Nonprofits put on a pair of good shows in downtown San Jose
Two South Bay nonprofits had their big fundraising events at the same time Friday night — with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley hosting its second annual gala and Hunger at Home putting on its encore Bridge the Gap benefit concert.
The two events were held across the street from each other in downtown San Jose, creating a nice buzz and making it convenient for the elected officials who bounced between the two events to deliver commendations for the groups’ good work in the community. The events even split up San Jose Sharks’ broadcasters — Randy Hahn was at Hunger at Home, while Dan Rusanowsky was at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ event.
Over at the City National Civic, Hunger at Home Executive Director Madison Nguyen welcomed about 800 people to sample gourmet bites created by nearly a dozen hospitality chefs in the South Bay. “I’m not sure what people in hotels are eating tonight,” Nguyen said, “because all their chefs are here.” Hunger at Home connects hotels, arenas, country clubs and the like with nonprofit partners — including Martha’s Kitchen, Friday night’s primary beneficiary, that use their excess food to feed the hungry.
Friday’s show featured a concert by the Joe Sharino Band, which is retiring at the end of the year, and Ewell Sterner — who co-founded the effort in San Diego with his son, Casidy — again provided the emotional center of the event that no doubt drove up the fundraising numbers. I’m not sure the horseshoe-shaped lobby of the Civic provided the best showcase for the amazing food being whipped up by the chefs, especially compared to last year’s inaugural extravaganza at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. But — much like Goldilocks — I suspect Hunger at Home will find the right fit on its third benefit next year.
Meanwhile, the Boys & Girls Clubs had a crowd of nearly 250 people for its auction and awards, featuring comedian Jeff Applebaum. While Boys & Girls Clubs has a long history in the valley, this was only the second year that the agency held an evening fundraiser.
“We had lunches for many years, but it felt like it wasn’t the level we needed to be at,” said CEO Max Duggane, who said the program has grown to 12 sites and nearly doubled its budget in just a couple of years.
At the event, Destiny Perez was announced as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley’s Youth of the Year. Perez, 16, has been a Boys & Girls Clubs member for the past six years at the Smythe Clubhouse and will go on to compete in the Northern California region.
EAST SIDE PRIDE >> I had the privilege Saturday night to be among the dozen new East Side Union High School District’s Thomas P. Ryan Hall of Fame inductees honored at a ceremony at Dolce Hayes Mansion in South San Jose. And it really was a privilege given the accomplished group — much more accomplished than a newspaper scribe.
The rest of the roster was San Jose Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco, former Vice Mayor Rose Herrera, pro skateboarder Steve Caballero, wrestling champ Eric Guerrero, San Jose Parks Dept. Director Angel Rios Jr., retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Eldon Regua, entertainment executive Jeff Clanagan, surgeon Raymond Raven III, attorney James Davis III, educator Heidi Strahm Black and Gilroy High Principal Marco Sanchez.
There are more than 100 district grads in the hall, and the induction dinner every other year serves as a fundraiser for the East Side Union High School District Education Foundation.