On the evening of September 21st, hundreds of Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) supporters joined together to celebrate success and raise funds at the 19th JDC Gala themed “In Defense of Dignity.” Guests mingled while enjoying delicious food to the sounds of the band Radio Gatsby at the iconic Hibernia, building energy to an inspiring program.
Emcee, Kanani Reynolds, hosted the program which started with Gala co-chairs Matt Valdez and Caitlin Blythe speaking about what the work of the JDC means to them. Matt Valdez, a current JDC Board Member and Vice President and Deputy General Counsel with the San Francisco Giants, spoke about growing up in San Francisco with few resources, and how he understands the impact of the JDC. Caitlyn Blythe, San Francisco Managing Partner with Morrison Foerster, spoke of how inspired she is by the pro bono work of the JDC and the support and protection it offers to so many vulnerable people in San Francisco.
Caitlin then introduced Lizette Beatriz Chavez De Sermeño, a client of JDC’s Immigrant Legal Defense Program (ILDP). Through a translator, Beatriz told her harrowing story of escaping violence in Central America and the challenges of the asylum process. Thanks to the Support of the ILDP, she and her family have the support they need and the safety of asylum. Yolanda Jackson, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) and Executive Director of the JDC, followed reflecting on the extensive services offered by the JDC, and how those in attendance can make a difference in diverse ways.
Yolanda then introduced Alejandra Beristain Gonzalez, a graduate of the JDC’s School-to-College Program which helps San Francisco Unified students attain their goals in higher education. Ale shared how much she loves to learn and what being a first-generation college student means to her and her family. BASF and JDC Board President Vid Prabhakaran hit the crescendo of the evening, inspiring the crowd to blow past the $35,000 fundraising goal for the evening, adding to the over $440,000 that had been raised for the JDC’s programs.
Thank you to all who attended and we will see you at the 20th Annual JDC Gala on September 19th, 2024!
Scroll through some of the photos from the Gala below! Photos by Jim Block.
If you didn’t get a chance to make a donation to the JDC during the Gala and would like to, please click here to make your gift.