Back to Blogs
1
6m read

Fundraising for Our Future: Y for Youth Gala

The Evening of Friday, March 8, 2019

Today’s young people are tomorrow’s global leaders, responding to the world’s ever-changing needs and responsible for creating lasting, positive social change. We welcomed philanthropists, change-makers, local business leaders, program participants, volunteers, and employees to our 8th annual Y for Youth evening gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco.

Together we can create brighter futures for kids in our community. Y for Youth raises critical funds for local youth programs and amplifies the impact that youth are making in their communities here and around the world. 

Cocktail Hour

The evening cocktail hour was created to occur directly before the evening program in order to connect first-hand with our mission and our Y leaders. YMCA of San Francisco CEO, Charles M. Collins spoke to the attendees and thanked the room for their continued support of our Bay Area youth. 

Since 1853, the YMCA of San Francisco has provided safe spaces and nurturing environments for millions of youth and their families -- ensuring all young people have the necessary tools and supports to meet their full potential and thrive. We are proud of this legacy and we thank you for supporting our local youth this evening at our 8th annual Y For Youth event.

Evening Program

Emceed by Angelina De Dios, Model United Nations Program Participant at Stonestown Family YMCA

Taking a Selfie with the Crowd

A Message from our CEO

"Tonight, we are fortunate to host Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of the World YMCA and leader of the global Y movement. This summer, the Y will celebrate 175 years of empowering communities in 119 countries, reaching 58 million people worldwide. In our highly interconnected world, it is imperative that we strive to advance equity and inclusion for our most vulnerable communities both globally and locally. By doing so, we create cohesive, economically stable and secure communities."

Young people and youth movements are powerful catalysts for change. They have led critical efforts throughout history to advance social inclusion and eliminate discrimination and injustice. Today’s world faces challenges of racism, resurgent nationalism, violence, poverty and inequity—issues that disproportionately impact youth. The Y has always been and will continue to be the global platform for youth to harness their voice and change the future. I invite you to invest in the future and support our youth.

Keynote Speaker

Carlos Sanvee, Incoming Secretary General of the World YMCA

On January 1, 2019, Carlos Sanvee became the Secretary General of the World YMCA, a federation of independent national associations linked through the World Alliance of YMCAs based in Geneva, Switzerland.

"The Y is where I discovered myself. The Y is like a mirror - we see ourselves the way we really are." 

Program Spotlight: Power Scholars Academy

Introduced by Maysha Bell, Senior Director, Achievement Gap and Curriculum

The Y is committed to ensuring all young people stay engaged with their schools and create a clear path to graduation.
Power Scholars Academy™ is a summer program for students from rising K to rising 9th grade designed to not only mitigate summer learning loss in math and reading, but also to foster physical and social-emotional growth. This program is delivered through a unique partnership between the YMCA of San Francisco and BellXcel.

"The Power Scholars Academy is giving us access to a reset button. We have the power to stop summer learning loss. We cannot afford to fail." - Maysha Bell

 

Staff Spotlight

Zaldy Tubig, Afterschool Program Coordinator

Zaldy and his program participants got the crowd on their feet.

Fund a Need

The Y is an incubator for our community’s future leaders. Become a social entrepreneur by investing in our young people today!

Thank You

The Y is proud to count Alaska Airlines as a significant partner in our Academic Success work. Alaska Airlines’ significant investment will directly benefit youth in the Tenderloin community who will have access to structured academic support throughout the year. 

Thank you to our countless volunteers, donors, advocates, and change-makers who are helping us build our vision of having the healthiest kids living in the Bay Area.

 

Relive the Memories

See More Photos From This Event 

Photo Album