The Social Diary Salutes

Ann Campbell

Director of Strategic Planning for the San Diego Opera

** Ann is pictured here with her beloved Keesha **

Keesha is a grand 16 years old. Her beginnings were tenuous though. At a few weeks old, she was found deserted on a roadside in East County. She was rescued and placed in a shelter. Keesha was then put up for auction at a Vista Hill's fundraiser. Ann took one look and said "I want her." Determined, she won Keesha and Keesha won her heart. Husband Ian Campbell's too! They've been family ever since.

Fyi, Keesha's favorite toy is a squeaky Gefilte Fish!

About Ann

"I’m a former Opera singer who saw the challenges of living on the road early enough in life to make a switch to Arts Administration.  I was the Director of Development for the Milwaukee Symphony when I received a call one day from Ian Campbell nearly 27 years ago now telling me he was conducting a search for a new Development Director for San Diego Opera; looking for someone who knew and loved the art form as well as fundraising.  He told me I had been highly recommended to him because of my background in voice.  While I had absolutely no intention of moving to the West Coast or switching jobs, he talked me into coming out for an interview and the rest is history!  We were married two years later, on the exact date (September 1) he had hired me. 

Some of the rewarding things about your job...

"The greatest reward is working with the most wonderful people in our country….and by that I mean our patrons.  The Board leadership is second to none; the passion of our patrons is inspiring, and the appreciation for artistic excellence continues to drive us to achieve Olympic caliber standards.  I thrive on working with people who seek the world class quality talent and productions for our community."

What would you like to see in the future for opera patrons?

"My dream would be a new Opera House in San Diego one day."

Some of Ann's Favorite Charities include:

San Diego Opera

ASPCA - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Congregation Beth Israel

Francis Parker School

Most important thing for younger people

to understand / learn about opera?

"It’s a thrill to see young people attend their first opera production and walk away amazed at the experience.  They finally understand why opera has survived 400 years—it’s the combination of all of the art forms in one:  singing, orchestral, choral, visual arts, dance, direction, lighting, costumes, etc.  There is just nothing like it to express the creative and human expression in life."

Anything else you would like to add?

"There are animals at the Humane Society and Shelters who are desperate for loving homes.  Please adopt a pet today!"

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The Social Diary would like to say

a special thank you to our advertisers.

H. Moradi Jewelers on Prospect Street in La Jolla

San Diego Opera

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Judith C. Harris, Blair Harris, and Robert Singer, MD supporting the

Dian Fossey Gorrilla Fund International

Dr. Laurie Marker of The Cheetah Conservation Fund

Pat O'Connor of Fashion Careers College

Pamela Pogue of Juelerie

Kary Favish of the Worth Collection

Diana Cavagnaro of Designer Millinery

Jacqueline and Matt Rimel of Rimel's Rotisserie, Zenbu Sushi and Restaurant, & Home Grown Meats

Jordan of Jordan Art Couture

Lizz Russell of The Lizz Russell Collection

Gary Parker of WineSellar & Brasserie

Chef Pasquale of Cafe Milano

Alex Gonzalez of Mercedes Benz of San Diego

Diane Bousquin of Holistic Traditions

Kevin Smith of Extreme Pizza in La Jolla

Jeremiah Sullivan of Neptunic Sharksuits

Drs. Sue and John Morizi of The Animal Hospital of La Jolla

Jemima Garcia Dutra of Dutra Designs

Eugene Ladopoulos of Mistra Estates Olive Oil

The Social Diary, Margo Johnston, Scott Johnston and Kima are or have been featured on:

The San Diego Opera, Las Patronas Jewel Ball, Town & Country Magazine,

Scripps Mercy Hospital and Leonard Simpson's 10 Best Dressed in San Diego,

Arthritis Foundation of San Diego, St. Madeleine Sophie's Center,

The Kymberli and Vaughn Parker Family Charitable Foundation,

A New Parth, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Moores UCSD Cancer Center Luau

& Longboard event, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Rainforest Alliance,

The International Seakeepers Society, San Diego Magazine,

La Jolla Chamber Music Society, La Jolla Music Society,

University of San Diego Magazine, KPBS, Jordan Art Couture, the Cheetah Conservancy Foundation,

San Diego Humane Society, P.A.W.S. aka Pets Are Wonderful Support, Gretchen Productions,

The Reader of San Diego, the San Diego Union Tribune, Sign on San Diego, SDTheatre.com,

Ranch & Coast Magazine, Leonard Simpson's Fashion Forward, La Jolla Light, La Jolla Today Magazine.

La Dolce Idea with Sabrina, Jemima Garcia Designs, L.A. Fairchild, KUSI News, Vista Hill, San Diego Rescue Mission,

Zandra Rhodes Fashion Shows, FCC aka Fashion California College, the BBC, KFMB CBS 8,

News 8, Discover San Diego, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Fox 6 News, San Diego News 6, La Jolla Light,

La Jolla Village News, Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Woman Magazine,

Cuisine of Southern California with Chef Bernard Guillas, After the Finish Line Newsletter with Dawn Mellen,

the feature film Step Into Liquid, Baywatch, RosieTisch.com The Roger Hedgecock Radio Show,

Time Warner Cable

Eye on L.A. Tahiti segment with Jann Carl

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