Characterized by a dazzling evening of speeches, fundraising and mingling, 10,000 Degrees hosted another successful run of its annual ONE Amazing Community Gala on April 25. The local nonprofit supports students in their paths to higher education and career success through preparation programs, scholarships and more. The gala continues to help make this possible.
This year’s event was held at the Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael, with 500 guests in attendance. Amidst the crowd were a few prominent attendees: Deborah Freed Goldman and Jonathan Goldman (Mill Valley); Roxanne Richards (Belvedere); and Charan and Sylvia Singh (Belvedere), to name just a few of many.
A few shared their stories and showed their support for the organization. 10,000 Degrees Alum and 2024 Alumni Changemaker Honoree Yoel Iskindir spoke about his experience, noting that 10,000 Degrees helped him and his family navigate the college application process for the first time. Stephanie Fayette, a 10,000 Degrees student, also spoke on being a first-generation student.
In her own speech, 10,000 Degrees President & CEO Kim Mazzuca told the crowd, “There has never been a more important or urgent time to invest in our young people. Our students are our hope and they are the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.”
Keynote speaker Gymmel Trembly — also 10,000 Degrees Alum and 2025 Alumni Changemaker Semi-finalist — pointed out that the organization connected her with the right resources and people that could help her see whether law was the career for her or not. And when she saw that it was, 10,000 Degrees provided her with a career mentor so she could keep moving forward.
In addition to sharing powerful testimonials, ONE Amazing Community Gala also hosted the premier showing of Coming Full Circle, a short film by FORWARD storystudio featuring the journey of 10,000 Degrees alum, Alumni Changemaker Honoree and now-doctor Osvaldo Palomares, MD. The film captured his experience of turning what was a challenging childhood into a life dedicated to giving back.
A high-profile auction also contributed to the night’s financial success, with prizes including courtside seats to watch the Golden State Valkyries and a private dinner with Alice Waters and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Altogether, the evening raised $1.1 million dollars, which will all be put towards 10,000 Degrees’ scholarships and programs.
