W
hen you
think of
memories
that brought
joy to your
childhood, what would they be?
Would it be the joy
of riding your bicycle
down a hill as the
wind kissed your
skin? The feeling
of being invincible
as you ran around
wearing a superhero cape? Or, perhaps making mud pies as
you laughed about how dirty you were getting?
For Linda and Mel Katz, beautiful memories come to mind
when they think about what brought joy to their childhood.
“I think my most memorable memory is belonging to a teen
youth group. It was a group of teens of all backgrounds,
religious affiliations, gender, sexual orientations, and socio-
economic status and physical abilities. It taught me the
concept of giving back to your community and helping
others, all while having fun,” says Mel.
Linda, who has called San Diego home for over 40
years reflects on her fondest memory. “Having grown
up in Arizona, we loved our annual summer vacation in
Oceanside. We saved all year long, so we could spend two
weeks every August. We enjoyed this tradition from the
time I was a baby through high school. Heading north along
Highway 101, I remember coming upon Torrey Pines State
Beach Park, which was the first time we could see and smell
the ocean.”
Although Linda and Mel were fortunate to experience the
joys of childhood and in turn, help create positive memories
for their now three adult children and five grandchildren, they
know all too well that many in our community do not have
that same privilege.
Too many children are unfortunately robbed of that joy
due to factors beyond their control. It may be due to
experiencing abuse and trauma, being neglected by their
parents, feeling depression or anxiety, or being bullied
because of being different.
Due to their unyielding commitment to giving back, Linda
and Mel work passionately to advocate for our community’s
at-risk and underserved youth. In addition to their many
philanthropic contributions, Linda and Mel have assumed yet
another leadership role as Honorary Chairs for the San Diego
Center for Children’s 132nd Anniversary Celebration event.
“We strive to make San Diego Center for Children a
household name and reduce stigma around mental health.
The more we know about mental, emotional and behavioral
health, the more we understand,” the couple shared with
Giving Back Magazine. “This 132nd Anniversary Celebration
is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Center’s
accomplishments and support from the community and help
spread the word.”
On May 11, 2019, guests will celebrate a night under the
stars at Humphreys by the Bay in the spirt to provide the
joys of childhood to youth served by the Center, San Diego’s
oldest children’s nonprofit. The Center helps over 1,000
children and families every day across 8 program sites in the
county through a range of nationally accredited therapeutic,
educational, foster care and transition age services.
“Who we are is a compilation of our family life and joys
of childhood. We savor time with our family and cherish
‘making memories’ with this next generation. The Center
is dedicated to helping all children, regardless of mental,
emotional or behavioral health issues, find and experience
what brings them joy. There can be no greater gift.”
For information about the Center, and tickets and sponsorship
opportunities for the 132nd Anniversary Celebration, visit
www.centerforchildren.org/celebration.
DECEMBER 2018 | GBSAN.COM 49