“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.”
— Maya Angelou
The mission of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is to help local students achieve their educational goals, and serve as a catalyst to improve people’s lives and the community through financial and educational opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants. This year, the Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to 82 students including 32 current or former foster youth. Penney Newell is the Cal Coast Cares Foundation Manager.
#1 Penney Newell a native San Diegan.
#2 I have always had a deep passion for philanthropy and strengthening community ties – even from a young age. When I was about 8 or 9, I appeared on a local news segment to encourage the community to support a breakfast program for schools.
#3 I like to play golf with my girlfriends. It allows time to connect, unwind, laugh together, and enjoy quality time with each other.
#4 I love national parks and would like to visit Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore next summer.
#5 My dream is to visit Africa. I would love to explore the origins of the first civilizations and connect with the ancestral roots that have shaped so much of the world. It would be incredibly meaningful to walk the lands where my ancestors once lived and deepen my understanding of heritage, resilience, and the shared human story.
#6 One of my favorite travel experiences was visiting Paris during the 2024 Olympics. The city was absolutely electric – full of energy, culture, and celebration. I loved exploring the historic neighborhoods, enjoying café culture, and taking in iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine at sunset. It was inspiring to see people from all over the world come together in such a vibrant, beautiful setting.
#7 Favorite Movie: I really enjoy the Harry Potter films. No matter how many times I watch them, they never get old. I am always inspired by how Harry and his classmates find the courage to face powerful forces of evil – using creativity, friendship, and teamwork to overcome every challenge.
#8 Favorite Book: “The Broke Black Girl” is a platform, website, and book series by Dasha Kennedy that addresses the unique financial challenges faced by Black women and others excluded from traditional financial conversations.
#9 Giving back allows me to help create meaningful change. By building strategic partnerships with over 275 community organizations, I have been able to support programs that uplift underserved and hard-to-reach populations – work that strengthens the fabric of our community.
#10 100% of the proceeds from our golf tournament will support local students and educators.
Cal Coast Cares Foundation
8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Monday, August 18, 2025
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, Rancho Santa Fe
birdease.com/calcoastcares
