LIGHTS OF LIGHTBRIDGE
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Lights of LightBridge
Thursday, May 14th, 2026 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Old Poway Park – 14134 Midland Road, Poway
Join us for an unforgettable evening of giving, remembrance, and celebration at the 14th annual Lights of LightBridge! The evening will feature a reception, awards, and candle lighting ceremony for those who were a light in our lives.
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Please do not include protected information with your inquiry such as date of birth or social security number.
Congratulations To Our 2026 Honorees!
Cheryl Wilson|Retired President & CEO of St. Paul's Senior Services
Cheryl Wilson was born in Australia, where she also completed her RN training. After traveling and working around the world, she eventually settled in San Diego.
Originally an ICU/OR/ER nurse, Cheryl later worked in a pediatric clinic where she was responsible for expanding services to include all pediatric specialties, as well as developing a specialized home care outreach program under the auspices of UCSD.
After meeting Dr. Doris Howell (Pediatric Oncologist and Founder of Hospice in the USA), they often discussed the importance of pediatric hospice care to support children and families during the most difficult times in their lives. Cheryl later served as Chair of the Doris Howell Foundation for Women’s Health.
Cheryl served as President & CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Services for 32 years, where she developed an intergenerational daycare program for infants and preschool children alongside a senior dementia unit, allowing the two populations to interact each day. She recently retired from this role.
Cheryl has served as Chair of LeadingAge California, on the Board of the Global Ageing Network, and on the CalPACE Board, among many other leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.
She brought the first PACE program to San Diego, collaborated to bring the first apartments for unhoused seniors to the region, and has spoken at many international, national, and local conferences on innovation in health care and services.
Cheryl now turns her attention to supporting community benefit organizations with a health care emphasis, serving on national, state, and local boards and committees. She has received many accolades, awards and recognitions throughout her career.
Diane Mendlen I LightBridge Volunteer
Diane Mendlen was born in Lockport, New York. She earned her degree in Recreation Therapy from Florida State University and moved to San Diego in 1970 to begin her career at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. She served as a Recreation Therapist and Supervisor for 47 years, working in both inpatient and outpatient programs specializing in chemical dependency for adults and seniors. Diane retired in 2007.
Diane has been a devoted volunteer with LightBridge since its early days. She initially provided direct patient support before focusing her efforts on Foundation initiatives and administrative work. She volunteered at the 5K walks, leading the children’s craft booth, and has served on the Lights of LightBridge committee since its inception 14 years ago, contributing in a variety of meaningful ways.
A proud mother of two daughters and three grandchildren, Diane is an avid sports fan, enjoys a variety of crafts, loves to garden, and treasures spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Annie.
Tauna Austin I LightBridge Volunteer
Tauna Austin was born and raised in Illinois. In the 1970s, she moved to sunny San Diego to complete her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and special education, later earning a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from San Diego State University. During graduate school, she became President of Action Rehabilitation Consultants, where she helped individuals with disabilities gain meaningful employment. She holds certifications in disability management, ADA compliance, and ergonomic evaluations, and has served on the California Rehabilitation Counseling Board, acted as a liaison to state lobbyists on workplace disability issues, and contributed to the National Committee for Disability Management.
Tauna joined LightBridge Hospice in 2009 as Program Manager of Integrative Therapies and Volunteer Services. Within her first year, she received the Hospice Volunteer Managers Association award. During her tenure, she managed 60 volunteers and helped develop innovative integrative therapy programs, including aromatherapy, pet therapy, Music and Memory, and We Honor Veterans.
As a Volunteer Manager, Tauna mentored pre-med students seeking end-of-life care experience, supporting them through the medical school application process. She is especially proud that twelve of those students are now practicing physicians, in part due to the skills and insights they gained while volunteering at LightBridge Hospice.
Tauna has maintained strong ties to LightBridge since her first retirement, returning twice to support the organization. As her understanding husband, Fred, likes to say, “Tauna has now retired from LightBridge three times—that makes her Re-Re-Re-tired!”
A Look at our Previous Event
100% of funds raised support the programs and services of the LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation, providing meaningful moments and everlasting memories
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
Even if you can’t make it to this year’s event, you can still make an impact. Donate today to honor a loved one or one of our 2026 honorees. Your generosity allows us to continue touching the lives of our patients and their families.
