We are still glowing from the wonderful night we shared with more than 150 of you, our incredible community members, during our 2024 Land and Sea party on September 14. It was a magical evening, full of connection, laughter, and generosity. Not only was it our biggest and best gathering yet, but with your support, we exceeded our fundraising goal by more than $10,000, raising over $35,000—and the donations are still coming in!
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This achievement is a testament to the power of community. Together, we are making a tangible difference for the youth we serve. Each year, over 300 youth ages 8-24 participate in Waterside’s workshops, job-training internships, classes, and partnership programs. Waterside has become a safe space for these young individuals to feel heard, gain confidence, and develop essential work skills. By providing them with the tools and resources they need to lead healthy, sustainable lives, we are empowering them to build brighter futures. Throughout the night, we were privileged to hear heartwarming stories of how Waterside has positively impacted lives from young people who have grown more confident both in the outdoors and in their daily lives. Your generosity is what makes these stories possible, and we are deeply grateful.
One highlight of the evening was working with the amazing auctioneer Big Frank Jakubka. Big Frank brought his infectious energy and humor to the event, keeping the crowd engaged and entertained while helping us surpass our fundraising goals. His long-standing dedication to youth-focused organizations made him the perfect fit for our event, and we are so thankful for his involvement.
We owe a big thank you to our sponsors for making the night possible: Mechanics Bank, Cisco, Devcon, BikeHub, Alameda Bicycle, Tranzito, Bay Area Bicycle Law, Semifreddi’s, Groundworks Office, and Grocery Outlet. Your support was essential in making this night a reality, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
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Of course, the evening wouldn’t have been complete without the delicious food provided by Dan Alterman and his team of Chez Panisse alumni, who prepared a nourishing Mediterranean feast. The fresh breads from Semifreddi’s were a hit, and the nightcap ice cream cones from Brown Cap Truck were the perfect sweet ending to a beautiful evening.
A special thank you to everyone who contributed auction items and to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event run smoothly. It was truly a team effort, and your dedication did not go unnoticed.
We can’t wait to do it again next year! Let’s continue to grow this wonderful tradition and keep making waves for the youth in our community.