MAY 27th, 2024
We have lost one of our own, one of the greats – we are so saddened by the loss of our Executive Chairman of the Board, Bill Walton.
Though many enjoyed his larger-than-life personality, legendary athletic skill and generous spirit, we were the fortunate group who benefited from his time and presence, as Bill served as the champion and cornerstone of SDSI for more than a decade. He took on the role as Chairman in a completely volunteer capacity; we experienced first-hand the depths of Bill’s generosity. He was always the first to defer his successes to the influence of the great minds he’d encountered in his life, and he worked actively (and oh so humbly) to give back, pay it forward, and continue to remind us all how lucky we are to be here, in this life, in this industry and in San Diego.
We know he’s touched so many with his ability to ask excellent questions and make everyone feel like a friend - we never understood how he could remember so many names. Knowing Bill the way we did, we know he wouldn’t want us to make a big fuss about him, but he was a big deal to us, so we’ll keep moving forward and working hard to support this space Bill loved - always keeping an eye to how we can further his legacy and honor all he’s given to us.
~ We miss you already Bill - The SDSI Team
Honoring Bill’s Legacy at SDSI
Announcing the Walton Innovation Network
Near the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of basketball legend Bill Walton, we announced our plans to pay homage to our former Chairman. With a stature and personality as big as Bill, it’s going to take a multi-phased plan to truly do him justice.
Announcing phase one of the Bill Walton Legacy Project - The Walton Innovation Network (WIN)
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.
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.
SDSI Remembers Bill: Walton Night 2024
Lori Walton said “Bill always told me he found “his people” at SDSI.” And “his people” showed up to celebrate Bill with a joyous night of storytelling and community at the Alila Marea, on Dec 11th 2024. Good story and goodwill set the tone for the night. Bryan Pate, Founder of ElliptiGO, sponsored the Mentor of the Year award which was presented to Charlie Ninegar. The Bill Walton Award for Humanity, sponsored by Steve Espino and Banner Bank, went to Pat and Stephanie Kilkenny, founders of the Lucky Duck Foundation. The proceeds for the evening flowed to Lucky Duck Foundation, Bill’s charity of choice.
Friends, if you attended the evening, thank you very much for your commitment and generosity. For those who could not make the event, thanks very much for your donation. Bill said that “the one failure in his life was not addressing the homeless human tragedy in San Diego.” Your donations to the Lucky Duck Foundation will help Lucky Duck help others.
If you would like to know more about our SDSI Mentorship program or are interested in joining the SDSI community of businesses you can learn more and get in touch with us here.
