNCH, requires extensive volunteer manpower. “We solicit companies to provide silent auction items; restaurants to provide chef’s tables; event companies and caterers to provide lights, sound, and supplies; and volun- teers to work at the event.” On Friday, July 17 during San Diego Pride weekend, the historic Burnham House—
“We are most proud of the sponsors,
underwriters and volunteers that make it possible for us to grant 100 percent of ticket sales to those in need. With the generosity of these people and the attendees of our events, we have made over $80,000 in grants.
” 6 RAGE monthly | JULY 2011
located at the north end of Balboa Park—houses a miscellany of tasty treats from ten restaurants and a hosted bar featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka drinks. Enchanting music and an extensive silent auction featuring many fine art pieces await guests, as doors open at 6 p.m. and—out of respect for the neighbors—close at 10 p.m. Best of all, because of RBF’s generous underwriters, 100 percent of the ticket sales from LAUNCH will be used for grants. “This is a casual, outdoor, cocktail party to celebrate the weekend,” affirmed Miller.
“Guests can meet up with old friends and plan the weekend. We are most proud of the sponsors, underwriters and volunteers that make it possible for us to grant 100 percent of ticket sales to those in need. With the generosity of these people and the attendees of our events, we have made over $80,000 in grants.” According to the RBF website, “what [Rob] loved most was to remind people every
day is a precious gift. He took great pleasure in making others smile and laugh…The all-volunteer board is comprised of a group of friends, dedicated to the legacy of Rob Benzon by bringing smiles to others.”
PERHAPS IT’S TIME FOR US ALL TO CONTEMPLATE HOW WE’D LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO REMEMBER US. . .
For more information on the Rob Benzon Foundation, its sponsors or the LAUNCH event on San Diego Pride weekend, visit
robbenzon.org.
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