Biz Beat Nov. 8: Veterans to toys to holiday magic – San Diego’s latest

The giving season has started Photo courtesy of Geppeto s Toys in Carlsbad San Diego is bustling with initiatives supporting veterans neighborhood programs and seasonal attractions this November Here s what local businesses and organizations are up to this coming week and beyond USAA Launches Honor Through Action Ahead of Veterans Day USAA introduced Honor Through Action a million five-year initiative designed to provide veterans and their families with career opportunities financial defense and overall well-being Locally this venture will patronage organizations including Crew Red White Blue Wounded Warrior Project Armed Services YMCA and FourBlock From mental robustness services and career transition programs to childcare and deployment advocacy these initiatives aim to create systemic long-term benefits for the military region in San Diego Logo courtesy of USAA SeaWorld Salutes Veterans SeaWorld San Diego will honor veterans active-duty function members and their families Nov with flag ceremonies a Field of Honor display of American flags nonprofit pop-ups and nightly fireworks Military members also have access to the Waves of Honor initiative which provides complimentary admission and priority entry sponsored in part by Navy Federal Credit Union A veteran family Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego Geppetto s Toy Drive Kicks Off with K Donation The spirit of giving returns to The Forum Carlsbad this holiday season as an anonymous donor contributes more than in toys from Geppetto s Toys marking the seventh consecutive year of this tradition The annual donation supports Toys for Tots the U S Marine Corps Reserve venture dedicated to ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays In addition to the donor s contribution Geppetto s will add toys to the collection Members of the U S Marine Corps will box and load the toys at Geppetto s at The Forum Carlsbad on Wednesday Nov officially kicking off this year s campaign Brian Miller owner of Geppetto s declared the scheme will bring the store s total contributions to over seven years emphasizing the power of generosity and area advocacy Members of the U S Marine Corps will box and load the toys at Geppetto s at The Forum Carlsbad on Wednesday Nov Photo courtesy of Geppetto s Toys Group members are encouraged to donate new unwrapped toys at any Geppetto s location through the season Those bringing a toy donation to The Forum Carlsbad on Nov will be entered into a raffle for a Geppetto s gift card The event runs from a m to a m with the store opening to the society at a m San Diego Women s Foundation Expands Childcare Patronage The San Diego Women s Foundation is now accepting grant applications to address the city s growing childcare gap Unaffordable care and childcare deserts leave various families struggling particularly those with children ages Selected nonprofit partners will receive unrestricted funding to expand access to high-quality early childhood care develop sustainable programs and train culturally responsive staff Letters of inquiry are due Nov San Diego Automotive Museum Supports Federal Workers During the federal establishment shutdown the San Diego Automotive Museum is offering free admission to federal employees and military personnel including up to five family members Visitors donating at least in non-perishable food will receive off admission with all donations going to the San Diego Food Bank The museum provides a space for federal employees and families to relax while enjoying exhibits in Balboa Park The San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park Photo courtesy of the San Diego Automotive Museum Lightscape Returns to San Diego Botanic Garden San Diego Botanic Garden s Lightscape returns Nov Jan offering a one-mile illuminated walking trail with returning favorites like the Winter Cathedral and California poppies along with new installations including a firefly field and a laser garden Scene from San Diego Botanic Garden s Lightscape Photo courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden Young Skater Makes International Waves The annual Exposure Skate contest returned to Encinitas Neighborhood Park on Nov drawing over riders from countries to compete in bowl vert and street disciplines Fifteen-year-old Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew stole the show taking first place in the Women s Pro Skateboard Vert and also winning the Pro Vert Best Trick competition Her high-flying runs included an alley-oop McTwist backside melon judo air frontside varial lien over the channel and a frontside crooked to fakie Monster Vigor s Arisa Trew takes first place in Skateboard Vert and suggests first place in Pro Vert Best Trick Competition at Exposure Skate in Encinitas Photo courtesy of Monster Vigor Monster Vitality organization rider Trew earned for her Pro Vert domination and an additional for Best Trick Other standout winners included -year-old Ruby Lilley from Ocean Beach MD who claimed first in Longest Frontside Grind and -year-old Harlow Johnsey from Bradenton Fla who won Longest Backside Grind For more information on Arisa Trew Ruby Lilley Harlow Johnsey and Monster Force s skateboarding band visit www monsterenergy com Family Fun with Zephyrene The GO Deck encourages families to print color and cut out Zephyrene a mascot for local adventures that snap photos at different locations observe environmental impacts and share their discoveries online Friends and family can also participate by mailing Zephyrene to new locations and sharing stories building a collaborative society experience Created by local Deanne Ratnikova who commented I m inevitably looking for options to get my daughter now years old outdoors and off devices That s been the inspiration for the products that I sell through my small business and it s the event again with our new mascot that children can color cut out and take on adventures It s like the Flat Stanley project but focused on exploring outdoors Deanne Ratnikova with Zephyrene Photo courtesy of Deanne Ratnikova USPS Observes Veterans Day All U S Postal Institution offices will be closed on Nov for Veterans Day Priority Mail Express operation continues while regular mail delivery and retail services resume Nov Self-service kiosks remain available for postage tracking and package drop-off A post office box in California REUTERS Mario Anzuoni The Lucky Duck Foundation celebrated its th anniversary at the Showcase Soir e on Oct where the nonprofit committed million toward addressing youth homelessness throughout San Diego County Stephanie Pat Kilkenny LDF co-founders Photo courtesy of LUcky Duck Foundation Convicted Christ was awarded as the Lucky Duck Foundation s Father Joe Hustler of the Year an award recognizing an individual or organization that embodies the late Father Joe Carroll s spirit and ability to help those experiencing homelessness And the event s longtime emcee sportscaster Neil Everett former ESPN SportsCenter co-anchor and current co-host of The Stan and Neil Show was named Lucky Duck Person of the Year for his ongoing dedication to the organization including emceeing the annual event The Soir e held at Estancia La Jolla for the first time featured live music a live auction a live painting an awards ceremony surf turf dinner casino games open bars countless heartwarming stories and much more Got any biz news you want to share Please drop me a note at DebbieS timesofsandego com