News Release
Contact: Amanda Schaap, 858-598-2213, amandas@speakupnow.org
Voices for Children Gala Raises $2.1 Million
Funds pledged at Starry Starry Night will provide advocacy to hundreds of children in San Diego County foster care.
(October 14, 2021) SAN DIEGO – Starry Starry Night, the signature event of Voices for Children (VFC), took place on Saturday, September 25, and was one of the first private events held at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego’s spectacular new bayside performance venue. Attendees, sponsors, and supporters contributed more than $2.1 million in gross revenue for VFC and its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The funds raised at Starry Starry Night will enable VFC to provide CASA volunteers to abused, neglected, and abandoned children in foster care. Last year, VFC supported 1,020 CASAs and provided advocacy to nearly 2,100 children in San Diego County.
HIGHLIGHTS: After enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay, guests were treated to an exquisite dining experience curated by renowned chef Richard Blais. The talented musicians of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra accompanied dinner and were later joined by the San Diego Children’s Choir for a special joint performance of “You Matter To Me” from the Broadway musical “Waitress.” It was the choir’s first in-person performance since the start of the pandemic.
Emceed by Marcella Lee, anchor and reported at CBS 8 and the CW San Diego, the inspiring program began by reflecting on VFC’s impact over the last 40 years and recognizing the 2021 CASA of the Year, Barbara Winicki, who has advocated for 12 children in foster care during her 11 years as a CASA volunteer. After a rousing live auction led by auctioneer Clint Bell, attendees watched the premiere of “Always in My Life,” a video highlighting the story of siblings Christopher and Vanessa who were separated in foster care and were able to maintain their bond thanks to their dedicated CASA.
EVENT SPONSORS: Visionary Sponsor: Dale & Julie Yahnke; Presenting Sponsors: Annette & Daniel Bradbury and Maryanne & Harley K. Sefton; Impact Sponsors: Capstone Advisors, Farrell Family Foundation, George Lai, Maravai LifeSciences, MG Properties Group, Qualcomm, Sempra, Darlene Marcos Shiley, and Katie & Dan Sullivan; Advocate Sponsors: Finch, Thornton, Baird LLP, Jennifer Adams Home, KPBS, Silvergate Bank, the Schievelbein Foundation, and the San Diego Padres; Hope Sponsors: AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, Genentech, Molly’s Angels Foundation, Perkins Coie, and the Pulido/Walker Foundation; Starry Sponsors: California Bank & Trust, City National Bank, Cresa, Higgs Fletcher Mack, Hughes Marino, Jones Day, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Meyers Nave, Moss Adams, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, LLP, PBO Advisory Group, Procopio, Cameron Kay & Kathleen Rains, and UPS. Visit www.voicesforchildrenssn.org to view the full list of sponsors and underwriters.
STARRY STARRY NIGHT HONORARY COMMITTEE: Julie & Dale Yahnke (event chairs), Hon. Thomas Ashworth III (Ret.) & Kathryn F. Ashworth Esq., Mary & Rolf Benirschke, David Bialis, Alison & Ryan Blair, Rochelle & Bill Bold, Annette & Daniel Bradbury, Patty & Marc Brutten, Joan & Dick Capen, Brittany & Andy Christopher, Patty Cohen, Nancy & David Doyle, Gina & Ray Ellis, Lisette & Mick Farrell, Cambra & Randy Finch, AnneElise & Andy Goetz, Jenny & Jason Hochberg, Susan & Rick Howe, Hon. Susan D. Huguenor (Ret.) & Thomas Huguenor, Yolanda & Jimmy Janacek, Nettie & Tom Keck, Melissa & Erbin Keith, Zoe & Eric Kleinbub, George Lai, Sharon Lawrence & Darin Boles, Marina Marrelli & Bob Anslow, Dr. Alice Mo & Ted Tchang, Andrea & Greg Moser, Katie & Michael Nicoletti, Jen & Tim O’Connell, Nancy & Mike Pfeiffer, Lee & Stuart Posnock, Michele & Bob Rogers, Dorian & Bill Sailer, Sheryl & Bob Scarano, Maryanne & Harley Sefton, Jill Skrezyna & Alex Sun, Katie & Dan Sullivan, Karen & Mike Stone, Lise Wilson & Steven Strauss, Kathliene & Jon Sundt, Haeyoung Tang, Lori & Bill Walton, Jen & Mark Wernig, Lany & Alex Zikakis
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ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN
Founded in 1980, Voices for Children (VFC) transforms the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned children in foster care in San Diego and Riverside Counties by providing them with trained, volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASA volunteers advocate for a foster child or sibling group in Court, school, and in the community to ensure their needs are met. VFC believes that every child deserves a safe and permanent home, striving to provide a CASA volunteer to every child in the foster care system who needs one. Last year, VFC CASAs and staff advocated on behalf of nearly 2,600 children in foster care across San Diego and Riverside Counties. For more information, visit www.speakupnow.org.
CASA of the Month – October 2021