San Diego nonprofit starts Walton legacy project on first anniversary of his death
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — On the one-year anniversary of the passing of San Diego native and NBA champion Bill Walton, San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) announced it will pay homage to its former Chairman with the announcement of the Walton Innovation Network (WIN).
The two-time NBA champion, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member and San Diego native died in San Diego on May 27, 2024, at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer. The announcement was made on the one-year anniversary of his death — May 27, 2025.
SDSI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of the San Diego lifestyle industry. One of the products of their association is a business group accelerator to help mentor people creating businesses.
Walton served as Executive Chairman at SDSI for 14 years up until his passing.
Bill Walton's iconic basketball collection up for auction in June 2025
Phase one of the Bill Walton Legacy Project, the Walton Innovation Network will be an expansion of SDSI's current mentoring programs that will support entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes and dreamers, SDSI's Executive Director said.
'The Walton Innovation Network (WIN) will be an expansion of SDSI's current mentoring programs — dear to Bill's heart — into a network of programs dedicated to his legacy of uplifting others, hard work and giveback,' explained SDSI Executive Director Bob Rief. 'WIN will support the entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes, and dreamers — in all stages of business from ideation, scale, through funding – who are changing the future of our industry.'
Bill Walton honored at San Diego Gulls game with bobblehead giveaway, specialty jerseys
SDSI said its business mentoring programs were built on Walton's mantra 'the best way to get to where you are going, is to ask someone who is on their way back.'
'SDSI is community, and community is people,' added SDSI Board member Mike Irwin. 'What SDSI does best is equip people for success. Bill's inherent curiosity about people is what made him such a natural helper. And with the announcement of WIN, we are just getting started and when it comes to preserving Bill's legacy, the future is full of possibilities.'
Helix honors Bill Walton and teammates from 1969-1970 CIF Championship teams
With the help of more than 100 volunteer executive mentors, SDSI mentor programs have helped to scale more than 150 businesses, 78% of which are still active or have been acquired, the nonprofit said.
Anyone running a new company who is looking for information on the business group accelerator program or those interested in providing leadership can visit sdsportinnovators.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
USA Gymnastics President Li Li Leung To Step Down After Guiding Post-Nassar Reform
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 30: President and CEO of USA Gymnastics Li Li Leung (C-R) poses with ... More (L-R) Hezly Rivera, Joscelyn Roberson, Suni Lee, Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Leanne Wong after they were selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team on Day Four of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials at Target Center on June 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by) USA Gymnastics announced Thursday that President and CEO Li Li Leung will step down at the end of the year. This will mark the end of her nearly six-year tenure at the helm, during which Leung guided the organization after the Larry Nassar scandal. Hired in March 2019, the organization credits Leung's leadership for catalyzing a 'historic turnaround" and 'cultural transformation' within the sport. Leung helped the organization rebound from the blows dealt by the Nassar sexual abuse scandal, helping place athlete wellbeing and safety at the forefront. In December 2020, USA Gymnastics established its Athlete Bill of Rights, considered one of the 'first of its kind in sport,' demonstrating a commitment to 'a culture of athlete support and safety driving organizational decision-making." Leung's organization also introduced mental health visits to the National Team program Under the addition, USA Gymnastics now covers costs for regular visits to mental health providers for National Team athletes and coaches. Leung issued the following statement: 'The opportunity to lead USA Gymnastics has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. Thanks to the dedication of the entire gymnastics community, we are now in an incredible position as we turn our attention to the L.A. Olympic Games. The last several months have been a time of great reflection, and I know that now is the right time to pass the torch to the next leader, with the sport and organization thriving. I wanted to ensure the board has the opportunity to conduct a thorough search and also give my successor a long runway into the 2028 Olympic Games. I'm going to take some time to reset before determining what is next, and I look forward to USA Gymnastics accomplishing great things in 2025 and beyond.' During her tenure, USA Gymnastics surged to success on the medal podium, most notably with 11 medals at the 2024 Olympic Games. In addition to her role with USA Gymnastics, Leung was the recipient of multiple honors in sport. In 2020, Leung was voted vice chair of the NGB Council of the U.S. Olympic sport governing bodies, and was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in 2021. Leung was named a Sports Business Journal 'Power Player' in 2020 and an SBJ Gamechanger in 2024. In 2023, she was recognized on the 2023 A100 list as one of the country's most impactful Asian Americans. She would later be named a 2025 WISE Woman of the Year. Chair of the USAG board of directors, Kathryn Carson, attested to the impact of Leung's leadership. 'Li Li was the right leader at the right time for USA Gymnastics and accomplished in six years what many thought was not possible," Carson said. 'Her deep passion for gymnastics and extraordinary dedication to leading transformation has positioned USA Gymnastics to move boldly toward LA28. With this strong foundation, we are confident we will identify a leader to build on Li Li's legacy.' With a home Olympic Games on the horizon in 2028, USA Gymnastics now commits to securing a replacement in the organization's pivotal quadrennium. The organization 'has engaged CAA Executive Search to lead the search for Leung's successor,' and intends to identify a new president and CEO prior to Leung's departure at 2025's close.
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Associated Press
Jackpot Digital Signs Five Table Agreement with Win-River Resort & Casino
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Jackpot Digital Inc. (TSXV: JJ) (TSXV: (OTCQB: JPOTF) (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: LVH3) ('Jackpot Digital' or the 'Company'), a leading provider of dealerless electronic poker tables to the global gaming industry, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement (the 'Agreement') to install five of the Company's Jackpot Blitz® dealerless poker machines at Win-River Resort & Casino ('Win-River') located in Redding, California, USA. The installation is subject to all customary licensing and regulatory approvals. Win-River previously ordered three Jackpot Blitz® tables from the Company, but the order was cancelled due to GLI certification delays in 2022. With GLI certification now in place for Jackpot Blitz®, the order has been renewed and increased from three to five tables. This increased order highlights the growing demand for Jackpot Digital's innovative Jackpot Blitz® poker electronic table games ('ETGs'), reinforcing the Company's leadership in dealerless poker ETGs. The expanded order also reflects Win-River's confidence in the product's ability to enhance its gaming experience and generate greater revenue for its casino operations. 'We are excited to re-engage with Win-River around our revolutionary dealerless poker ETGs,' said Jake Kalpakian, President and CEO of Jackpot Digital Inc. 'We look forward to delivering five units to the Win-River property. We view our casino customers as partners and we will work hand-in-hand with Win-River to deliver an unmatched gaming experience to its players.' The Jackpot Blitz® is a fully automated dealerless poker ETG with a fast-paced and highly engaging 75" touchscreen tabletop that combines the excitement of traditional poker with cutting-edge dealerless technology. It offers a range of betting options and allows for a seamless, efficient gaming experience, appealing to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. To view a short video of Jackpot Brand Ambassador, Pro Football Hall of Fame and 2-time Super Bowl winning coach, Jimmy Johnson, sharing the advantages of the world leading Jackpot Blitz®, click the thumbnail below: [ This video cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Cannot view this video? Visit: In addition to Jackpot's cruise ship customers, which include Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, AIDA, and Costa Cruises, Jackpot has announced land-based installations or orders in Canada and the U.S. growing, including California, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Saskatchewan, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, as well as several international jurisdictions. About Jackpot Digital Inc. Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading provider of electronic poker table games, offering innovative gaming solutions to casinos worldwide. The Company specializes in the development and deployment of dealerless multiplayer electronic poker ETGs, providing operators with efficient, cost-effective, and revenue-generating alternatives to traditional live-dealer table games. Jackpot Digital is committed to enhancing the player experience and helping operators optimize their gaming offerings. For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681- 0204 ext. 6105, or visit the Company's website at About Win River Resort & Casino Win-River Resort & Casino in Redding, California, is a Native American gaming facility owned and operated by the Redding Rancheria. It offers a wide range of entertainment, including 751 slot machines, table games, bingo, and live entertainment. The resort also features a hotel, restaurants, and an outdoor pool. On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc. 'Jake H. Kalpakian' _____________________________ Jake H. Kalpakian President & CEO Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Certain statements contained herein are 'forward-looking'. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Jackpot's future plans, the obtaining of To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
LPL Financial Welcomes Loomis Wealth Management
SAN DIEGO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors William 'Bill' Curtis Loomis, III, CFP®, William Curtis 'Curt' Loomis, IV and Justin K. Hitt of Loomis Wealth Management have joined LPL Financial's broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. The team reported serving approximately $180 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from L.M. Kohn & Company. Based in Harrisonburg, Va., Bill and Curt founded Loomis Wealth Management in 2010 with the goal of empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals through comprehensive, fiduciary-driven wealth management. The father and son team have a combined six decades of financial industry experience and have earned a reputation in the Shenandoah Valley for their holistic approach to wealth management. Hitt, who spent a decade as an educator for the Rockingham County Public Schools before transitioning to the financial industry, joined the team in 2023. Together they offer a full range of investment management, financial planning and risk management services, allowing them to address all aspects of their clients' financial lives. 'We take the time to get to know our clients, their lifestyle, their family and their financial aspirations. Our personal service does more than just build bonds; it gives us a greater sense of how to work for our clients,' Curt said. 'We appreciate that just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two investment portfolios will be identical. Who our clients are, how they live and their fiscal goals provide insight into how we can help.' Looking for more autonomy, improved technology offerings and the opportunity to provide an elevated client experience, the Loomis Wealth Management team turned to LPL. "LPL is a forward-thinking firm, and one aspect that particularly attracted us is their ongoing investment in resources to help advisors provide a next-level client experience — specifically their integrated and open architecture technology platform which will enable us to access everything with a single sign-on,' said Hitt. 'LPL's commitment to its advisors, paired with our personal and in-depth approach, will allow us to serve our clients and build our business the way we envision.' Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, 'We welcome Bill, Curt and Justin to LPL and congratulate them on this milestone in the evolution of their practice. Just as the Loomis Wealth Management team prioritizes their clients, everything we do at LPL revolves around empowering advisors to run thriving practices and provide an elevated client experience. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Loomis Wealth Management.' RelatedAdvisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level. About LPL Financial LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC ('LPL Financial'), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Loomis Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities. Throughout this communication, the terms 'financial advisors' and 'advisors' are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the 'Investor Relations' or 'Press Releases' section of our website. *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024. Media Contact: Tracking #745820
