Every year we host a volunteer appreciation party with great food, awards, and gifts for all the hard work our volunteers do for our Marines, sailors, veterans, and their families in addition to the annual fundraising events listed below:

#1 & #5 – Holiday Magic Party

One of our volunteers’ favorite events! Help create Christmas magic for more than 350 military family members as children meet Santa, visit our cheerful DPSG elves, and receive gifts. The smiles are contagious—and you’ll leave with one of your own!

#2 – Festival of the Whales

Wave flags, march in the parade, and cheer on our Fighting Fifth as they proudly make their way through Dana Point. It’s a fun-filled weekend celebrating our community and our Marines!

#3 – Welcome Home & Farewell

Few experiences are more meaningful than saying goodbye to our Marines and Sailors before deployment—and welcoming them home again. Watching families reunite, especially children running into a parent’s arms, is a moment you’ll never forget.

#4 – Super Bowl Party

Every year the Crisp Family bring more than 200 Marines gather for an unforgettable day of football, great food, prizes, and camaraderie. Our volunteers help make game day one they’ll always remember!

#6 – Marine Corps Birthday Ball

We love seeing our Fighting Fifth celebrate the Marine Corps’ birthday in style! Seeing Marines in their Dress Blues and helping make this unforgettable evening possible is a privilege. .DPSG  gifts each Marine with a special keepsake to remember the occasion.

#7, #8, #10 & #15 – Combat Golf Tournament

Our biggest fundraiser—and one of our most exciting! Volunteers help host a day of golf, fun, and appreciation for sponsored Marines and Wounded Warriors. It’s especially rewarding to see Marines enjoy their first round of golf, complete with amazing swag and, thanks to generous donors, even some gently used golf clubs!

#9 & #14 –Dana Point Holiday Lights Boat Parade

Thanks to Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing, our Marines and military families enjoy two magical evenings aboard a decorated boat during the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade. Volunteers serve chili, cocoa, homemade baked treats from our “Baking Brigade”, and plenty of holiday cheer!

#13 – Thanksgiving Dinner

Many single Marines can’t make it home for Thanksgiving, so we bring a little bit of home to them. Volunteers serve a traditional holiday meal, hand out gifts and goodies, and our volunteers provide baked homemade goodies.

#12 & #17 – Baby Showers

Celebrate our growing military families with a day filled with laughter, games, gifts, and love. Watching Marine dads-to-be paint baby onesies is always a crowd favorite!

#18 – “Deck the Halls” for Christmas at Camp Pendleton

Help us transform Camp Pendleton into a festive holiday home! We decorate the chow hall, chapel, and regimental offices, bringing Christmas cheer to Marines who are far from home.

#19 – Spirits Garden & Community Events

Join us at Dana Point’s summer concerts and community festivals! It’s a fun way to meet neighbors, raise funds for our mission, and spend time with some of the young Marines who volunteer alongside us.

#11 & #20 – Wounded Warrior Trials

Be part of an inspiring event celebrating incredible athletes from around the world. Volunteers provide meals, snacks, encouragement, and enthusiastic cheers as these warriors compete with determination and heart.

#16 – Volunteer Appreciation

We couldn’t do it without our volunteers! Each year we celebrate the amazing people who give their time, talents, and hearts to support our Marines, Sailors, Wounded Warriors, and their families. It’s our chance to say thank you for making a difference.