10 Things About Laura Tancredi-Baese & Home Start

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“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.
– Betty White

Home Start’s mission is to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities. Each day, Home Start staff serve as heroes in our community by breaking the cycles of poverty, abuse, homelessness, and neglect. Over 52 years, thousands of children and families have received the resources, healing, and hope to thrive. Home Start’s 2025 Gala will be extra special as CEO Laura Tancredi-Baese’s upcoming retirement and her 18 years of tireless dedication to serving San Diego children, families, and individuals will be recognized and celebrated.

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#1 Laura Tancredi-Baese grew up in North Babylon, Long Island, New York until I was 16. Then I moved to San Diego.

#2 I was very fortunate to grow up with parents who cared about me and always encouraged me to follow my passion for a career to serve others.

#3 Favorite Travel Destination: We definitely loved our time in Southeast Asia during my sabbatical.

#4 We plan to visit the French Riviera and Wine Regions in France this summer, and then our granddaughter will be joining us to celebrate her high school graduation in Paris.

#5 Singing has always been a passion, and I am very lucky to be a singer in an all-women’s San Diego band called Girls Gone Band. I am also still a daily one-mile jogger, and I love to stand up paddle board and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

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#6 Our dog Champ is coming up on 16 years old. He has been a total joy in our lives.

#7 Favorite Movie: “Moonstruck” – a tribute to my Italian American family growing up in New York. I can recite almost every line!

#8 Book Recommendation: “Siddhartha”, by Hermann Hesse which I read at 17 and continues to inspire me.

#9 Giving back to the community has been a core part of who I am since I was 16. Seeing some of my friends take a troubled path made me want to understand their struggles and find ways to support others in reaching their full potential. It is my way of making a difference and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

#10 Laura Tancredi-Baese first became familiar with Home Start through my work in the nonprofit sector, collaborating on various youth projects. Our mission – to support children and families in overcoming trauma and adversity – deeply resonated with me. I knew this was a cause where I could make a meaningful difference and be part of something truly life-changing.

EVENT

Home Start
“Blue Ribbon Gala”
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
5:30 PM
The “Blue Ribbon Gala” will take place on the grounds of an exclusive private residence in Rancho Santa Fe.
www.blueribbongala.com

Lori Walton
Lori Walton
My love and appreciation for nonprofit work began in college when I was selected to represent UCLA’s undergraduate service organization. As a student, I didn’t have a lot of money to donate but I quickly learned that I could make an impact by giving my time. All you have to do to make a difference in someone’s life is care. For the last 30 years, San Diego has been my home. During this time, I have served on over 17 boards and chaired 27 fundraisers. No matter how much work I do with nonprofits, I am always amazed at the number of awesome causes and dedicated supporters out there. San Diego definitely has the best weather in the world but what makes San Diego America’s finest city are the people. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to live in a city that has so many kind and selfless souls who genuinely care about making our community a better place for everyone. As Giving Back Magazine’s Philanthropy Editor, each week, I feature a hero and the causes that are creating a positive difference in our world. Always remember that philanthropy is about more than giving money, it’s about caring enough to help others who are in pain. So, go out there and make every moment count!

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