SDCPOSA.
The San Diego Chief Petty Officer Spouse Association (SDCPOSA) was established in August of 2015 by five Navy Chief Spouses who felt the need to assist in fostering meaningful relationships through mentorship, resource connections, and charitable events, with a mission of spouse empowerment and giving back! SDCPOSA seeks to create a diverse membership with a shared love of volunteering and giving back to the charities that are near and dear to their hearts; including charities that support their troops and the local San Diego communities. One year later, this California non-profit is growing and continuing to build on that shared dream.
Since their inception, they have organized events to support U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Armed Services Blood Drive, local women’s and elderly shelters, veteran’s groups, and held the 1st Annual Chief Petty Officer Spouse Select Symposium, mentoring hundreds of new CPO spouses. Their 1st Annual Toys for Tot Toy Drive and Vendor Fair collected cash and toy donations for both the Toys for Tots program and the SDCPOSA fundraising efforts. This worthwhile event is directly in line with their mission of spouse empowerment and is a place for spouses to highlight and celebrate their home businesses. In July, they held the 1st Annual Lakeside Pet Expo, benefitting Dogs on Deployment, a non-profit dedicated to finding foster homes for military member’s pets during their military obligations. This event, one of few held in the East County, was a huge success, earning cash donations for both the DoD and SDCPOSA, as they rehomed many pets and highlighted over 50 local animal humane and rescue non-profits across San Diego. The 2nd Annual Lakeside Pet Expo is scheduled for late Spring 2017.
Sponsors and donors such as Veteran’s United, USAA, NEX San Diego, The Brigantine, Lakeside and Santee UPS Store, Copy Corral, and many more, helped the SDCPOSA raise over $20,000 in cash, goods, in-kind donations, and awareness during their first year. These efforts earned them a California Assembly Certificate of Recognition from California Assemblyman Mike Gatto.
As they move into their second year, they are focused on their mission of spouse empowerment by planning their 1st Annual Roaring 20s Casino Night Gala in February. This Gala will be a fun-filled night open to all! Money raised will go toward their spouse education scholarship program. SDCPOSA feels strongly that a spouse will be empowered by following their dreams and reaching their goals and has created a scholarship that will help those in the pursuit of their goal of independence. If this means attending college or paying for the necessary re-certification/re-credentialing for a job; SDCPOSA wants to assist. “Our annual scholarship will provide an opportunity for goals and dreams to feel like reality”, Ashley Camac, SDCPOSA Secretary tells Giving Back Magazine. “It is my vision as a founding board member, Navy Veteran and spouse, to help other spouses see their potential fulfilled and help their families succeed,” adds Board Member Diana McGowen.
The San Diego Chief Petty Officer Spouse Association is ready and stands firm in their dedication to assist in the betterment of San Diego and their Navy community. If you would like to help their association meet their goals, they have many ways you can help. To sponsor their 1st Annual Casino Night Gala, please contact Diana McGowen at (619) 746-7197. For gala tickets or to learn more about the SDCPOSA and their upcoming events, please visit their website at www.sdcposa.com.
