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Tea & Tonic

Thank you for joining us on Friday, June 5, 2026!




Thank you to our CCS community!

Thank you for attending our 27th Annual Tea & Tonic! We were so honored to host you as well as our guest speakers, Nichole & Jim Schmidt, at the iconic Hotel del Coronado!

Because of you, our programs and services for survivors and prevention efforts in our communities remain strong. Funds raised at this year's event represent not only your inspiring generosity but allow for the continuation of uninterrupted life-saving programs currently offered to all San Diego survivors and their families. 

Beyond making our services possible, your support also sends a powerful message, reminding survivors that they are not alone and can find healing and hope after trauma. Thank you for supporting survivors and preventing assault in our communities and we look forward to seeing you at our 2027 Tea & Tonic!  

A special thank you as well to The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation for their incredible $100,000 Donation Match and to all of you who gave and DOUBLED YOUR IMPACT for survivors!

Check out the photos from Tea & Tonic here!

Need a copy of your event receipt? Email philanthropy@ccssd.org. 


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Nichole & Jim Schmidt

Thank you to Nichole & Jim Schmidt for being our 27th Annual Tea & Tonic guest speakers!

Nichole Schmidt and her husband, James “Jim” Schmidt, are the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, who lost her life to relationship violence in 2021. 

In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Nichole and Jim committed themselves to transforming grief into purpose by advocating for survivors and raising awareness about relationship violence and missing persons. Through their advocacy and public speaking, they continue to honor Gabby’s legacy by promoting education, prevention, and community action to help prevent future tragedies.

About Gabby Petito



Gabrielle Venora Petito entered the world on March 19, 1999. Tragically, on August 27, 2021, her life was cut short at the young age of 22. She was on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, visiting national parks when he strangled her to death. This devastating event highlights the horrific reality that some individuals can become perpetrators of violence against those they should cherish and safeguard. Instead of safeguarding her, he committed an unforgivable act of violence, robbing her of a bright future full of possibilities. After taking the life of Gabby, the perpetrator proceeded to Florida, utilizing her van and phone to craft a facade that suggested Gabby was still alive. On September 19, 2021, Gabby's remains were discovered at Spread Creek, located near the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Brian was found dead a month later by apparent suicide. 

Gabby’s story made national headlines as the world looked for her, praying she was still alive. In response to her death, the Gabby Petito Foundation was born. Her story has inspired people around the world and will continue to help others be free from the dangers of intimate partner violence. 

Gabby was a free spirit who loved travel, art and nature. She was just starting her life as a vanlife travel vlogger and was so full of joy as her journey was just beginning. She created the YouTube channel, Nomadic Statik, where she posted about her travels. Her smile could fill a room, she loved movies, music, healthy food, and created amazing works of art. Gabby was a wonderful big sister, the oldest of six, they looked up to her and adored her. The tragic loss of Gabby has shattered their family. Their hearts will forever be broken. 

Courage Award Recipient

  

Thank you to Steph Wagner for being our 27th Annual Courage Award recipient!

Each year, Center for Community Solutions recognizes an individual who has transformed their personal trauma into a strength that paves the way for others’ healing. This year, we were honored to recognize Steph Wagner as our 2026 Courage Award recipient. After triumphantly rebuilding her own life, Steph shared her personal story to help other women redefine their relationship with money and gain financial independence. Steph courageously inspires women everywhere to turn resilience into security and possibility.

Help Survivors and Prevent Assault  

Resources for CCS Supporters

Training

The Gabby Petito Foundation offers training programs tailored for multi-disciplined domestic violence response teams. CCS supports their collaborative whole-community approach to ensure unified understanding and learning through all systems, from nonprofits to schools, faith groups, first responders, and more. 

About “American Murder: Gabby Petito” Netflix Documentary

“American Murder: Gabby Petito” is a three-part Netflix documentary series that chronicles the 2021 disappearance and murder of travel vlogger Gabby Petito. Directed by Jimmy Goldblum, it uses bodycam footage, police recordings, and intimate interviews to detail the, at times, toxic and abusive relationship with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Our 2026 Tea & Tonic speakers and other family and friends participated in the series to help bring critical awareness to domestic violence.

Click here to watch. Disclosure: This documentary contains themes that may be triggering for some. Parent discretion advised for younger viewers.

Learn more and keep vital conversations going!  





The Venue

Hotel del Coronado


This year's Tea & Tonic was held at the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118


Frequently Asked Questions

The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation will match appeal donations for our Tea & Tonic up to $100,000! Your donation of $500 becomes $1,000 or $50 becomes $100.

The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation has agreed to match donations from people who want to support CCS even if they were not personally present, so your donation may be matched even if you were not able to join us. Feel free to share this opportunity with friends:

Donate for the Match

Pledges are matched through June 30, 2026. Please notify us if you think the check may arrive after June 30 so that we can still record this for the match: philanthropy@ccssd.org or scolby@ccssd.org or 858-693-2378.

Donor Advised Fund and Personal Check Instructions

Make Payable to: Center for Community Solutions

Mail to:

Center for Community Solutions

Attn: Suzie Colby

4508 Mission Bay Drive

San Diego, CA 92109

CCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID 95-6379598

Contact Suzie Colby with any questions at scolby@ccssd.org or 858-693-2378.

We receive discounted parking at the Hotel del Coronado with the following rates: 

Valet: $30

Self-Parking: $20

If you were a guest at Tea & Tonic and did not receive these discounted rates, please email Malia Liao, Donor Relations Coordinator, at mliao@ccssd.org to process a refund.

Of course! We would love to hear about your experience during Tea & Tonic, all the good as well as anything you'd like us to do differently.

Please click here for the Guest Feedback Survey.

Feel free to reach out to Malia Liao, Donor Relations Coordinator, at mliao@ccssd.org if you'd like to connect with us directly. Thank you again for your support!

Questions? Please contact Chief Philanthropy Officer, Suzie Colby at scolby@ccssd.org.

Champion Sponsors

 


Community Sponsors




















Sponsors

StartTheConvo

Start the Convo to raise awareness and end sexual assault. #StartTheConvo campaign is a call to action for every member of our community to give their support and #StartTheConvo around preventing intimate partner violence and sexual violence. We stand in solidarity with all survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. We all have a role in ending violence.

The highest incidence of rape affects mostly yong women between the ages of 16 and 24. Don’t be a bystander! It’s time to talk with your friends, family, and loved ones! Join us as we #StartTheConvo!