SAN RAFAEL, Calif.— On Saturday, April 25, 10,000 Degrees hosted its annual One Amazing Community Gala at the Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall, raising $1.1 million for its students and programs. The event welcomed supporters, students, alumni and community leaders for an evening celebrating the organization’s 45-year commitment to expanding college access and career success for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.
The event showcased powerful testimonials, including keynote speeches from 10,000 Degrees student Stephanie Fayette, alum and lawyer, Gymmel Trembly, and Yoel Iskindir, an alum, filmmaker, and educator who acted as the evening’s emcee. Each shared deeply personal stories highlighting the life-changing educational opportunities and community support they received through 10,000 Degrees. Additionally, a new short film featuring the personal journey of 10,000 Degrees alum Osvaldo Palomares, M.D., premiered at the gala. Palomares shares how a traumatic childhood experience inspired him to pursue a career in medicine and to give back to his community by working in a Spanish-speaking division of Kaiser Permanente.
Notable auction prizes included a private dinner for four with chef and restaurateur Alice Waters and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom; four VIP seats for Carlos Santana’s “Greatest Hits Live” performance at the House of Blues Las Vegas; and a VIP package of a signed jersey and courtside seats to the Golden State Valkyries.
The annual gala serves as one of 10,000 Degrees’ signature fundraising events and underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds have the resources, guidance and support needed to achieve their educational and professional goals.