Over 200 community members came together and SHOWED UP for youth in foster care on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Held at the Computer History Museum, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley’s inaugural Black, White & Pink Ball raised over $180,000 onsite! Early estimates indicate the event will surpass its fundraising goal of $300,000.
Guests arrived at the venue in their most opulent outfits, some dressed for the 1920s theme. After being checked in for the Black, White & Pink Ball, guests made their way to rooms filled with exciting event offerings, bars, hor devours and a photo booth. With drinks in hand, guests mingled while live jazz music filled the atmosphere.
After all of the important guests arrived, the event program began with CEO, Frederick J. Ferrer, welcoming all to the agency’s first Black, White & Pink Ball and emphasized the meaning of PINK.
“A friend of mine asked me the other night about what PINK means. At Child Advocates, PINK stands for Possibilities, Innovation, New Motto: Whatever It Takes and Kindness. With our community member’s investment in PINK, our agency can carry out our 3-year strategic plan and do whatever it takes to LIFT UP foster youth,” said Ferrer.
The event then welcomed the co-founder of Child Advocates, the Honorable former Judge Leonard Edwards. Judge Edwards, a true champion of youth in the dependency system, introduced, recognized and awarded CASA Specialist, Jessica Alvarez, for her 25 years of service as a staff member with Child Advocates.
Jessica responded by saying, “Thank you, Judge Edwards, and thank you all for this amazing opportunity. I appreciate all of you for your support towards Child Advocates. On behalf of the former foster youth I was, and all foster children everywhere, thank you.”
The evening continued with a live auction and fundraiser hosted by auctioneer Freddie Silveria. Following the bidding, the keynote speaker, CEO of Concrete Rose Coalition, Angelina Rodriguez, delivered an emotional speech. In the address, Angelina spoke about her own personal experience being a former foster youth, experiencing trauma at a young age. Her upbringing and passion for her community led her to advocate for and work with system-impacted youth. Angelina then touched on her current work overseeing Child Advocates’ integration of lived experience into its policies, programs and practices. After the moving speech, Angelina asked all Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers to STAND UP. Every single attendee clapped, cheered and showed support to over a dozen CASAs who were in attendance at the event.
After the keynote speech and the CASA recognition, the event ended with a Fund-a-Need portion where more than 50 attendees lifted their paddles to LIFT UP foster youth. The Director of Development and event planner of The Black, White and Pink Ball, Lauren Salciccia, was moved by that very moment.
“It was the very first time in my many years in philanthropy that I’ve seen that many people lift their paddles so quickly and feverishly in support of a cause. There are not enough ways for me to express my gratitude to my fellow colleagues, attendees and sponsors. Saturday was the culmination of months of hard work, and everyone at the event played a part in making the Black, White & Pink Ball successful..”
The event concluded with dancing and a special live performance by Radio Gatsby.
This event was only made possible by the generosity of it’s attendees, donors and event sponsors, Event sponsors included:
Dinner Sponsor:
- Mike & Liz Byrd
Silver Sponsors:
- AVT Productions
- Destination: Home
Bronze Sponsors:
- CW Training and Consulting
- California Strategies
- Heffernan Insurance Solutions
- Penny Blake.
Sterling Sponsors:
- FIRST 5 Santa Clara County
- Excite Credit Union
- Republic Services
- The Health Trust.
Supporting Sponsors:
- Abbott Stringham & Lynch
- CORE Builders
- San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres
- The UPS Store
- Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley was also honored to host the following elected officials at the event:
- California State Senator, District 13: The Honorable Josh Becker
- Santa Clara County District Attorney: The Honorable Jeff Rosen
- Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge: The Honorable Amber Rosen
- Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1: The Honorable Sylvia Arenas
- Superintendent of Santa Clara County Office of Education: Dr. Mary Ann Dewan
- Morgan Hill Unified School District Trustee: our very own The Honorable Mary Patterson
All proceeds from the event benefit Child Advocates of Silicon Valley and the children they serve.
Upcoming Events
Be sure to save the date for our upcoming fundraising events. More details coming soon.
O’leary Golf Classic
Monday, August 28, 2023
Los Altos Golf & Country Club
Passion Fashion & Everything Bold
Sunday October 22, 2023
Blanco Urban Venue
If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring one or all of our fundraising events, please contact our development department at development@childadvocatessv.org.
