It’s the biggest birthday party I’ve ever attended! 1,200 men and women converged on the San Diego Convention Center Tuesday, March 11, to celebrate the 100th birthday of the YWCA in San Diego County.

At the 9th annual “In The Company of Women” luncheon, I was privileged to emcee a program that celebrated an organization responsible for changing the lives of thousands of women and families.

One of only a handful of social service agencies to achieve such a milestone, the YWCA in San Diego County has been contributing to the health of the community since 1908.

For 100 years, the YWCA has focused on improving the status of women and children and advancing racial justice. It’s hard to know how many women and families have been helped over the years.

We watched the stories of Anna, Sarah and Lana on video, then personally met these brave women who found a way out of the cycle of domestic violence through the YWCA’s programs.

With warmth and humor, keynote speaker Connie Chung addressed a variety of women’s issues. The award-winning broadcast journalist and former network news anchor clearly has a heart for eradicating the travesty that is domestic violence.

Former City Attorney Casey Gwynn — now CEO for the YWCA — shared his vision for the next hundred years: renovating the old YWCA building at 10th and C downtown. It’s a big vision.

“I want the entire square block to come alive again,” he told the crowd, “so it can become a beacon of hope for our community.” You could almost hear a big “Amen” from the crowd as the donation envelopes were passed.

And today, there’s even more reason to celebrate. Chief Development Officer for the YWCA, Edith Glassey, just announced Tuesday’s luncheon raised more than $250,000 to help continue supporting Becky’s House Emergency Shelter, Becky’s House transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence, the Cortez Hill Family Center for homeless families and PASSAGES, a 2-year counseling and career development program for homeless women.

The YWCA, its staff and volunteers have been working under the radar quietly saving lives and helping transform the lives of women and families victimized by domestic violence for 100 years.

I believe Casey Gwynn’s vision for a “beacon of hope” is possible. Let’s work together to make 10th and C downtown a place that provides safety, hope, healing and empowerment for families in crisis.

Check out ywcasandiego.org to find out how you can help.

I recently witnessed a modern-day miracle. A miracle of science made possible by the miracle of love.

Most believed the birth of Zoe Elizabeth Boes couldn’t happen. But a little before 1:30 pm on Friday, February 8, the seven-pound, seven-ounce beautiful little girl (with a full head of hair!) was born at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital.

The odds were against Zoe’s mom and dad from the start. Stephanie and Austin Boes rode an emotional roller coaster of hope and disappointment for more than 15 years. After countless failed attempts at fertility, the high school sweethearts decided to give up the fight.

And who can blame them? Like so many couples fighting infertility, they’d had enough. Even their fertility specialist, Dr. Samuel Wood, was frustrated. Austin and Stephanie were perfectly healthy and despite his best efforts… still no baby. After years of testing, hormone injections, mood swings and well-meaning friends offering solutions, the only thing left was their unwavering love for one another.

They took a three-year break. But deep down, they never lost hope.

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