San Diego’s business and nonprofit communities are buzzing this week with big donations, new facilities, festive experiences, and ways to give back. From $750,000 in meals for families to holiday gondola cruises, tickets to The Flower Fields and other openings, here’s what’s happening around town.
Blue Shield Promise Donates $750,000 to Food BanksBlue Shield Promise is helping feed thousands of families in San Diego and Los Angeles counties with a $750,000 donation split among three food banks. Over 20 employees volunteered at Feeding San Diego, packaging meals and seeing the impact firsthand. The gift alone will provide roughly 500,000 meals, supporting local families facing food insecurity.
Helping hands at the recent Blue Shield Promise event. (Photo courtesy of Blue Shield Promise)Carlsbad’s StoryWalk Brings Books OutdoorsCarlsbad opened its first permanent StoryWalk at Buena Vista Reservoir Park, giving kindergarteners—and the public—a chance to read while exploring a trail. Bilingual books rotate every few months, keeping the experience fresh for families. The Friends of the Carlsbad Library funded the project, combining literacy with outdoor fun.
Kids enjoy StoryWalk. (Photo courtesy of the city of Carlsbad)Spotlight on Small Nonprofits for Giving TuesdayCity Heights Community Development Corp. is launching an Emergency Food Pantry Hotline for residents affected by SNAP cuts. Jewish Family Services is providing mobile meals, pantries, and financial coaching, with donations matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. California Western School of Law’s Community Law Project, Humble Design San Diego, and Art FORM are also highlighting creative ways to help neighbors for Giving Tuesday.
Children color at a table while being supervised. These children are participants of the Jewish Family Service guaranteed income programs. (File photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of San Diego.)Evans Hotels Unveils Holiday ExperiencesEvans Hotels is decking the halls with festive activities at Bahia Resort, Catamaran Resort, and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, including Jingle Belle Cruises, visits with Santa, holiday meals, and a New Year’s Eve prosecco soiree. Portions of the cruise proceeds benefit Mama’s Kitchen.
Santa enjoys the beach at the Bahia Resort. (Photo courtesy of Evans Hotels)Holiday Gondola Cruises Return to Coronado CaysThe Gondola Co’s 50-minute holiday cruises bring twinkling lights, blankets, soft music, and holiday mugs to Coronado Cays. Cruises start at $129 for two guests, while larger Carolina Cruises host up to 14. Guests can enjoy a cozy, festive ride perfect for family, friends, or work celebrations.
Fun times this holiday season can be had aboard a gondola. (Photo courtesy of the Gondola Co.)BluPeak Foundation Launches Website for Clean Water AccessBluPeak Credit Union has unveiled BluPeakFoundation.org, a nonprofit platform supporting clean water initiatives worldwide and in the U.S. In 2025, the foundation donated $27,500 to groups including Water.org and charity: water, continuing its focus on water equity.
East County Walk and Rally for Youth HomelessnessNovember is Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month. On Nov. 13, Home Start led the East County Walk and Rally, uniting community members, youth, and local leaders to advocate for youth experiencing homelessness. The walk started at Little House Family Resource Services and ended at El Cajon Centennial Park, where Home Start CEO Joe Buehrle, Councilmember Michelle Metschel, and local youth shared their stories.
According to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, 682 transitional-aged youth (18–24) were experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. Home Start works year-round to provide outreach, housing, and supportive services for youth and families. For more information, visit here.
East County Walk and Rally for Youth Homelessness participants. (Photo courtesy of Mission Focused)County Opens Psychiatric Health Facility in OceansideA new 16-bed, 24-hour psychiatric facility at Tri-City Medical Center provides short-term inpatient care for adults. Patients will receive multidisciplinary support, with an average stay of 5-7 days before transitioning to community-based services.
Flower Fields Holiday Gift Tickets The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is giving the gift of blooms this holiday season with “Anytime Tickets” for the 2026 season. Guests can wander through 55 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, spot vibrant butterflies, and enjoy unlimited wagon rides. Tickets are valid March 1–May 10, 2026, and go on sale from Black Friday (Nov. 28) through Dec. 31. Prices are $40 for adults, $38 for seniors and military, and $30 for children, making this a colorful and memorable gift for family and friends.
Sunflowers at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. (Photo courtesy of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch)Women’s Veterans Center Grand OpeningWounded Warrior Homes’ Women’s Veterans Center in Escondido will host an open house on November 15. The program offers free housing and services to women veterans and their children, providing a safe, supportive space for San Diego’s women who served.
Got any biz news you want to share? Please drop me a note at DebbieS@timesofsandego.com.
Hence then, the article about biz beat nov 14 750k donations storywalks and holiday magic was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Biz Beat: Nov. 14: $750K donations, storywalks, and holiday magic )
Also on site :