Elizabeth Nguyen/PFLAG
Elizabeth plans to be a community activist. "I've begun this work by helping lead queer and feminist organizations and by interning at my university's LGBT Resource Center. "However," she continued, "I'd like to further my activism through literature. Through stories, I want to express the suffering, joy, oppression, and liberation of those in our community. I want to be able to speak of my own stories as a queer woman of color, which have been long silenced by hostile cultural attitudes.
Donation made in July 2011

Foster and Displaced Children in Court
RBF provided more than 500 new stuffed animals to comfort the scores of scared children in our local juvenile dependency court rooms.  The children are there for hearings which include taking kids away from their parents, and placing kids in foster homes after abuse or neglect.  One judge described the impact of the toys as, "the animals make a huge difference.  I have seen young children sobbing in court who immediately brighten up when told they can pick out an animal before they go."
Donation made in June 2011
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Janine C.
Janine was a victim of horrific domestic violence. Janine, along with her 10 year old daughter had to flee their home for the sake of their safety. RBF helped Janine and her daughter by paying emergency rent in a stable living situation to help Janine and her daughter remain away from the abuser. In late June, RBF got a note of thanks for helping Janine stay safe and the good news that Janine is stable and safe out of state.
Donation made in May 2011

PFLAG/San Diego
Donation made for the PFLAG Rob Benzon Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a San Diego bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
Donation made in March 2011.

Ethan F.
5 year old Ethan is a San Diego child diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma – a malignant brain tumor.  He had two surgeries to remove the tumor and shunt replacement.  Ethan developed cortical blindness and posterior fossa syndrome which left him unable to walk, swallow, or talk.  Ethan eventually started to verbalize again but needs intense speech and physical therapy.  One of the specific items needed by the Ethan and provided by RBF was a special walker to help Ethan excel in his physical therapy.  RBF wishes Ethan a speedy recovery.
Donation made in April 2011.

Mike M.
Mike is a San Diegan who has been unable to work due to HIV compilations and two herniated discs.  When the situation was dire and Mike was not able to pay rent, RBF stepped in to assist with one month’s rent paid directly to Mike’s landlord.
Donation made in Feb 2011.

Fawn L.
Fawn is a vibrant young San Diegan diagnosed with a malignant tumor.  With her strength and courage Fawn’s friends know that she will come through this.  It will take some time however for Fawn to recuperate.  She will not be able to work for 4-6 weeks.  Fawn’s medical expenses are extremely high and she will not be able to cover her living expenses for some time, rent, utilities, bills, herbs and supplements.  RBF stepped in and covered one month’s rent for Fawn. 
Donation made in Feb 2011.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Maria M.
Maria is a wonderful hard working San Diegan who had been struggling financially for a long time due to her husband being unemployed.  Things got worse when Maria lost her Mother on 12/23/10. They had no life insurance and were in financial distress so the body of Maria’s mom remained in the morgue until they could come up with the money to have her cremated.  RBF paid the crematorium the balance owing for Maria’s mother’s cremation.
Donation made in January 2011.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Antonia C.
Antonia had a surgery due to diabetes and disc problems in March that went badly and she had been virtually incapacitated since. She was hospitalized for several months and then homebound on an IV and unable to work. Antonia was laid off from work while recovering. She has survived so far with help from family and friends but that help is tapped out. Antonia was really desperate with two kids (ages 2 and 4) and not being able to provide for them. RBF paid for the next month’s rent and also provided a food card so she could have groceries and essential needs for the children.
Donation made in October 2010.

Jose A. Family
Tragedy struck a local family when 21 year Jose was killed in car accident just a day after finishing his college summer school class. Jose and a co-worker were driving in separate vehicles; Jose was following his co-worker. As they were driving, the co-worker swerved to miss a coyote that was in the road which caused his vehicle to roll over. Jose swerved to avoid hitting his co-worker and lost control of his car. As Jose’s vehicle was spinning, the rear portion of Jose’s vehicle collided with the front end of an oncoming Ford F-150 pickup truck. Jose’s family has very limited means and was struggling with how to pay for the funeral and burial costs while also dealing with their unimaginable grief. Friends of the family covered the burial expenses and RBF paid for the head stone that marks Jose’s final resting place.
Donation made in August 2010.

Jared K
Jared is a young San Diegan who suffered very serious injuries in a Vespa accident. Jared’s injuries were so severe that it was unknown whether he would be able to walk again unassisted. He did have vehicle insurance but not injury coverage and the bills quickly mounted. Jared only had "major medical" health insurance leaving him responsible for a large chunk of the medical costs. The vehicle insurance paid for his Vespa and he used that money to chip away at bills. RBF paid for much of the emergency room services which enabled Jared to use his disability checks for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. We got an update from Jared a few months later that his recovery is going great and he is walking unassisted!
Donation made in August 2010.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]


Nick O.
Nick is the sole provider for he and his wife. His testicular cancer was initially misdiagnosed which cost him valuable time and allowed the tumor to grow even larger and the recovery and time away from work more difficult. RBF helped Nick and his wife with Kaiser medical bills which mounted quickly. The good news is the Nick’s surgery was successful and he appears to be cancer free!
Donation made in July 2010.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Sherrill W.
71 year old Sherrill W. is battling cancer while taking care of her 51 year old mentally challenged son. Sherrill was the victim of theft and left virtually penniless. Her only income is Social Security and SSI for her son. She wants to work but no one is hiring a 71 year old cancer patient. With her savings gone her Social Security is not enough for her rent, bills, medical insurance, etc. Sherrill is getting some food from a church who also helps take her to medical appointments. RBF paid one month's rent and provided a food card so she could put groceries in her home. We also referred Sherrill to other charities and organizations who could give her longer term assistance.
Donation made in June 2010.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Laurel P.
12 year old Laurel P. was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. She has had 13 weeks of chemo and 2 tumor removal surgeries. Most patients die within 2 years of getting this type of brain cancer. The family needed money to take her to NYC to have her evaluated for a special experimental treatment. The family lost their business and went bankrupt in January. It is a very sad and desperate situation. More information is on their website: http://fortheloveoflaurel.org/default.htm. RBF helped pay one month's rent to provide some relief during this challenging time.
Donation made in April 2010.

PFLAG/San Diego
Donation made for the PFLAG Rob Benzon Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution. The recipient this year was Nicole Levin who is pursuing degrees in Nursing and International Security and Conflict Resolution with a minor in Public Health at San Diego State University. Nicole's career goal is healthcare advocacy, especially with refugee populations, since she is herself an American expatriate. She has been active in LGBT issues in Slovenia, Australia and California. Her letter of recommendation mentions her character and determination in creating a position for herself as the sole English-speaking editor for a subgroup of the UN Development Program in Ukraine.
Donation made in March 2010.

Marina L.
Marina is the sole provider for her family of 5. On 2/24/10, she was walking down the street when an accident with a bus occurred and she was pinned to the wall by the bus. She was rushed to the hospital where her leg had to be amputated at mid thigh. Her other leg was broken in several places. Marina has no insurance and no income and asked for assistance with food and shelter for the children. Others provided short term housing assistance and RBF was able to provide funds for a reliable steady source of food for the children.
Donation made in March 2010.

Chris F.
Chris is a self-employed contractor who was hospitalized for several days for a very serious condition. Chris has no health insurance and as a self-employed person lost his income while unable to work. RBF paid one month’s rent to keep him from losing his housing.
Donation made in February 2010.

2009 Grants

Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner
RBF was glad to be able to again provide significant support for the annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner. Started 21 years ago by Scott Carlson as a dinner for HIV/AIDS patients, the tradition of giving continues to provide a hot meal for those in need in our community on a day we earmark to give thanks. The dinner now includes people with cancer and other ailments, homeless people, and anyone needing a safe and inviting place to come together as a community on this holiday. More than 150 people benefited from this year’s annual dinner.
Donation made in November 2009.

Jose S.
A young man who was the bread-winner for his family until he was laid off and then suffered a serious leg injury rendering without insurance and unable to work. RBF paid one month’s rent to keep him and his family from losing their housing.
Donation made in September 2009.


Youth Housing Project
The Youth Housing project provides 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth. These high-risk youth were living in the streets or in public spaces after having been ejected from their homes because of their sexual orientation. RBF Donated over $1700 from the Launch 2009 proceeds for this great cause through LGBT Pride.
Donation made in August 2009.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

James H.
16 year old James suffered a severe injury in a BMX accident in March and is now a quadriplegic and needs constant care and 24 hour attention. After many months of grueling rehabilitation, he was ready to leave the facility and move back home with his mother Victoria. Prior to the move, Victoria had to remodel their bathroom to make it accessible. RBF paid several of the expenses to assist Victoria with the costs associated with remodeling their bathroom to make it accessible for James's special needs.
Donation made in July 2009.



UCSD mobile community AIDS testing and services
RBF granted funds to support UCSD AIDS center mobile outreach providing AIDS testing and information to high risk populations in our community.
Donation made in April 2009.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]

Youth Housing Project
Monthly community dinner funding in support of the high-risk youth living at the housing project after having been ejected from their own homes due to their sexual orientation.
Donation made in March 2009.

Charles G.
Charles is a young bartender who has no insurance and was diagnosed with very aggressive cancer.  RBF was able to cover some critical living expenses for this community member.
Donation made in March 2009.

PFLAG/San Diego
Donation made for the PFLAG Rob Benzon Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
Donation made in February 2009.

Chang Yang Family
After losing their family home to foreclosure, Chang Yang, his wife, and two children moved into a tiny apartment with all of the worldly possessions to begin anew. Unfortunately, a second disaster struck and their apartment was destroyed in an electrical fire. The Yang’s escaped the fire but they lost the few things they had left in the world to the fire and had no insurance. Some RBF board members individually donated household items and RBF provided the funds necessary for the Yang family to purchase clothing for the children and basic household items that were needed.

2008 Grants

Manuel M.
RBF helped with medical and food expenses for a young man with diabetes at risk of losing his leg due to an injury he suffered.  He was without medical insurance, an income, and other support.
December 2008

30 Local Families via The Center
RBF responded to a call for assistance for 30 local families in distress who had been screened by The Center.  RBF provided gift cards for food and medicine for 30 local families. 
Donation made in December 2008.

Ellen E.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellenerickson
An 11 year old girl recently diagnosed with bone cancer.  Financial support for her family to enable her mother to remain out of work to be at Ellen’s bedside.
Donation made in November 2008.

Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner
Purchase of dinner items for community Thanksgiving meal benefiting local individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Donation made in November 2008.

Stacie J.
Financial Support to purchase back to school supplies for a little girl whose mother was hit by a drunk driver which left her unable to work.
Donation made in September 2008.

Tiffany B.
A single mother in nursing school who has no income and just learned she has stage 4 cancer. Funding for pharmacy, necessities, and items for the children.
Donation made in August 2008.

Maryah B.
Assistance for insurance payments for 8 year old cancer survivor Maryah B
Donation made in July 2008.


Marie M.
Medical bill assistance for a San Diego county victim of a diving accident while on her honeymoon.
Donation made in July 2008.


Youth Housing Project
Monthly community dinner funding in support of the high-risk youth living at the housing project after having been ejected from their own homes due to their sexual orientation.
Donation made in May 2008.




PFLAG/San Diego
Donation made for the PFLAG Scholarship Fund which is awarded to a bisexual,
transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
Donation made in May 2008.


Asian & Pacific Islander Comminity AIDS Project (APICAP)
Funding for safe sex outreach supplies and materials.
Donation made in April 2008.




Development In Gardening (DIG)
Financial assistance for this San Diego based organization which focuses on improving the nutrition levels of urban HIV/AIDS patients in hospitals and orphanages throughout Africa.
Donation made in March 2008.


Janet M.
Financial support for breast cancer treatments for local San Diego woman.
Donation made in February 2008.


Mike P.
Medical insurance premiums paid for Mike P, an individual undergoing cancer treatments.
Donation made in January 2008.



2007 Grants


Being Alive
Provided funding for holiday meals delivered to local needy individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Donation made in November 2007.


Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner
Purchased turkeys for community Thanksgiving Dinner for local individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Donation made in November 2007.


Derrick S.
Financial support for local gay youth unable to work due to sudden illness. Donation made in November 2007.






Patrick Ivison
www.HelpPatrickWalk.org
Paralyzed teenager needing ongoing funds for physical therapy to help him learn to walk. Check out Patrick's progression on YouTube by clicking here.
Donation made in October 2007
[Click here for a note from the recipient]





Recovery Effort for Eric Joseph
Local bartender from San Diego's Stingaree was shot in both legs while protecting his friends from being shot by a gunman.
Donation made in October 2007.


Scroll Saw Club of North County
Funding for local organization providing hand-made wooden toys for needy children during the holiday season.
Donation made in October 2007.


Cancer Treatment for Paul P.
Helping with cancer treatments for local individual.
Donation made in August 2007.


Hillcrest Youth Center
www.youthcentersd.com
Justin Smith's youth event. Proceeds benefiting the Hillcrest Youth Center.
Donation made in August 2007.


Queen Eddie Youth Fund
Donation made in July 2007.




Lyly Koenig Breast Cancer Fund
www.bowlingforlyly.com
Support for the breast cancer treatment for Lyly Koenig, former San Diego Charger Girl, with the NFL Alumni Cheerleaders and Players.
Donation made in July 2007
[Click here for a note from the recipient]


Daniel P.
Financial assistance for local bartender's cancer treatment.
Donation made in June 2007.


PFLAG/San Diego
www.PFlag.com
Donation made for the PFLAG Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
Donation made in May 2007.



2006 Grants



Youth Affordable Housing Project San Diego
Monthly dinner expenses in support for high-risk youth who are currently transitioning out of foster care and/or group homes, or living in the streets or in public spaces after having been ejected from their homes because of their sexual orientation.
Donation made in December 2006.




Development in Gardening (DIG)
Assisting with the nutritional needs of urban HIV/AIDs hospitals and orphanages throughout Africa. To find out more about DIG, click here.
Donation made in September 2006.





Youth Housing Project
www.thecentersd.org
Project providing 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth.
Donation made in July 2006.


2005 Grants

San Diego Police Officers Association for the Hoefer Family Fund
Family needing funds for immediate support to assist after traumatic kidnapping experience.


The Center for the Hillcrest Youth Center
www.youthcentersd.com


Patrick Ivison
www.HelpPatrickWalk.org
Paralyzed ten-year old boy needing funds for physical therapy to help him learn to walk.


Janyce Gentry
Mother needing treatment for advanced melanoma.
[Click here for a note from the recipient]


Ben Dillingham Fund toward burial expenses for Patricio Gonzalez
Victim of lethal silicone injections.


PFLAG/San Diego
www.PFlag.com
Donation made for the PFLAG Scholarship Fund which will be awarded to a bisexual, transgender, lesbian or gay student planning to attend a post-secondary educational institution.



2004 Grants

The San Diego LGBT Community Center

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for Team Derek

Kenny Jordan
Medical expenses.

Crone/Margolis
Assistance with living expenses.

Woman needing surgery
For brain tumor medial expenses.


2003 Grants

Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund

The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Tile donation level.


2002 Grants

Make-a-Wish Foundation

Bienestar