Over 150 community members gathered to support foster youth at the Child Advocates of Silicon Valley’s spring gala, Broadway Bound. The gala took place Saturday, April 23,2022 at the historic estate, Hayes Mansion, and raised over $300,000 to support foster children in Santa Clara County.
Upon arrival at the venue, the fabulous attendees dressed in their finest fits and walked the red carpet. After checking in with the event volunteers, the guests made their way to a garden wall filled with champagne flutes and walked around the terrace filled with raffles and merchandise booths. With drinks in hand, guests mingled while live music filled the soiree.
As the sun set, the event program began with Master of Ceremonies, Guisselle Nuñez, welcoming all to the agency’s first in-person gala since the onset of the pandemic. Followed by introducing special guest, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, on stage. Supervisor Chavez has been a key supporter for children and youth in the child welfare system which made her the best candidate to introduce another special guest, Honorable Judge Shawna Schwarz, the Supervising Judge of Juvenile Dependency Court.
After sharing the importance of CASA Volunteers and the pivotal role they play in a foster youth’s life, Judge Schwarz introduced Child Advocates’ Director of Programs, Mary Patterson who had the honor of sharing this year’s Community Spirit Award recipients, two young people that embody philanthropy: Cali Martire, age 11, and Sofia Dang, age 18.
The evening continued with a live auction and fundraiser hosted by a friend of Child Advocates, Keith L. McLane. Following the bidding, the mission speaker, CEO of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Frederick J. Ferrer delivered an emotional speech. In the address, the CEO read a personal note from a CASA Volunteer and his experience taking a foster youth for an unforgettable first hike, The event concluded with a live performance from the Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose.
Through auction bids and donations, funds generated from the gala benefit Child Advocates’ mission in helping foster youth through our CASA Program and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
This event was only made possible by the generosity of event sponsors – especially Mike & Liz Byrd, Star One Credit Union, Cadence and AVT Productions – attendees, volunteers, auction bidders and donors.
See you at our inaugural fall event, Passion Fashion & Everything Bold on October 9, 2022.
If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring one or all our special events, please contact our development department at development@childadvocatessv.org.
