It will be quite the Thursday night event on Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the San Francisco Design Center. That’s because MEDA’s annual gala will be taking place as a way to bring together the community to celebrate the organization’s decades of serving the Latino immigrant community — a community for which it is more important than ever to help succeed. We are excited to announce that the keynote speaker will be CEO Fred Blackwell The San Francisco Foundation. (Early Bird tickets at 25 perent off are available thorugh Sept. 19.)
With 44 years under its belt, MEDA’s gala theme for 2017 is “Generation of Success,” as the nonprofit has been around two generations and also takes a two-generation approach to family economic success. The latter is exemplified by the Mission Promise Neighborhood’s approach to strengthening families so students do well in school.
There have been many impactful results showcased by the Mission Promise Neighborhood initiative in its initial five years, which is why leadership of these schools will be honored: Bryant Elementary School; Cesar Chavez Elementary School; Everett Middle School; and John O’Connell High School.
Other honorees include Small Sites Program Manager, Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development Ruby Harris for her innovative work around affordable housing and former MEDA Board Member and Development Director, Greenlining Institute Jane Duong for her work with underserved communities.
To showcase the success of MEDA’s programs, there will be a “Client of the Year.” The awardee for 2017 is Alicia Villanueva of Alicia’s Tamales. This MEDA Business Development client — who started by cooking tamales in her home’s kitchen — is now a successful entrepreneur who is a wholesaler and employs over a dozen community members. (Read Alicia’s story.)
Added to the mix will the pulsating sounds of a mariachi band matched later by the equally invigorating beats of a salsa band. The dance floor is sure to be lively, as usual.
And did we mention innovative cuisine? Be prepared for a terrific meal.
So mark your calendars … and be sure to buy your Early Bird tickets, which are 25 percent off.
We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 19 at our ¡VIVA MEDA! 44th Anniversary Celebration.
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Can you support our event? Please email us to learn of sponsorship opportunities.
See latest sponsors’ list here.
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