“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
C.S. Lewis
Founded in 1951, The Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive provider of services for people with disabilities in San Diego County. The Arc serves over 2,000 individuals at more than 20 locations throughout the county. The Arc San Diego Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was established in 1992 to support the programs and services for people with disabilities at The Arc of San Diego. Since its inception, the Foundation has successfully raised millions of dollars for The Arc of San Diego. Rachelle Tubongbanua currently serves as the Chairperson of the Arc San Diego Foundation.
#1 Rachelle Tubongbanua grew up right here in San Diego!
#2 My grandmother taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and kindness. She instilled in me the importance of giving back to those in need.
#3 I love Florence, Italy. The food, scenery, and history are breathtaking.
#4 I love traveling to new places and trying out different cuisines. It is on my bucket list to visit Spain and Portugal as well as Africa and Egypt.
#5 “A Beautiful Mind” is my favorite movie because it shows that true strength lies in perseverance and love, even when life feels overwhelming.
#6 I have a 4-year-old American Akita named Kira, whom we adopted during the pandemic.
#7 Giving back is deeply personal to me because it creates opportunities and uplifts those who need it most. It is about making a meaningful difference and ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive, especially in the communities where we live and work.
#8 Rachelle Tubongbanua first learned about The Arc of San Diego through their partnership with U.S. Bank and by attending their events. Seeing firsthand the incredible work they do to support individuals with disabilities really inspired me. Their mission to empower people and help them live independently deeply resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to be part of that impact and contribute to making a difference in our community.
#9 The Arc San Diego Foundation raises money to provide support to the clients at The Arc of San Diego with technology (iPads used for communication and learning) and transportation (lift vans to transport non-ambulatory clients to day programs, to work, medical appointments and activities in the community). Maintenance on the vans is very expensive, and the fleet always needs new vehicles.
#10 This year, we are proudly celebrating our 75th Anniversary, with festivities that include our Spring Gala, our Annual Meeting in June, our September Golf tournament, and our Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon on December 4, 2026.
The Arc San Diego Foundation
