Youth and Family Advocacy Gala

Hosted by Sunflowers Bundles of Joy Foundation, the Youth & Family Advocacy Gala is our annual signature event—a beautiful evening of connection, celebration, and purpose.

This year's gala will raise vital funds to support the programs that directly serve single parents, youth, and seniors across our community. It’s a night of elegance and entertainment—but also a call to action for collaboration, advocacy, and long-term impact.

💛 Why We Host This Gala

• To raise funds for year-round programs and services supporting families in need
• To bring awareness to the challenges our communities face
• To promote cross-generational relationship-building that strengthens our collective future
• To honor and recognize local heroes whose impact too often goes unseen

🌟 Evening Highlights

• Gourmet dinner and drink service
• Live entertainment
• Silent auction featuring exclusive art and experiences
• Special recognitions and awards for community champions
• Networking opportunities with changemakers, donors, and advocates
• VIP perks: private reception, reserved seating, luxury gift bags, and special recognition

🌻 Our Invitation to You
Though the gala is festive and filled with joy, it’s rooted in something deeper: a shared mission to bridge the gap for families who are too often overlooked. We invite our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters to join us—same mission, new theme every year—as we uplift the voices and stories that need to be heard.

Info: Guests will arrive and check in at registration, where VIPs will receive exclusive gifts and gain access to the VIP lounge. During this time, guests can mingle, enjoy light refreshments, and browse the silent auction items. The atmosphere will be enhanced with live acoustic music by Alaina Renae.

Info: The evening will officially begin with opening remarks from our host, Rafael Sánchez, followed by an introduction to the mission and impact of Sunflowers Bundles of Joy Foundation. The opening program will conclude with a powerful keynote address delivered by Ralph Durrett Jr., focusing on youth leadership, advocacy, and community transformation.

Info: Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, served plated. Throughout the meal, Alaina Renae will deliver a live performance designed to complement the dining experience with smooth, soulful selections that create a relaxing and joyful atmosphere.

Info: The evening will continue with a youth-led panel discussion featuring young leaders and adult allies sharing their lived experiences and visions for community growth. This segment will be followed by the Community Champion Awards, honoring local changemakers who have made a significant impact in youth and family advocacy.

Info: To close out the night, silent auction winners will be announced, and guests will be given instructions on how to collect their items. The event will conclude with heartfelt closing remarks and a celebratory final performance by Alaina Renae, sending guests off with joy and inspiration.

Host or Publisher Sunflowers Bundles of Joy Foundation