For Love of Country will take place at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina Honoring Jack McGrory
San Diego CA— USO San Diego’s 77th Annual Stars and Stripes Gala: For Love of Country honors and supports our active duty military personnel and helps provide them with much-needed services. The signature gala has emerged as one of the top five gala events in San Diego and celebrates the strong, enduring relationship between San Diego and our Armed Forces.
Gala entertainment for the evening includes Two Time Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. A powerful baritone, Stokes has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the early 1990s. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2000 for his performance in Kiss Me, Kate. For the second year, Joe Emerson, National Anthem Singer, Painter, and TV personality will lend his remarkable talents to the gala.
Co-Chairs for the event include Arlene and Richard Esgate, Hélène and George Gould, Reena and Sam Horowitz, Jeanne Jones and Don Breitenberg, and Stephanie Brown. Mark Larson of KFMB AM radio will serve as emcee. Mark Larson of KFMB AM radio will serve as emcee.
USO San Diego extends its deepest, most heart-felt appreciation to June and Neil Ash as Presenting Sponsors, and Hélène and George Gould, who once again have stepped forward as Premier Title Sponsors. The organization has named Jack McGrory as its Gala honoree. Jack is currently CEO of La Jolla MJ Management, LLC, a real estate investment company. He is a cherished philanthropist, civic leader, businessman, and military veteran, who served three years in the Marine Corp as an infantry officer and completed tours of duty in Japan and the Philippines.
“This year, I am deeply appreciative to be named honoree at USO San Diego’s 77th Annual Stars and Stripes Gala: For Love of Country,” said McGrory. “As a proud veteran of our armed forces, I believe it is our duty and responsibility to honor and serve those men and women who sacrifice so much on our behalf.”
Hélène Gould added, “George and I have a deep commitment to support our U.S. military. These are the most amazing people, so devoted to this country.”
USO San Diego is chartered by Congress, but takes no federal or state funding and relies on the generosity of the community to help make a difference in the lives of military personnel and their families. The organization provides services to more than 220,000 active duty military members and their families 365 days a year at its award-winning Neil Ash USO San Diego Airport Center and downtown San Diego facility. It connects these dedicated warriors to home, community and country; from transitioning, to deployed troops, to the wounded, injured and fallen. Its programs include family dinners, much-needed food distribution; and services for families in crisis.
Lorin Stewart, CEO of USO San Diego, added, “We can only accomplish this with a dedicated and compassionate community of staff, volunteers and magnanimous supporters who work together to honor, respect and elevate the spirit of all military and their families.”
For ticket information, visit www.usosandiego.org/gala-2018. For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please contact Sharon Smith at 619-987-8020 or email SharonSmith@usosandiego.org
About USO San Diego
Founded in 1941, The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. USO San Diego is a premier USO Chartered Center providing morale and support services, as well as a home away from home for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For more information, please visit: www.usosandiego.org.