A record number of supporters helped raise a groundbreaking total of over $325,000 at the A Bridge for Kids 10th Annual DreamMakers fundraiser on Saturday, October 15th.
The amazing evening was highlighted by the inspirational story of Jonathan Bojorquez, who moved to the United States at the age of 7 without his parents, graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in accounting and economics, and now owns 31 properties in Georgia and works as a full-time associate in corporate and institutional banking for a national bank. Jonathan’s speech revolved around the power of believing in yourself and in others. It gives hope, inspiration, and power to an idea that would have otherwise seemed impossible. That’s exactly what happened that night. Our supporters believe in Jonathan, they believe in A Bridge for Kids, and as a result, drove us to a new record, raising $325,000 in a single night – $75,000 more than our last record.
The live auction also broke a record by raising close to $120,000. 5 nights at stunning Villa Savina in Cabo, carved into the Pedregal cliffs received a winning bid of $16,000! Other bidders competed to win a VIP weekend in Las Vegas with air transport and penthouse accommodations, a San Diego Padres all-inclusive game experience, a trip to a private villa in Tuscany, a 4-night stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, a beachfront villa in Placencia, Belize, and much more.
To end the night, guests were asked to exchange their casino chips for tickets to be used to enter a drawing for 5 different gift baskets. The raffle tickets were drawn and awarded the winners with their gift baskets, bringing a close to the most successful DreamMakers ever. We were also lucky enough to watch the Padres beat the Dodgers and advance to the National League Championship Series!
Thanks to everyone who made this event so special. Your generosity will allow A Bridge for Kids to continue providing life-changing programs that will help “level the playing field” for low-income teens in San Diego. If you would like to learn more about how you can provide support to a teen in need please contact Grace Jo at gjo@abridgeforkids.org.