Amplifying Impact: Leslie Rathbone and the Power Behind Red Dress Party San Diego

By Cesar A Reyes

If you have ever experienced the Red Dress Party San Diego, you know it is more than an event, it is a movement. Bursting with bold fashion, unforgettable energy, and a deep sense of purpose, the event brings the community together to celebrate, honor, and make real change. At the heart of this vibrant celebration, we meet Leslie Rathbone, a board member who helps lead the charge behind the scenes with a focus on operations and social media. With a background in tech and a passion for hands-on creativity, Leslie is a driving force making sure every detail sings and every moment has meaning.

“My name is Leslie Rathbone and I am currently in my second season on the board of Red Dress Party San Diego,” she begins. “Up until about a year ago, I was working in the tech world, primarily in product operations for software companies. But life looks very different now.” These days, Leslie spends most of her time in her garage-turned-woodshop running her business, Benson Lane Wood Studio, or helping friends and neighbors with various handywoman projects through Handyma’am Services SD. She also works part-time at Rockler Woodworking & Hardware and is a proud member of the San Diego Fine Woodworking Association.

“Woodworking gave me a sense of community I had not found in a long time,” she shares. “And Red Dress Party gives me that same feeling of being surrounded by like-minded people who care deeply and lift each other up.” It is that connection to community that drew Leslie in from the start.

Her involvement with Red Dress Party San Diego began several years ago, first as a guest. “Like so many others, I was immediately struck by the energy, the creativity, and the powerful sense of community all in one space,” she says. But it became more personal in 2023, when she lost a family member who had lived with HIV. “Through him, I learned at a young age how important this cause is. When he passed away, I felt compelled to get more involved, not just as someone who attends, but as someone who helps make the event happen.” Joining the board became her way of honoring his memory while supporting the mission he believed in.

That mission of supporting those affected by HIV and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community is front and center at Red Dress Party San Diego. This year’s theme, AMPLIFY, is a call to action. “It is all about turning up the volume [by] showing up louder, bolder, and more unapologetic than ever,” Leslie explains. Inspired by a punk rock aesthetic and fierce fashion statements, AMPLIFY encourages attendees to embrace fearless self-expression. “Think leather jackets, chains, ripped tights, spiked hair, combat boots—anything that says, ‘I’m here to make noise.’ Or lean into the fashion drama [with] bigger hair, higher heels, dramatic silhouettes, statement pieces. Whatever makes you feel amplified.”

But Red Dress Party San Diego is not just about incredible outfits and wild dance floors, although there is plenty of that. It is about creating experiences that uplift and inspire while raising funds for critical local services. And this year, the event is stepping it up in major ways.

“We have got so many new elements this year that guests are going to love,” Leslie says. One highlight is a massive, interactive art installation that allows everyone to leave their mark. “It is a collaborative piece that grows throughout the night, and it really symbolizes the collective impact we make together.”

Another standout feature is the new Ultimate Red Carpet Experience, launched in partnership with Impulse San Diego. “Picture a Hollywood-style step-and-repeat [with] professional lighting, photographers, and our incredible red carpet host, Mariam T,” Leslie shares. “She will be interviewing beneficiaries, community leaders, and guests. It is going to be glamorous and meaningful all at once.”

The silent auction is also bigger than ever, with over $20,000 in prizes. From exclusive experiences to coveted items from local businesses, there will be something for everyone. And of course, the entertainment lineup is stacked, with internationally renowned DJ Dan Slater headlining alongside San Diego’s own DJ KurtyKa. “They’re going to keep the dance floor packed all night long,” Leslie promises.

For those seeking a more elevated experience, this year’s Lux Lounges have been upgraded too. Whether you are dancing, mingling, or relaxing in style, there will be something fresh and exciting for everyone.

At its core though, Red Dress Party San Diego is about “Partying with a Cause.” Leslie puts it simply: “This is a high-energy, immersive event that raises real money for real people. [It is] not just a formal gala or sit-down dinner, but something unforgettable.” As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Red Dress Party San Diego has raised over $400,000 to date, with over 1,000 attendees each year and more than a dozen nonprofit beneficiaries. These include essential local organizations like UC San Diego Health, Mama’s Kitchen, San Ysidro Health, and North County LGBTQ Resource Center.

“Every dollar raised helps fund HIV testing, health services, research, and direct support for people who need it most,” Leslie says. “What is incredible is that the energy of the night does not stay in the room; it carries forward into real, tangible impact.”

When asked to sum up the spirit of Red Dress Party San Diego in one WORD, Leslie does not hesitate: The WORD is Impact. “This is about more than one night,” she says. “It’s about making sure critical services do not disappear. Federal HIV funding is being cut, and local organizations are being severely affected. We need to ensure people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to have support, resources, and hope. The impact we make together is real and it matters now more than ever.”

Through her work, whether building furniture, fixing up homes, or building unforgettable experiences, Leslie Rathbone is all about creating things that last. And with Red Dress Party San Diego, she is helping build a legacy of love, support, and celebration that truly amplifies the power of community.