Sycuan Band Donates $50k to MESA Foundation

Sycuan MESA check presentation
L-R: J.D. Wicker, SDSU Athletic Director; Ciaran Thornton, MESA Foundation and SDSU Superfan; MESA Foundation President Jeff Smith; Sycuan Band Councilmember Willie Tucker Jr.; Sycuan Band Vice-Chairman Joshua Muse; Sycuan Casino Resort General Manager Rob Cinelli; SDSU Fan Lola Cinelli; Tom McMahon, SYCUAN Casino Resort SVP Marketing; and Brenden Hill, NIL Coordinator - SDSU.

SAN DIEGO, CA – The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation recently presented a $50,000 donation to the MESA Foundation, an organization that raises awareness for charitable causes in San Diego by partnering local charities with Aztec student-athletes who use their social media platforms to bring awareness to organizations.

“It’s inspiring to witness the student-athletes of SDSU making such a positive impact throughout the community,” said Cody J. Martinez, Chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “The rising stars of Aztec basketball have an incredible champion in the MESA Foundation. On and off the court, Sycuan is proud to support the unique mission of promoting academic and athletic achievement through personal service and sincere outreach. The meaningful opportunities cultivated for the student athletes by the MESA Foundation benefit our region tremendously and provide an exemplary program of leadership and teamwork.” 

“Entering our second season, our priorities were to continue to strengthen our connection in the San Diego community beyond our partnerships with the many charities and non-profit organizations we were able to align ourselves with in year one,” said Jeff Smith, President, MESA Foundation. “Sycuan’s willingness to step up and be the first of our corporate sponsors and attach their well-respected name to our efforts has not only allowed MESA to continue our campaign to support the community, but has helped us grow other local business partnerships based on the credibility of the Sycuan endorsement. We can’t thank Sycuan enough and are excited about the direction and future of MESA thanks in no small part to their decision to support.”