An evening in support of St. Mary’s Center: A Community of Hope, Healing & Justice
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:30-8:00pm
Oaklandia Cafe
555 12th St.
Downtown Oakland
Free Indoor Secure Parking, enter on 11th St.
You’re Invited!
This year, our annual fundraising event has a new day and location, but supports the same mission and community. Our theme “Food for All” pays tribute to our long history of food-driven service, a legacy that was called to emergency action last fall when SNAP cuts left many Seniors and families without food. We’ll honor Sr. Marilyn Medau with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her seven decades of service, and hear from special guests, our Seniors, about issues and solutions they see necessary in our community.
Program Details
- Reception, Hearty Hors D’oveures Buffet, Entertainment by McClymonds High School Musicians | 5:30pm
- Seated Program | 6:30pm
- Honoring Sr. Marilyn Medau
- Auction & Fund-A-Need
- Fireside Chat with Seniors and Dr. Carolyn Johnson, Black Cultural Zone
Sponsorship Opportunities
The proceeds from this event provide transitional housing, homeless services, senior support, and preschool services to those in need. We invite you to join us in this celebration and contribute to the success of our primary annual fundraiser. Your presence and support will make a meaningful difference.
- Sponsor: Make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. This year, any sponsors over $5,000 will also be included in a physical mural display commemorating the opening of our renovated Community Center. Download our sponsor packet listing all levels of support and incentives.
- Host a Contingent: Showcase your commitment to community service by hosting a small group of supporters with reserved auditorium seating.
- Purchase Tickets: Be part of an evening filled with inspiration. Tickets are priced at $200 each. Buy tickets online.
To confirm your interest in sponsoring or hosting a contingent, please contact Anais Lieu at development@stmaryscenter.org or (510) 923-9600 x222.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Highlights
Lifetime Service Award
Sr. Marilyn Medau, Honoree
Fireside Chat
Dr. Carolyn Johnson, Moderator
Dr. Carolyn Johnson is the Founding CEO of the Black Cultural Zone CDC and a Strategic Futurist specializing in the nexus of culture and place-keeping. A Columbia MBA and co-designer of the $100M RISE East blueprint, she has underwritten over $1 billion in real estate assets. In 2019, she led the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative in forming the CDC, and in 2025, she co-led the launch of the Centers of Excellence Network. Dr. Johnson designs innovative system architectures that combine institutional-grade finance with community-led sovereignty.
Fireside Chat
Council of Elders, Panelists
Entertainment
McClymonds High School Musicians
Six musicians from McClymonds High School join us during the opening reception, directed by teacher Steven Faivus.