1968-2001
http://www.asunderpress.com/news/activistmissing.htm
Mandy was the former Executive Director of San Diego Pride, and had been the PR representative and promotions manager of Club BomBay. She was also known to many as a key organizer of SD Dyke March, and the host of "Thongs N Things"on Thursday nights as well as DJ Mandytory at Club Activate on Saturdays, both at BomBay.
MARK GABRISH CONLAN, 2001 Zenger's Newsmagazine wrote:
I didn't know Mandy Schultz as well as I knew Herb, and I never had the honor of having worked with her directly, but I certainly admired her. She had the unenviable task of taking over San Diego Lesbian/Gay Pride from Brenda Schumacher, a powerful personality and organizer, and there was some concern in the community whether Mandy - whom wed known up to that point basically as Brenda's go-fer - would be strong enough to take over. Mandy passed the test with flying colors and helped contribute to the enviable stability in the administration of the Pride events our community has come to enjoy (and rather take for granted) in the 1990's and since.
Mandy's finest hours came in 1997, when Andrew Cunanan was supposedly still at large, roaming the country looking for fresh Gay male victims. With rumors flying that he was going to return to San Diego and launch a one-person terrorist campaign against the Pride events and the people attending them, Mandy was an island of rationality in a sea of irresponsible rumor-mongering. Her unflappable calm and determination to throw an event we would truly be proud of helped calm the community and ensure that even before Cunanan's body was found three days before Pride, most of the community had given up obsessing about him and was ready to enjoy the events and have a good time that weekend.
From the 2001 SDSU message boards, Ben Cartwright wrote:
On Monday, October 29th our community suffered a great loss when we learned of the death of Mandy Schultz. For years Mandy served a community she loved. As the executive director for Pride, she spearheaded many successful parades and
events. Her passion and desire sparked a fire in the many volunteers who donated their time to help out.
After leaving the office of executive director, yet still wanting to
serve, Mandy spent a short time as the co-director for Aids Walk. As a columnist for the Gay and Lesbian times Mandy touched people with her words keeping us informed about what was going on within our community.
Seeing an opportunity to further enhance the diversity of our lives Mandy led the way when she helped to put on one of the most successful Dyke Marches this past year. Mandy continued to work within the community, giving her time and
energy to projects too numerous to mention. Her leadership, her friendship will be missed by everyone.
On Saturday, December 1st Club BomBay and the Imperial Court de SanDiego will join together to pay tribute to Mandy Shultz and the life she led. The benefit, which will begin at 4pm, will serve to establish a scholarship fund in Mandy's name. This scholarship fund will enable up and coming young activists to continue the work that Mandy gave so much of herself to.
The scholarship will continue to be funded in years to come ensuring that Mandy and her work will always be remembered. Along with the scholarship fund, friends and members of the community are looking into the possibility of having a bench made in Mandy's memory. This bench would be placed overlooking the ocean or perhaps in the park to serve as a place where people can go to remember the joy and the peace that Mandy brought to all our lives. This benefit will be a celebration of life. Music, food and fun all the things that Mandy so loved. Performances by local entertainers will run throughout the evening.
Grasp and learn from the lessons that each day brings. That is the message Mandy left us with. She lived each day to its fullest, never looking back, always seeing the promise of tomorrow. Please join us on December 1st for this celebration of Mandy's life and the joy she gave us.
Individuals or organizations wishing to donate to the Mandy Schultz scholarship fund but unable to attend the benefit should contact Club BomBay at 619-296-6789.
She definitely lived up to that title, and she will be missed.