Media Advisory

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2025

Contact: Sandra Wellhausen
(619) 507-2077
swellhausen@sdyouthservices.org

San Diego Youth Services Raises $250,000 at Gala Honoring CEO Walter Philips’ 25 Years of Leadership

San Diego, Calif. (July 2, 2025) — San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) is proud to announce that its Gala & Benefit Auction, held Saturday, June 7, raised an inspiring $250,000 in support of life-changing programs for vulnerable youth across the region.

The elegant evening, hosted at Liberty Station’s Building 177, brought together more than 300 community members, business leaders and long-time supporters to celebrate the extraordinary 25-year legacy of SDYS CEO Walter Philips, who will be retiring this summer.

“This event was a powerful tribute to the strength of our community and the belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive,” said Philips. “I’m deeply humbled by the generosity shown and honored to have led this organization for the past 25 years.”

The Gala featured a welcome reception, a 3-course dinner, and silent and live auctions with exclusive items and experiences, all contributing to the $250,000 raised. Proceeds will directly support SDYS’s critical programs, which reach over 14,000 children, teens and young adults each year — many of whom face homelessness, abuse, foster care instability and crisis.

“These funds will make a direct impact by providing housing, mental health care, food, education and job training to San Diego’s most vulnerable youth,” said Philips.

The Gala not only celebrated Philips’ career of service but also served as a rallying call to continue the mission— ensuring every young person in San Diego has the support they need to succeed.

For more information about San Diego Youth Services and how to support its mission, please visit www.sdyouthservices.org.

 

About San Diego Youth Services

San Diego Youth Services works to end the cycle of homelessness by moving youth into safe and stable housing, and providing safe places to live and long-term solutions for children and young adults through shelters, foster homes, community centers and housing. The organization also provides wraparound services, including the tools and training youth need to become self-sufficient and create healthy and productive paths in life. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, San Diego Youth Services also helps youth before they need higher levels of care or experience homelessness.

The nonprofit organization serves more than 14,000 youth annually and has helped stabilize the lives of more than 823,000 youth living in San Diego County, since its founding in 1970.

To learn more, visit sdyouthservices.org.

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