My dearest Larkin Street Fam,
Our recent Paving the Way Gala on Sunday, May 7, has filled us all with gratitude and inspiration. Our guests’ generosity fueled our mission as we surpassed our fundraising goal—raising over $1 million—and ignited a beacon of hope for youth experiencing homelessness!
Our vibrant emcees, the remarkable Franco Finn and Larkin Street program participant Christian Barnes painted the event with hues of community, resilience, and triumph. In addition, speakers Andy Cohen of SOMA Equity Partners, Tim Horn from Alaska Airlines, and Matt Martin from Redwood Credit Union eloquently conveyed the significance of corporate engagement in shaping lasting social change.
A special moment of the day for me was State Senator Scott Wiener’s compelling address. As a former Anne B. Stanton Award recipient, Senator Wiener embodies tireless advocacy for youth experiencing homelessness, as well as championing LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, and healthcare access. His work securing Homekey funding and the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Grant Program has been indispensable in supporting our youth, and his words reverberated with all who attended.
We all know that San Francisco faces many challenges. However, the fundamental belief that change is possible was felt throughout the day as we celebrated our achievements and set our sights on a future filled with possibilities. As one attendee aptly told me, “Today, we’re not just raising funds; we’re raising hope.”
My heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who attended and those who couldn’t join us but remain steadfast in supporting our mission. Your unwavering dedication is the foundation for a world where no young person is left behind.
Let’s keep this momentum alive! Stay connected with us through our upcoming events and initiatives, and together, we’ll forge even greater change in the years to come.
Again, thank you for embarking on this remarkable journey with us—we couldn’t do it without you!
Warmest Regards,
Sherilyn Adams,
Executive Director
See below for all the photos courtesy of Julio Martinez, Carlo Guajardo, and Jalen Clark.
