The Giving Exchange Gala 2023: A Decade of Love, Growth, and Impact
On a dazzling evening that shimmered with gratitude and glowed with the spirit of giving, The Giving Exchange (TGE) hosted its Gala Fundraiser 2023 at the Brower Center in Berkeley, CA, on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Wrapping up a milestone year, TGE marked a decade of transformative work, and the gala was a radiant celebration of love, growth, and impactful achievements.
The Stars of the Evening
Three esteemed guests of honor, Reah and Francis Nderitu, and Lilian Biira, graced the stage, each representing a unique facet of TGE's journey.
Growth: Reah and Francis Nderitu of Morning Star Children's Home engaged in a heartfelt conversation with TGE's founder, Rod Mickels, reflecting on the incredible decade that shaped their partnership and the organization's founding story.
Impact: Lilian Biira, Director of Inspire Girls Foundation in Uganda, was interviewed by TGE's Director of Operations, Reanna, shedding light on the profound impact TGE has had on young entrepreneurs.
Program Highlights
The evening unfolded with a Welcome Reception starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring delectable hors d'oeuvres by Cafe Colucci, a sponsored bar, a merchandise table, a Wishing Tree Art Installation, and a silent auction. Guests had the opportunity to purchase premium drawing tokens for a chance to win a coveted prize. The main program, held in the theater, ran from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., with presenters on stage, a live auction, of course, the fund-a-need. The night concluded with a champagne toast, echoing the sentiments of a decade well-celebrated.
The theme for the night encapsulated the essence of the gala: "The Giving Exchange Gala 2024: A Decade of Love, Growth, and Impact." It served as a poignant reminder of the organization's journey, the love shared by its supporters, the growth experienced, and the enduring impact etched into the fabric of communities touched by TGE.
Love: Executive Director, Ming Richie, and Director of Operations, Reanna Placide, opened the event celebrating and thanking all the individuals who make the work possible.
The Numbers
Ninety-five enthusiastic supporters gathered in person at the Brower Center in Berkeley, CA, while an additional 35 supporters joined virtually from various corners of the globe. Under the expert guidance of auctioneer Emily Quinn, hosting the event for the fourth year in a row, the night's fundraising efforts soared to new heights. A staggering $250,000 was raised, a testament to the unwavering dedication of TGE's supporters. Notably, The Giving Exchange's commitment to transparency and impact was emphasized: all operational costs are covered by angel donors, ensuring that 100% of donations directly fuel TGE's life-changing projects.
Sponsors, Auction Donors and Volunteers
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Scott & Lori Smith
Laura & Joe Cervelli
Paul Salinger
Drew & Susan Hagen
Rod Mickels
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Amy Alanes
Bett Mickels & John Tokar
Kristen Radakovich
Jill Tanner
Michael Berta
Raymond James via Bruce Cacho-Negrete and Scott Weingarden
Suzanne Geoffrion
Terri & Bill Wygal
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The Edgar Family
Bruce and Lise Cacho-Negrete
The Hagen Family
Rod Mickels
Crystal Mandich
Contra Costa County Fire Station 81
Abbey Fan
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Meera O’Farrell
Camila Villa
Sophia Beers
Ren Thompson
Joann Liang
Suzanne Geoffrion
Tess Grebe
Will Grebe
Avery Greenwood
William Devine
Terri Wygal
Nicole Ersaro
Lacee Musgrove
Taylor Radke
Victoria Grover
Conclusion
As the curtains fell on this night to remember, it left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended. The Giving Exchange's Gala 2024 was more than an event; it was a collective embrace of a decade's worth of accomplishments, a testament to the power of unity, and a promise for more years of love, growth, and impact to come.
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