More than 200 guests gathered on May 14 at The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap in San Rafael for Ritter Center’s Under the Stars gala, an evening dedicated to Marin’s more than 1,000 neighbors experiencing homelessness. Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and heartfelt storytelling, the event raised both critical funds and awareness for Ritter Center’s mission of compassionate care and housing support.
Celebrating Community Changemakers
ABC7 News reporter Tim Johns emceed the evening, which honored three exceptional changemakers. Rhea Suh, president and CEO of the Marin Community Foundation, was recognized for her leadership in advancing equity. “The bonds we create are the bonds we require,” she told the crowd. “Ritter does the hardest of the hard work, and does it with compassion, generosity and without judgment.”
Jalynne Allen, a Ritter Center client turned community advocate, was honored for her courage and resilience, while the San Domenico Upper School Interact Club (Rotary Club of Ross Valley) received accolades for outstanding volunteer service.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors in a Big Way
Thanks to a lively auction and Fund-a-Need paddle raise, the evening generated over $200,000 to fuel Ritter Center’s vital services—from medical care to housing navigation—helping to ensure that no one in Marin is left behind.
Ritter Center Thanks its Sponsors
Event sponsors included the Marin Community Foundation, Nugget Markets, Harbor Point Charitable Foundation, GMH Builders, and more. Marin Magazine served as the evening’s media sponsor, with Merriam Vineyards generously donating wine.
To find out more about Ritter Center and its work, please visit rittercenter.org.
Donna Berry Glass is a freelance writer in Marin who writes about family, kids and parenting, Glass is the mother to one son, one dog and a hamster named Miss Geri. When she’s not writing, trekking up steep hills in Marin or driving her kid to sports practice, she and her family spend time in their tiny cabin in Lake Tahoe. She avidly supports the California Academy of Sciences, a world class science museum and research institution, and the Institute on Aging which provides much needed services to Bay Area seniors and disabled adults. Glass is obsessed with baking the perfect loaf of banana bread, something she makes so often she no longer needs to look at a recipe card.
