Walter Philips' Legacy Bike Ride to End Youth Homelessness
Donate To This CampaignBuilding Futures for Vulnerable Youth
San Diego Youth Services CEO Walter Philips is retiring in June 2025, and in honor of his 25 years of service he is raising $250,000 through a bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego. From May 10-16, 2025, Walter will be riding his bike down the California coast to raise funds for some of San Diego’s most vulnerable youth, struggling with homelessness, abuse, poverty and hunger.
To raise awareness for youth experiencing homelessness, Walter will be visiting youth homeless shelters and organizations focused on eradicating homelessness.
About Walter
Over the last 25 years, Walter has worked tirelessly to ensure services are available for those in crisis. Under his leadership, SDYS has grown from a small social services agency into one of the largest youth-serving agencies in San Diego. Today, SDYS provides life-saving services for 14,000 youth annually through access to housing, food, financial support, mental health services, education and job training.
"Leading San Diego Youth Services has been the honor of my life. I have truly enjoyed working with our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together." - Walter Philips
Your Donation Earns You
- For a $1,000 donation, your first name will be included on Walter’s jersey, and you will be recognized at San Diego Youth Services Gala & Benefit Auction on June 7, 2025
- For a $2,500 donation, your logo will be included on Walter’s jersey, and you will be recognized at San Diego Youth Services Gala & Benefit Auction on June 7, 2025
- For a $7,500 donation, you will be recognized as a major supporter and included on a wall dedicated to Walter’s bike ride at San Diego Youth Servies Point Loma campus, and you will be recognized at San Diego Youth Services Gala & Benefit Auction on June 7, 2025
- For a $10,000 donation, an apartment will be named after you at San Diego Youth Services’ Point Loma transitional housing community for former foster youth and those experiencing homelessness, and you will be recognized at San Diego Youth Services Gala & Benefit Auction on June 7, 2025
Make an Impact
$7,500 a one-bedroom apartment & furnishings for one youth for five months
$5,000 a two-bedroom apartment and furnishings for a single parent and children for 3 months
$1,500 shelter for 10 youths for one night, food, clothing, shower facilities and medical care
$1,000 a move-in kit for a transition age youth + sheets, kitchen supplies and a twin bed
$250 one week of street outreach providing survival information, hygiene & shelter opportunities
$150 a warm, safe bed for one night + food, clothing, shower, and medical care.
$75 groceries for one youth for two weeks