10,000 Degrees Raises $1M for Aspiring College Students

10,000 Degrees alum and keynote speaker, Eslly Hernandez

10,000 Degrees, a Marin-based nonprofit instrumental in setting up students from low-income backgrounds for college success, welcomed more than 500 guests to the Marin Civic Center for its annual One Amazing Community fundraising gala on April 29. The event raised more than $1 million for the organization’s programs and scholarships.

One Degree of Change Award recipient Graham Brandt (left) with Pepe Gonzales and Saul Peña

A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt tribute to Judy Edgar, the nonprofit’s founder who received a Lifetime Legacy Honor, and the presentation of the One Degree of Change Award to 10,000 Degrees alum Graham Brandt. California Senator Mike McGuire served as guest auctioneer.

Guy Lampard, Sandy Donnell, Kim Mazzuca and Suzanne Badenhoop

Gala attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, a seated dinner and a program featuring special guests, performances, and inspirational stories, followed by a festive after-party.

Senator Mike McGuire

The annual gala celebrates and recognizes the contributions of many in the community who have played a role in helping achieve educational equity and who support students from low-income backgrounds, helping those students fulfill their dreams of becoming college graduates.

Proceeds from the One Amazing Community gala will benefit students and programs in all eight Bay Area counties that 10,000 Degrees serves.

Photos: Rachel Clark

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