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Hiya, Darling Danielles, Dapper Dans, and Dollfaces!
I hope you had a swell time at our 17th Annual People with Purpose Gala (aka our Speakeasy Soirée). It was definitely a night to remember -- a real hotsy-totsy wing-ding of a shindig! If you were unable to join us, keep reading! You'll want to get a load of all the great news in this update!
Grateful For Our Supporters
We're grateful to our generous sponsors, guests, and in-kind donors. Our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers also deserve recognition for their efforts to make our gala a success. I'd also like to extend our gratitude to emcee Heather Holmes of KTVU FOX 2, auctioneer Marcus Najera of STAR 101.3, A/V pro Leonard Ybarra of Music Plus Events, event manager Krysten Laine and her team, and the staff at Casa Bella Event Center. Last but not least, Fremont's own Mission Gold Jazz Band, and the good people of Niles and Niles Flying A for ensuring a spectacular Roaring Twenties vibe with their red-hot jazz and red-hot (literally!) classic car display.
Our 2026 Awardees and Patient Testimonial
We enjoyed showcasing exemplary supporters: our 2026 People with Purpose awardees. They are Alameda County Supervisor (District 1) Elisa Márquez, Fremont business owner Dan Kosin, and Corina Haralson and Elaine McElroy -- a powerful fundraising duo. Learn why we chose to honor these individuals in our event program flipbook!
And last but certainly not least, we are grateful to former HERS volunteer (now a staff member) Marcelle Kozocas who agreed to be filmed for our patient testimonial. It is an emotional process to share one's story, and Marcelle did so with grace and honesty. Once again, Ramil Sumalpong created an inspiring and impactful short film, and we are grateful to him as well.
In the next day or so I'll send a follow up email soon with our fundraising results and Marcelle will post additional gala news to our socials. If you're not yet following us on Instagram and Facebook, don't be a wet blanket...it's the best way to stay up to date with all the HERS latest!
Save the Date!
I'm pretty darn sure our guests had a grand time given the number of swells in pearls, pinstripes, feather, and fedoras, and I'm pretty sure, too, that you won't want to miss next year's event. To prevent that from happening, be sure to save the date: Saturday, May 1, 2027. We'll be back at the Casa Bella Event Center so be on the lookout for news regarding our People with Purposes Awardees and our amazing theme...all will be revealed in January!
Gala Photo Album
Until then, set your peepers on this year's photo album, courtesy of our volunteer photographers -- consummate professionals who are definitely the Bee's Knees -- Ramil Sumalpong and Reiley Taya. They captured our Guests' Gorgeous Gigglemugs to perfection and -- get this -- downloads are free. Click on our link below and just be sure to give credit where it's due if you post to your socials -- @iconic_lab.
With gratitude for your support,
Tina
Tina Fernandez
Executive Director
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