Grants

Daniel J. Ferbal Memorial Scholarship: Keith Sullivan
Keith is an undergraduate Social Work student at San Diego City College who returned to school with renewed purpose and determination. Since returning, he has been selected for the Dean’s List and currently maintains a 4.0 GPA. With 16 years of sobriety, Keith is passionate about helping others navigate mental health and life challenges with hope and resilience.

In addition to his academic studies, Keith is actively involved in the Honors Program, Active Minds, and the campus Mental Health Center, where he supports efforts to promote mental health awareness and student connection. His goal is to transfer to San Diego State University to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

The Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship: Nexus Harmony
Nexus is a non-binary graduate student who will begin pursuing a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University this fall after earning a master’s degree this spring. Their passion centers on supporting and conducting research focused on non-binary, non-monogamous, and LGBTQ+ communities, with a commitment to creating more inclusive and affirming mental health spaces.

In addition to their work as a therapist and academic, Nexus is also a musician, performer, and creative artist who shares daily clown makeup looks and personal expression through social media. They hope to use their public platform to inspire authenticity and make research and knowledge more accessible, believing that valuable information should not be limited by academic jargon or journal paywalls.

Andy Thomas Memorial Scholarship: Laila Gray
Laila is a graduate of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where she studied and performed in theatre for four years, building a strong foundation in the fundamentals of acting. She plans to continue her education in Theatre Arts at Southwestern College with the goal of further developing her craft and growing as an actress.

Through her involvement with the First Gen college access program, Laila found a supportive community that embraced and celebrated her identity as an African American, Filipino, and bisexual woman. The program provided an encouraging and welcoming environment that empowered her and other students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education and the arts. Laila is deeply grateful for the opportunity and for organizations that continue to uplift queer artists and people of color.

Grants Awarded June 2026

Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation was proud to once again support Camp Spero in partnership with the Center for Compassionate Care of the Elizabeth Hospice. This important charity is part of a network of free bereavement camps for children and teens aged 6 to 17 years who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp Spero’s counselors implement specially designed grief-sensitive activities to assist these children with the bereavement process. Our grant provided funds to supply the camp attendees with stuffed Teddy Bears wearing Rob Benzon Dan Ferbal Foundation T-Shirts.

Grant awarded in April 2026

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant for the Children’s Holiday Magic Project to provide “Care Deer Packs” to children spending their holidays in San Diego hospitals. Each pack includes a 12-page activity and coloring book along with a downloadable music-and-story CD, offering comfort and joy during a difficult time.

For more than 22 years, this program has brightened the holidays for thousands of young patients, their siblings, and their parents. The Foundation is proud to continue underwriting the printing costs, so even more children can experience a lift in spirits during the holiday season.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a 2025 grant to purchase and deliver toys to children of the Wounded Warrior Project, in collaboration with Luis Fitch and the Warm Smiles Project.

Community leader and philanthropist Johan Engman, owner of Breakfast Republic and Fig Tree Café, hosts an annual holiday dinner for Wounded Warrior families. Each year, Johan, Luis, and a dedicated group of organizers, family members, and volunteers hand-deliver toys to the children on Christmas Day. To date, over 8,000 toys have been personally delivered, bringing comfort, joy, and holiday magic to families who need it most. Many children have shared that this was the only gift they received during the holidays.

This grant helps ensure that hundreds more children will receive a cherished holiday gift in 2025.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant for a local firefighter who survived a traumatic on-duty accident while deployed as part of a US&R team on their way to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. After their vehicle rolled multiple times and was subsequently struck by a semi-truck, the firefighter, despite sustaining injuries, provided lifesaving care to severely injured colleagues at the scene.

Following the incident, the firefighter completed a six-month PTSD treatment program but continued to face emotional and financial challenges during recovery. To support ongoing healing, the firefighter sought a specialized program shown to help reduce PTSD symptoms. The Foundation approved a grant covering the full program cost.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation was honored to once again support the annual Scott Carlson/Dan Ferbal Community Thanksgiving Dinner by assisting with food costs. Hosted each year on Thanksgiving Day at the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center, this cherished tradition has been bringing the community together since 1988, when Scott Carlson first created the event to provide a warm holiday meal for San Diegans suffering from HIV/AIDS at the height of the epidemic.

For many years, Dan Ferbal and Steve Hawley volunteered, and in 2020, Dan’s name was added to the event in recognition of his remarkable service and enduring compassion for the community. Today, the dinner continues with that legacy of care and inclusiveness, offering a welcoming space and a hot Thanksgiving meal for individuals facing cancer and other serious illnesses, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone in need of connection during the holiday. In 2025, more than 650 individuals benefited from this vital community gathering.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant request for Nick R., whose life was upended by an e-bike accident in May that resulted in a severe leg injury. After weeks on crutches, countless medical appointments, and continued physical therapy, Nick was still unable to return to his serving job, and disability income wasn’t enough to stay afloat. As savings ran out and his lease ended, he found himself in urgent need of housing assistance. The Foundation’s support helped bridge that gap, ensuring Nick had stability while he worked toward a full recovery.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant request for Bryana O., who was assaulted and knocked down while already wheelchair-bound due to MS. As a result of her injuries, she was unable to work and at risk of losing her housing.

Our grant provided essential support to help prevent Bryana from becoming homeless. Because of the Foundation’s assistance, she was able to remain in her apartment, focus on recovery, and access the therapy and home health care she urgently needed.

Grant awarded in November 2025

The Rob Benzon / Dan Ferbal Foundation (RBDFF) is proud to have awarded three scholarships through the annual PFLAG Scholarship Awards to three deserving LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education.

The Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship: Dylan Baker

Dylan is a history major with an LGBTQ+ studies minor at San Diego State University. While attending Cuesta College, they founded and served as the first president of the Cuesta Pride Club. Dylan has been deeply involved in preserving and uplifting LGBTQ+ history in California through their work with the Central Coast Queer Archive Project. Their academic interests center on North American, Middle Eastern, and Queer history, with a focus on their intersections.

Dylan will graduate with their B.A. in Fall 2025 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in history or public policy, with the long-term goal of teaching and contributing to local politics.

Daniel J. Ferbal Memorial Scholarship: Jorge Chavez Diaz De Leon

Jorge is a proud first-generation college student at San Diego State University, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Spanish. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a participant in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which supports first-generation and low-income students, Jorge is committed to bridging cultural gaps and fostering inclusive spaces.

“This scholarship makes me feel heard, seen, and noticed knowing we are never alone and we can always fight for what we want for our future. My goal is to use my education to make a positive impact in my community, empower others, and promote social justice. I am passionate about working with diverse populations and hope to contribute to meaningful change in society.”

Andy Thomas Memorial Scholarship: Audrey Ritz

Audrey will pursue a degree in Theater at California State University, Fullerton, in Fall 2025. A lifelong thespian, she is committed to building a career on stage, both as a working actor and as a theater educator who inspires young performers. Audrey also dreams of one day creating a program that funds arts education and provides scholarships to students who share her passion for the arts.

Grants awarded in June 2025

Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation was proud to support Camp Spero in partnership with the Center for Compassionate Care of the Elizabeth Hospice. This important charity is part of a network of free bereavement camps for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years of age who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Camp Spero’s counselors run specially designed activities to assist these children with the bereavement process. Our grant provided funds to supply the camp attendees with stuffed Teddy Bear’s wearing Rob Benzon Dan Ferbal Foundation T-Shirts.

Grant awarded in May 2025