In April, we held our annual fundraising gala, the 826 Valencia Bookeaters’ Bash, 🎊 where our students took the stage to share their work: imaginative musings about BART, a daring proposal for Alcatraz Island, and an evocative poem reflecting on freedom and identity. We were pleased to welcome Academy Award–nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who joined us this year to share why he supports storytelling and writing: “Because, as we know, creativity and the creative process are healing agents.” ✨ We also connected with our community of supporters and champions of youth voice. Thank you to everyone who joined and to those who cheered us on from afar so our students can write on Every Page and Every Stage.
Video by Frank Romano
🌟 This event was made possible with the support of our host committee and sponsors. We’re deeply grateful to them, including our $20K sponsor Mission North and our $10K sponsor Cisco Systems Foundation.
Since becoming a supporter of 826 Valencia in 2023, Mission North has championed youth voice through philanthropy and hands-on volunteering. In addition to Mission North’s Bash sponsorship, their employees volunteer as tutors at our Podcasting Field Trips, helping 826 Valencia students brainstorm, write, and record compelling stories. Mission North is a strategic communications agency that partners with ambitious, innovative, influential, and consequential companies to build, protect, and renew their impact. We’re grateful for Mission North’s continued partnership and for the many ways they invest in the voices of young authors across San Francisco.
Cisco Systems Foundation has supported 826 Valencia for more than a decade through generous grants funding pilot programs at Bret Harte Elementary School and Dr. Charles R. Drew Preparatory Academy. Cisco employees have volunteered in our programs, and the company donated equipment and software that enables 826 Valencia staff and students to work on a fast, secure network. Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells technology services and products focused on networking and cyber security. They partner with organizations across the world to create innovative digital solutions that promote a healthy planet and advance the well-being and self-reliance of underserved communities globally. We appreciate Cisco’s longstanding support of our student authors!
💪 As we enter the final phase of our $25M Growth & Sustainability Campaign, we’re working to ensure young storytellers across San Francisco can thrive for years to come. Learn more about how you can help us reach our goal by June 30 here!
Photo of 826 Valencia students, Dave Eggers, and Delroy Lindo by Yanit Mehta