Toni Duran: A Community that Gives Back, One Tree at a Time
By Cesar A Reyes
For Toni Duran, community is more than a place to call home. It is the people who stand beside you, the causes worth fighting for, and the love that inspires you to give back. That belief has shaped Duran’s life in San Diego, from becoming an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate to helping bring people together for Festival of Trees San Diego, an annual holiday tradition that turns Christmas cheer into meaningful support for local organizations.
Born in East Los Angeles, Duran spent much of their childhood away from California, growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, after brief stays in Pennsylvania and Seattle. When Duran returned to California in April 2007 to be closer to family, they could hardly have imagined how deeply they would become involved in the local LGBTQ+ community.
That changed in February 2008, when Duran learned about an effort to amend California’s constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. Having already witnessed a similar fight in Missouri, Duran knew they could not stand by and watch it happen again. “I was going to do everything I could to prevent it from happening here,” Duran recalls.
The experience became a turning point. Once an incredibly shy, closeted graphic designer living in the Midwest, Duran found a voice through advocacy and discovered a passion for political engagement. That journey eventually led to working on campaigns, running for office, and spending 11 years in the California State Legislature under the Honorable Toni Atkins. Through it all, one thing remained constant: a commitment to the community and the people who make it stronger.
That same spirit is at the heart of Festival of Trees San Diego, now preparing for its sixth annual celebration. Founded by Bobby Gordon, whose love of Christmas is matched by his passion for giving back, the event has become a festive gathering for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Organized through BGCA, a nonprofit organization, the fundraiser brings together local businesses, volunteers and supporters for an evening of spectacular holiday trees, spirited bidding and generosity.
The trees are anything but ordinary. Decorated with imagination and a little holiday extravagance, they are donated by local businesses and bars, then offered through a live auction or raffle. Winning bidders get more than a beautiful centerpiece for the season; they take home a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for a cause.
The results speak for themselves. Festival of Trees raised just under $23,000 in its inaugural year in 2021. In only five years, the event has generated more than $230,000 for LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Previous beneficiaries have included Being Alive, the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and Trans Family Support Services.
This year, the celebration returns to Rich’s in Hillcrest on Sunday, November 22, with a special guest who promises to make the festivities even more memorable: television personality Carson Kressley, serving as host and auctioneer. More than 20 decorated trees, silent auction treasures, a wine pull and a new travel package will give guests plenty of reasons to join the fun. With only 100 tickets available for the travel package, attendees can visit festivaloftreessd.org for details.
But beneath the glittering branches and holiday excitement lies a purpose that feels especially urgent. As LGBTQ+ organizations face cuts to federal grants and funding, the support of local donors and businesses can make a real difference. More than 100 LGBTQ+ and allied businesses contribute trees, auction items or financial support, while volunteers help bring the entire event to life.
This year’s proceeds will benefit Stepping Stone of San Diego, which is celebrating 50 years of saving lives. The organization provides substance use treatment, recovery support, HIV services, suicide prevention, education and other health programs, with a focus on the needs of LGBTQ+ people. For Duran and the Festival of Trees board, supporting Stepping Stone is personal. They have seen its impact on friends, neighbors, and people throughout the community.
For Duran, the reason to keep showing up comes down to one WORD: Community. “It’s what lifts you up, it’s what saves you, it’s what gives you a sense of belonging,” Duran says. “It’s strength and power, it’s what you love and support, and it’s what you fight for.”
At Festival of Trees San Diego, that belief takes shape in a room filled with holiday lights, generous hearts, and people determined to help their neighbors. The trees may be the centerpiece, but the real gift is what happens when a community decides to take care of its own.