Meet Steven Shyne | Co-Founder & Non-Profit CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Shyne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m Steven Shyne and I’m the co-founder and CEO of Think Red Project, the nonprofit behind Red Dress Party San Diego.

We are registered 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation registered in the State of California, and have a mission to plan, promote and produce events that raise funds and awareness for the HIV/AIDS community.

Our main event – Red Dress Party San Diego (RDPSD) – embodies these traits. Like the name suggests, attendees are required to wear a red dress, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. This serves as a powerful sign of compassion and solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS and as a way to unite the crowd in one radiant theme. Red Dress Party San Diego is a whimsical fundraising event where everyone is allowed to feel welcome, be brave, let loose, and celebrate impact.

You may have heard of Red Dress Parties in other cities such as Portland, Sacramento and Chicago, and each shares the same goal: to raise awareness and funds for local organizations that support the local HIV/AIDS communities.

For years I’ve often thought that this joyous yet impactful event should be brought to San Diego, and back in 2015 my team and I made our dream a reality. We turned to the community and did a crowdsource fundraising campaign and hit our goal of raising $10,000 in did so in 10 days, so we knew that we were onto something.

Fast forward to today, we’ve hosted a Red Dress Party San Diego event each year (including a virtual fundraiser in 2020), and have raised close to $250,000 and support approximately 12 non profits across San Diego County and within several areas of HIV services, counseling, care, and support.

This year, RDPSD 2022 will be Once Upon a Time, where you can embark on a storybook adventure where you’re invited to let loose, celebrate impact, and live happily ever after (for one night only (Sat Oct 1). For more information on the event – and to purchase tickets visit https://www.reddresspartysd.com/

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Well clearly the thing that separates us from most other events is our wacky rule of wearing a red dress. This no-pants party is definitely not for everyone – we get it, some people won’t wear a dress. We’ve definitely had some discussions about this rule with would-be attendees and the reason why we are so steadfast to this is because the event is like an alternate reality, where everyone is glamorous, beautiful and brave. We’ve attended other Red Dress Parties and it really ruins the fantasy when you see someone in street clothes, so although sure we may be preventing some people from attending, we are proud to stand for what we believe in and we are proud they are standing for what they believe in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Without a doubt my favorite spot in San Diego is Balboa Park – this crown jewel of San Diego is what made me fall in love with San Diego all those years ago. The lawns, museum complex, recreational activities, people watching, gardens, and of course world-famous San Diego Zoo make this a must-see place on anyone’s list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my best friends, with whom none of the endeavors of Think Red Project would be possible. Vince and Marvin have been by my side for over a decade and they are more than the other co-founding members of this event, they are my best friends. Shout out to all the volunteers that make RDPSD possible as well – from our volunteer board to event staff to people who help spread the word. Also shoutout to our sponsors, without whom our fundraising efforts would be substantially limited. And I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out to our community – Red Dress Party San Diego is event for everyone, and all we ask is for people to be brave, let loose, and celebrate impact.

Website: https://www.reddresspartysd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddresspartysd/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-red-project-inc-/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedDressPartySD/

Other: Ticket Website: https://www.universe.com/events/red-dress-party-san-diego-2022-tickets-597HTJ?ref=socal

Image Credits
Cali Griebel Photography