Vision 2025: From Charity to Justice
A Gala in support of St. Mary’s Center
A Community of Hope, Healing & Justice
Saturday, June 21, 2025 * 5:00-8:30pm
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral * 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland
St. Mary’s Center’s Annual Gala fuels our vital services through fundraising and community engagement. This year’s theme, “Vision 2025: From Charity to Justice,” celebrates the completion of our strategic plan and the positive impact on Seniors and Preschool families.
We are accepting sponsorships and donations to our silent auction until April 30.
Email: development@stmaryscenter.org Phone: 510-923-9600 x1124
2025 Program Highlights
Council of Elders & Senior Advocates for Hope & Justice
St. Mary’s Center Seniors had an incredible year, strengthening our community and expanding housing opportunity across the Bay Area. Our Council of Elders, Senior Advocates, and Leadership Academy Graduates fought relentlessly to prioritize people in greatest need in housing development, and built a policy foundation for future work.
Measure W Planning Committee
Urgent resources are coming to homeless services in Alameda County, thanks to our community and a dedicated team of planners and volunteers. The Measure W Planning Committee, which first met at St. Mary’s Center during the early days of the pandemic, overcame huge obstacles to secure victory. With millions soon to be released after a long legal battle, Measure W will provide vital interim housing, services, and a stronger support system for Seniors, families, and neighbors in need.
Live Music from Guitar Trifecta
Guitarists Lloyd Gregory, Carl Lockett, and Eddie Pasternak fuse classical, jazz, and R&B – resulting in smooth, soulful performances that leave audiences of a clear understanding of why, when playing together, they are the Guitar Trifecta.
David Aahl, Auctioneer
With three decades of experience selling everything from collector cars to antiques, David has dedicated his career to not only hosting successful auctions but also to supporting charitable causes close to his heart.
Thank you to our first wave of sponsors!
Patrons
Magnussen Toyota
Leaders
California Health Care Foundation
Leftwich Event Specialists
Advocates
Baywell Health
Cynthia LeBlanc
Health Roads
Kaiser Permanente
Partners
BBI Construction
Crankstart
Justice in Aging
Port of Oakland
Host Committee & Table Hosts
Meg Bowerman
Captain Garrett Contreras (Ret.)
Cornu-Toney Family
Benay Curtis-Bauer
Rev. Sophia DeWitt
Liz Davis
Donahue Family
Nadine Durant
Bill Kramer & Sylvan Learning
Kripamayi Foundation
Cynthia LeBlanc
Sr. Marilyn Medau
Annette Miller
William Pettus
Nancy Rodriguez
Joel Young