The San Diego tourism community is coming together to support our region as it grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Each week, the SDTA will share how our Members and industry partners are getting creative to support each other and the larger community. Be sure to share your own story here or on social media using #WithLoveSanDiego
Comic-Con Superheroes
Superheros are not just found on the pages of your favorite comic books. In fact, San Diego’s very own Comic-Con Museum took the force into their own hands as they celebrated national Star Wars Day (May 4th) with a collaborative effort with the San Diego Blood Bank. The blood bank saw an astonishing 233 donors—including 35 first-time donors— and collected 214 pints that have the potential to save some 642 lives. This is no small feat with stay-at-home orders in place making this a huge victory thanks to the united front of the Comic-Con Museum, the San Diego Blood Bank and the many stars who came to lend their support by donating.
Indigenous Art
As the San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) has worked toward the opening of their upcoming 2021 exhibit SO PRESENT / SO ABSENT: Contemporary Indigenous Art, incredible connections with indigenous communities throughout the West have formed. First, SDAI made sure that three outstanding indigenous artists were included in its newly established online Regional Artists Market (RAM). In fact, these artists—Demian DinéYazhi´ (Diné), Maggie Thompson (Fond Du Lac Ojibwe), and River Garza (Tongva)— happen to have some of the platform’s best-selling pieces. To build on the partnership, for every item sold on RAM, two cotton masks will be donated to the Southern Indian Health Council, a Native American organization committed to protecting and improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the American Indian community. If that wasn’t enough, SDAI has partnered with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to prepare and donate 5,000 meals for medical professionals, senior citizens and people experiencing homelessness in the Inland Empire. In addition, the partnership has donated 40,000 pounds of food and essential supplies to Feeding America and has hosted two blood drives that have collected over 100 pints of blood.
Back by Popular Demand
It was just a little over a week ago that we were all grieving the closure of one of San Diego’s most iconic restaurants, Anthony’s Fish Grotto. After five decades, the longtime La Mesa restaurant announced its unfortunate closure on May 9th due to the novel coronavirus. News spread quickly and owner, Craig Ghio received an overwhelming response from customers that led to the reversal of his decision to close Anthony’s Fish Grotto permanently. Times are still uncertain with protocols and procedures constantly evolving, but with tremendous public support as well as funds from the Payment Protection Program, Anthony’s Fish Grotto is officially open once again and resuming take-out and retail operations.
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