Seacrest Foundation and its Women’s Auxiliary recently announced the 2027 Women’s Auxiliary Gala, taking place Saturday, July 17, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. This elegant evening will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and friends of Seacrest Foundation to celebrate a shared commitment to compassionate care for seniors while raising critical funds for the Seacrest Village Resident Assistance Fund.
The 2027 gala will honor Earl Altshuler, a devoted supporter whose lifelong connection to Seacrest spans generations. Altshuler’s family’s relationship with the original San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged dates back to the 1940s, and his dedication to Seacrest has continued throughout his life through decades of volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and service. His family members were present at the dedication of the 54th Street San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged in 1955 and generously gifted a Torah to the Homes’ Shul, according to a news release.
A native San Diegan, Altshuler attended UCLA on a baseball scholarship after being drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1968. He later founded Altshuler Insurance Services, Inc., building a successful career in the insurance industry while remaining deeply committed to giving back to the community. Altshuler served on the Seacrest Village Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2016, contributing to the Executive Committee, Financial Resource and Development Committee, and Governance Committee. He became one of the first members of the Seacrest Foundation Board of Directors with its reorganization in 2016, where he currently serves. He has also been an active member of the Guardians of San Diego since 1996, serving as president for 11 years.
Reflecting on his years of involvement, Altshuler has shared that with a lifetime of experiences at the original San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged, followed by Seacrest Village and now Seacrest Foundation, his goal is to help ensure that frail and elderly adults have the opportunity to live meaningful and dignified lives. His unwavering dedication has made a lasting impact on countless residents and families, making him a fitting and important honoree for this year’s gala, the news release stated.
When asked how he feels about this celebration, Altshuler said in the news release: “I am so humbled and honored to be recognized by Seacrest Foundation and the Homes. I am passionate about supporting Seacrest in any way I can to help the residents have wonderful lives and feel a sense of community, compassion, respect, and dignity. They deserve to feel life will be better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today.”
Leading the 2027 gala is Debby Cushman Parrish, whose family’s history with Seacrest spans generations. Her great-grandmother, Selma Levi Newbauer Getz Moore, and great-great-grandmother, Eleanora Levi, were members of the original Women’s Auxiliary Board of the San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged beginning in 1944, as well as her grandfather, Elliott Cushman, and great-uncle, Alvin Cushman serving on the Board of Directors. With family roots in San Diego dating back to the late 1860s, Cushman Parrish is proud to carry on their legacy by chairing this special event.
“Seacrest has been an important part of my family’s story for generations, so it is truly an honor to serve as chair of this year’s gala,” said Cushman Parrish in the news release. “The Women’s Auxiliary has a long history of supporting Seacrest and helping ensure that older adults receive the care, dignity, and compassion they deserve. I look forward to bringing our community together to celebrate Earl Altshuler’s tremendous contributions and to support the future of Seacrest Village for years to come.”
Under the continued leadership of Mary Epsten, president of the Women’s Auxiliary since 1993, the annual gala has become a beloved community tradition and one of Seacrest Foundation’s signature fundraising events. Epsten’s life-long commitment to Seacrest, which began as a teenager volunteering at the original 54th Street Home, continues to inspire the dedicated volunteers and supporters who make the gala possible.
“Our gala is much more than an evening of celebration,” said Epsten. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together to ensure that seniors who have nowhere else to turn receive the care, comfort, and security they deserve. Every dollar raised helps provide housing, healthcare, and supportive services for residents who depend on us, and I am grateful to everyone who continues to make this mission possible.”
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Seacrest Village Resident Assistance Fund, which provides charitable care for residents in need. These vital funds help ensure that older adults receive exceptional housing, healthcare, and supportive services regardless of their financial circumstances, allowing them to live with dignity in a caring Jewish environment, the news release stated.
For more information about the 2027 Women’s Auxiliary Gala, sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve a place at this special event, contact Seacrest Foundation at 760-516-2003 or info@seacrestfoundation.org. Additional event details and registration information will be available at seacrestfoundation.org.