Submitted by Lauren Hooley, Finance Manager and Amy Yañez, Accounts Payable Coordinator

This year’s “A is for Art” Exhibition, which was held on April 21st in Balboa Park at the Mingei International Museum, showcased the creative talents of the children who attend the SDSU Children’s Center. Each classroom, Infants to Pre-K, created a collaborative painting that was on display at the event. Over 250 Children’s Center art-loving supporters crowded the museum to get a peek at the 11 paintings.

In addition to the art, the evening was filled with opportunity drawings, hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. One of the favorite opportunity drawing baskets was “Dinner & Museums.” The lucky ticket holder took home over $400 worth of passes to six different museums, gift cards for two restaurants and a bottle of wine. Attendees also had access to the entire museum, which included several major exhibits: “Voluminous Art” - Treasures from San Diego's University Libraries, “Weaving a Path” - Navajo Women and the Feminine Ethos, and “Israel” - 70 Years of Craft & Design.

The highlight of the evening was the live auction of the paintings created by the children. Lead by our auctioneer, Johnny Dutra, a Center parent, the bidding was very lively with attendees vying to outbid each other for their favorite painting. One painting entitled “Pour” created by the Seals classroom started a bidding war that finally ended with one art-lover taking home the painting for $1,000. All monies raised went directly to the Center, and will be used to purchase outdoor learning equipment for Memory Park (the Center’s playground). “A is for Art” events this year raised just over $10,000.

Next year’s gala event will be the Center’s 15th annual, and the planning committee hopes make it extra special. One hurdle to overcome will be securing a new location for the Exhibition. The Mingei will be closed for one year for major building renovations. If you know of a venue that might like to host this amazing event, please contact Michelle Zamora, Center Director at mzamora@sdsu.edu

Have an amazing day AND support accessible watersports at Mission Bay Aquatic Center by attending our volunteering your time at the San Diego Festival of the Arts June 9-10 at Waterfront Park. Save 50% off tickets with coupon code: charity when you purchase in advance at sdfestivalofthearts.org/tickets/. You can also support the cause by volunteering at the festival. There are many opportunities to soak up the sun, work with creative, fun people and help us make this year the best San Diego Festival of the Arts to date. Sign up for a shift at sdfestivalofthearts.org/volunteer-ljfa. Be sure to tell them you are from AS when volunteering.

Produced by Kiwanis and San Diego Magazine, the San Diego Festival of the Arts is an unforgettable weekend filled with art, food, craft beer, and entertainment benefiting programs for San Diegans with disabilities. The Torrey Pines Kiwanis have been supporting adaptive programming at MBAC for over 25 years. This support provides access to watersports at MBAC for hundreds of persons with disabilities annually who would otherwise have access to participate.

The Torrey Pines Kiwanis are also the title sponsor for inclusion, which works to include kids with disabilities alongside their able-bodied peers at The Watersports Camp.

Check out the benefit of this amazing program for one camper in short MBAC Story video:

Ethan's Story

For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets visit sdartsfest.org!

Field Day Champions

Friday, May 18 marked SDSU's Annual Faculty & Staff Field Day where departments from across campus competed in the Team Obstacle Course and Build-A-Boat Challenges to establish a campus champion. This year's Associated Students team, “10 Points for Gryffindor,” was captained by Veronica Perondi and consisted of staff from Business Services, Union Programs & Services, and Government Affairs. The team members included Liza Bennett, Janice Dils, Steven DiPaolo, Flora Elman, Letty Hernandez, Jordan Hill, Mollique Johnson, Andrew Miller, Ben Moxley and Brandi Tonne.

Wearing circa-2003 lime green ‘Vote in the A.S. Elections’ team shirts, the A.S. team successfully completed the opening round of competition with Liza and Captain Veronica’s wheelbarrow race leg. Highlighted by Ben's lightning fast bunny hop and Flora's egg balance run, the A.S. team posted the top time of all departments in the round. After a brief recharge period that included street tacos, BBQ, and carnival games, the team was ready for the final elimination rounds.

In the semifinals, the A.S. team was matched up against a tough opponent and the contest was neck and neck. Jordan's football toss, Steve’s soccer skills, and Letty's strong effort in the 3-person run and drag made the difference as “10 Points for Gryffindor” took the win and earned a spot in the finals.

The final competition was tension-filled with campus bragging rights on the line. Captain Veronica led the charge in the four-person Team Building Ski challenge and the Mollique cradle-carry of Janice set the bar high. A.S. crossed the finish line in record time and glory and the eventual trophy belonged to Associated Students!

In the second component of Field Day, Brandi heroically captained the cardboard boat at the Aquaplex. Although the team surpassed their float time of four seconds from the previous year, unfortunately Brandi went down with the ship shortly thereafter.

All in all, this was a great opportunity to connect with other staff and faculty from across campus and A.S. looks forward to defending its championship next year!

Check out all the action on this highlights video.

Submitted by Janice Dils, Government Affairs Manager