SFCASA’s 12th Annual Luncheon Benefit Raises $125,000 to Help Foster Youth

This year’s Fostering Change Luncheon raised $125,000 to support SFCASA’s volunteer advocacy services for foster youth. The event also served to honor former Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens who dedicated her career to improving outcomes for foster youth and was responsible for creating the San Francisco Unified Family Court to bring dependency, delinquency and family law into one division of the court, among many other accomplishments.

Chaired by CASA and Development Committee member, Tami Epstein, the event, which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown San Francisco on May 16, 2012, was a huge success. Guests were moved by the inspirational program of speakers including former CASA Judy Pasquinelli, former foster youth Kathleen Casela, Dependency Panel Attorney Hong Chew, and our very own Executive Director, Sally Coates. We were also delighted to have in attendance Marshawn Lynch, Bay Area native and running back for the Seattle Seahawks, who is committed to supporting foster children and at-risk youth through his own charitable activities. Guests enjoyed an impromptu live auction of two footballs signed by Mr. Lynch, won by two lucky attendees. The event was emceed by Jan Yanehiro and sponsored by Western Athletic Clubs, Charles Schwab, Duane Morris, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Shartsis Friese LLP and Blue Shield of California.

Thank you to all that attended! We hope to see you next year!