10 Things About Joan Waitt & Promises2Kids

“Go big or go home”

Since 1981, Promises2Kids has supported over 200,000 abused and neglected children in our community. From the moment they enter foster care through adulthood, Promises2Kids provides hope, support, and opportunities to help them build brighter futures. Joan Waitt, a dedicated advocate from La Jolla, has played a vital role as a Former Board Member, Dream On Concert Gala sponsor and chair, and emeritus member, continuously working to create a better future for foster children.

#1 Joan Waitt grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, a small, but great town, that she still visits often.

#2 I adore traveling to exotic destinations, especially with my four kids. But I have to say one of my favorite places to frequent is New York City. I love the fashion, the energy, the hustle and bustle, and the amazing restaurants.

#3 One place I have really been wanting to go to for a while is Croatia. It looks stunning and has so much to offer.

#4 Right now, I have a beautiful German shepherd named Bella. My house has been filled with dogs all my life and I am planning to adopt another dog very soon.

#5 Everyone sees me as a very strong person, but they would be surprised at how sensitive I really am.

#6 The person who has most positively impacted my life is my father, Joseph Peschel. Without him, I would not be the woman I am today.

#7 Promises2Kids Programs include: Camp Connect, Guardian Scholars, Foster Funds and the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center.

#8 I got involved with Promises2Kids after being approached by the former Mayor, Susan Golding and I decided to join the board as I really resonated with Promises2Kids’ message.

#9 22-year-old Madelyn entered foster care at 14 with her brother. They were homeless for most of her life, and her mother was caught in the cycle of drug addiction, prostitution and violence. This led to them being removed from her care and placed at the Polinsky Children’s Center. Today, she is studying to become a criminal defense attorney and hopes to use her story to help give a second chance to those struggling with generational poverty and addiction. As a Guardian Scholar, she now has the guidance, resources and support system she needs to flourish.

#10 Funds raised from the “Dream On Concert” will help reconnect siblings who have been separated in foster care, provide career and education support for current and former foster youth, provide birthday gifts, school clothes and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, and ensure that foster children feel safe, cared for and out of harm’s way.