10,000 Degrees, a Marin-based nonprofit, raised more than $1.1 million dollars at its annual ONE Amazing Community fundraising gala on April 27 at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael. All money raised from the evening goes towards 10,000 Degrees scholarships and programs.
Gathering to Support Educational Equity
More than 500 guests came together at the ‘ONE Amazing Community’ gala to celebrate and recognize the contributions of those in the community who have played a role in helping achieve educational equity and in supporting students from low-income backgrounds to fulfill their dreams of becoming college graduates.
Kim Mazzuca, 10,000 Degrees president and CEO, was honored with the ONE DEGREE of Change award at this year’s gala. Mazzuca, celebrating 25 years at the organization, was recognized for her countless contributions to helping achieve education equity in the Bay Area and beyond.
A Wealth of Amazing Supporters and Notable Guests
Notable attendees included 10,000 Degrees Founder Judy Edgar and Jim Edgar; 10,000 Degrees Board Members and guests Jonathan Eldridge, Guy Lampard, Suzanne Badenhoop, Dr. Françoise Lepage, Deborah Freed Goldman, Peg Pike, Mark and Katey Mokelke, Toby and Susan Mumford, Monica Mehram, Sandy Donnell and Justin Faggioli; 10,000 Degrees Honorary Board Members and guests Pepe Gonzalez, Bill Smith and Ann Aylwin, Larry Rosenberger, Saul Peña and Charmaine Chow, Eric Bindleglass; and noteworthy guests Elaine Petrocelli, Dr. Denise Lucy, Adam Gavzer, Charan Singh, Jenn and Ryan Fay, Gabrielle Tierney, Justine Corey-Whitehead, Paul Whitehead, Jonathan Goldman, Dr. Diana Bojorquez, Derek Pappas and Josh Alwitt.
16,000 Degrees…and Counting!
Since 1981, this San Rafael-based organization has been dedicated to unlocking student success by giving more than 16,000 students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career achievements.
More About 10,000 Degrees
10,000 Degrees® is unlocking student success at scale by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success. The most efficient and effective college success non-profit in the U.S.,10,000 Degrees brings a proven model, data-driven outcomes, and a seasoned leadership team to create educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. 10,000 Degrees has worked with more than 60,000 students across 250 colleges over the past 43 years, helping to break the cycle of generational poverty and create a positive ripple effect in the lives of students and their communities for generations to come. 10,000 Degrees achieves student success at scale through its Unbound Opportunity Model: 1) eliminates disqualifiers, such as a GPA requirement; 2) meets students where they are, gives them choice, and supports multiple pathways, including community college; 3) inspires belief in students through near-peer Fellow mentors and relatable success stories; 4) demystifies the financial aid process for debt-free degrees; 5) embeds college experts on high school and college campuses; and 6) walks the journey together with students to provide high school, college, and careers support. With this model,10,000 Degrees achieves unmatched success rates: 80% of 10,000 Degrees students graduate vs. 40% of their peers, 87% less student debt incurred than national average, 92% are first in their family to go to college, $8.6M in 10,000 Degrees scholarships awarded, and $42.3M in free financial aid accessed. 10,000 Degrees comprehensive programs include college pathways preparation, college success advising, scholarships and financial aid advising, community college transfer support, career and graduate school readiness, alumni and career success, and much more. 10,000 Degrees operates in eight Bay Area counties—San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara—and works in 44 high schools, 57 community colleges, and 194 four-year colleges and universities across the nation.
How You Can Get Involved
To learn more about 10,000 Degrees or to donate, please visit www.10000degrees.org.
Photos: James Hall, ONYX & ASH
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