The Rob Benzon Foundation

The young, inspirational, and vibrant Rob Benzon died at the age of 31 when he drowned in the waters of Acapulco, Mexico. Benzon got caught in a sudden rip-current while swimming in the ocean during a vacation with his friends on June 5^th of 1999. As a member of the San Diego community, Benzon impacted many people with his infectious laugh, willingness to help, and his strong reassuring presence as he gave back to the community with his time, his money, and his love. With the passing of Rob Benzon, his friends endeavored to keep his spirit alive, as he always reminded people that each and every day is a gift. Devastated by the loss of their inspiring friend, a few of Benzon’s close friends formed the Rob Benzon Foundation. 

During the memorial service for Benzon, his friends and family took up a collection to donate in the memory of their friend. Benzon's mother matched the total amount raised and also donated all of the money she received after selling her son’s possessions. With $10,000 raised, the foundation in memory of Rob Benzon was created, 17 years ago. In the years since the loss of the young Benzon, his friends have collected and raised money by soliciting guests at their annual parties. The Rob Benzo Foundation allows individuals who are not usually philanthropic to make small donations and play a role in positively impacting the life of a fellow community member in San Diego. As the funds grew, what was originally the Rob Benzon Memorial fund became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization now known as the Rob Benzon Foundation. 

The mission of the Rob Benzon Foundation is to provide unexpected help and hope to individuals in the San Diego community who are suffering from a personal catastrophic event not of their making and who are in need of emergency support for expenses.

Additionally, the foundation strives to help individuals through local charitable causes serving the youth and the LGBT communities where specific needs can be identified. The foundation’s target grants to other organizations do not support general fund or overhead but rather are directed to specific causes or events the organization can isolate consistent with their mission to provide unexpected help and hope to qualifying individuals.

The guiding principle was to bring friends together to have a good time and allow people, who are not normally philanthropic, to give a small amount of money to attend the event. The Rob Benzon LAUNCH Party does just that, bringing people together for a night of fun to benefit fellow San Diegans in need. This year will the 17^th annual LAUNCH Party, and it is considered one of the premier PRIDE events in San Diego. The LAUNCH Party will be held at the Historic Burnham House in the heart of Hillcrest from 6pm–10pm on Friday, July 15^th. Local restaurants will be providing hors’ devours, and there will be fully hosted bars for party goers. The night is sure to be filled with entertainment as the LAUNCH Party kicks-off PRIDE weekend in San Diego. This year, there will be even more of San Diego’s top chefs and restaurants serving up their best for party-goers to enjoy. The VIP lounge will be the largest the party has seen to date, with hors d’oeuvres passed along on trays, delicious appetizers, and scrumptious treats. Not to mention there will be an open bar for VIP members and a separate entrance. 

All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the Rob Benzon Foundation, and not a single penny goes towards the overhead cost of the event or organization. Every dime raised goes directly back to the community of San Diego, helping those who need it. Thanks to the goodwill of community members and donors, the Rob Benzon Foundation has given $199,000 back to the community of San Diego through grants over the last 17 years in the memory of a selfless, caring, and giving man. Rob Benzon gave hope to the unexpected with his big heart. His friends and family have tirelessly worked on keeping Benzon’s spirit alive these last 17 years. Come out for a night of fun and laughter so you too can help keep alive the spirit of a man that once made the world a brighter place to live in. 

If you are interested in donating to the foundation, head over to the Rob Benzon Foundation webpage. Tickets are available to purchase at their website as well.