Orchids & Onions

 Orchid or Onion? You Help Decide.

Ever ask yourself why a place becomes a favorite spot that people return to time and again to make memories that last a lifetime? Or what makes San Diego “San Diego”? Why is our city so special, and could it be even more special? And what about the future of our downtown, the waterfront, the parks, the neighborhoods we call home?

To answer these questions, we turn to you—yes you! SDAF’s Orchids & Onions program brings San Diegans together to decide which parts of the built environment—be it building, park or plaza—make our city a better place to live. Each year brings in a whole new crop of projects, spaces and places to consider, nominate, comment on and vote into fame or infamy. 

2020 Orchids & Onions Gala

With Orchids & Onions 2020 now in the books, it’s easy to see what made last night’s virtual gala so memorable. The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is YOU. While some of you earned the most coveted architectural awards this town has to offer, all of you made a difference.

The numbers speak for themselves. 101 nominees. 25 winners. 566 registered guests. $7,499 raised for a scholarship fund in partnership with SDNOMA. Psst: remember when you donated $10,000 but meant to give $100? It’s all good! Because you gave of yourselves. You made the night special. And we can’t wait to do it all again next year…in person. Love you, San Diego! See the full list of 2020 Orchids & Onions winners here.

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