Come Aboard the USS Midway for Shelter to Soldier’s 14th Annual Be the Light Gala

Shelter to Soldier’s largest fundraiser of the year returns to one of San Diego’s most iconic venues – the Flight Deck of the USS Midway Museum, overlooking San Diego Bay.

The 14th Annual Be the Light Gala, presented by Cox Communications, brings together community leaders, supporters, veterans, and service dog teams for an evening of inspiration, impact, and genuine storytelling about what happens when a shelter dog finds its purpose.

Everything Happening on the Flight Deck

The night is as well-put-together as you’d expect from an organization that has been doing this for 14 years.

Beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and small bites kick things off before a three-course dinner, live musical entertainment, exclusive event gifts, and a silent and live auction emceed by Clint Bell.

Throughout the evening, veterans share firsthand stories of how Shelter to Soldier service dogs have transformed their lives – the kind of stories that put everything else in perspective.

The Dogs, the Veterans, and the Mission

Shelter to Soldier adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans experiencing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and other service-related challenges.

Proceeds from the Be the Light Gala fund these programs year-round – making every ticket, table reservation, and sponsorship a direct investment in the wellbeing of veterans and the dogs that serve them.

There’s No Better Place for This Kind of Evening

There are few better places in San Diego to spend a Friday evening than the Flight Deck of the USS Midway Museum, with San Diego Bay spread out below and the city skyline behind it.

It’s a setting that feels fitting for an evening honoring those who have served.

See you there!

A meaningful cause, an iconic venue, and an evening built around stories worth hearing – the Be the Light Gala is one of San Diego’s most worthwhile nights out this summer.

📆 Friday, August 14, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
📍 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Secure your spot here
ℹ️ Know more about Shelter to Soldier here

See you there, San Diego!