The North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC) hosted its 36th annual benefit gala, A Night in Tuscany, at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall on May 17. The enchanting evening brought together 280 high-profile guests from across the Bay in support of quality early childhood education.
Sip, Savor, Support
The event featured a robust live and silent auction, local artisan offerings, and an exquisite three-course dinner prepared by Park Avenue Catering. Guests also enjoyed premier wines from Thirty-Seven Wines, Ramey Wine Cellars, Gary Farrell Winery, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Albini Family Vineyards.
A Night of Generosity and Celebration
The evening was masterfully emceed by Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan and featured a heartfelt tribute to Neil Hennessy, recipient of NBCC’s 2025 Champion for Children Award for his exceptional dedication to youth and education. The live auction was brought to life by Senator Mike McGuire, whose energy and humor turned napkins into rally flags as guests enthusiastically raised their paddles.
The $371,000 raised from the evening directly supports the nonprofit’s mission to transform children’s lives through high-quality early education and care.
A Community United for Children
The gala welcomed many notable guests, including Neil and Kathy Hennessy, Mitch and Terry Nilsen, Jeff and Leslie Belingheri, Councilmember Mark Milberg, Stan Hoffman, Herm and Marilyn Benedetti, Eugene and Ethel Daly, and Carolyn Stone, Sudha Pennathur, Ed Messerly and Dennis and Becca Ryan.
“Our amazing community came out in force to support our mission, and their generosity was truly inspiring,” said Susan Gilmore, Co-Founder and CEO, North Bay Children’s Centers. “We’re reminded that we’re not in this work alone; every paddle raised and dollar given brings us closer to a future where all children can thrive. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Gratitude to A Night in Tuscany’s Sponsors
NBCC extends heartfelt thanks to Champion Sponsors Brayton Purcell LLP and Thirty-Seven Wines, as well as all the event’s sponsors that made this event possible.
To learn more about North Bay Children’s Center or to donate, visit nbcc.net.
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.