City Year 30th Anniversary Gala Recap & Photo Gallery

November 1, 2024; City Year San José/Silicon Valley 30th Anniversary at Levi’s Stadium
Explore the full photo gallery here!

30th Anniversary Gala Raises Over $1M to Support Education Equity in Silicon Valley

On November 1, 2024, more than 300 corporate, civic and community changemakers gathered at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, CA to honor City Year’s 30 years of service and impact in San José/Silicon Valley (SJSV). John and Tashia Morgridge received the highest honor of the evening, the Legacy Champion Award, for their steadfast commitment to City Year SJSV since its inception in 1998. 

The event raised $1.2 million for City Year’s continued work in support of local students furthest from opportunity, exceeding the goal set for the evening. 

The night began as guests entered the 49ers Museum presented by SHARP, a 20,000 square foot space dedicated to 49ers of the past, present and future. Honorees and guests first gathered in the Hall of Fame Gallery to toast City Year SJSV board members, notable supporters as well as John and Tashia Morgridge.

Attendees then had the opportunity to stroll through the museum, and even out onto the sidelines of the field, where they enjoyed many photo-worthy moments and a cocktail reception along the way. Highlights of the reception included signature cocktails devoted to the evening’s honorees, and numerous treats and goodies including Supercool Creamery Nitrogen Ice Cream, an Espresso Bar presented by Cisco, ABC games hosted by City Year Corps members, and multiple photo booth opportunities. While sipping drinks and enjoying the creative food pairings, guests grooved and socialized to music played by DJ I.AM.JAM.

The main program began with a welcome speech by City Year AmeriCorps Member, Omar Habhab, and was followed by a dual anniversary address by San José Mayor Matt Mahan and Matt Hammer, Managing Partner at Give Light Consulting. Luke Hostetter, CYSJSV Executive Director and SVP, then took the stage to express his heartfelt gratitude for the generosity and support that brought the room together and shared a hopeful and inspiring message of innovation for the future of City Year in Silicon Valley. County of Santa Clara Supervisor, Cindy Chavez  presented City Year with a commendation and City Year alumni, Grayson Bourke, introduced a moving honoree video.

Former Cisco Foundation Executive Director Mike Yutrzenka and former Cisco CEO John Chambers took the stage alongside City Year co-founder Michael Brown for the Honoree Presentation and all offered messages of inspiration, commitment and gratitude for those who support equitable access to education in Silicon Valley. John and Tashia Morgridge then took the stage. The charming philanthropic power couple took turns speaking and captivated the hearts and imaginations of everyone in the room.

As we look back on an unforgettable evening, we not only want to thank our attendees, sponsors and donors – but also the incredible young people who are serving as AmeriCorps members in East Palo Alto’s Ravenswood City School District and in San José’s Alum Rock School District. The commitment they display every day to expanding educational equity by supporting students furthest from opportunity is at the heart of our mission, and why we are able to keep making strides toward our ultimate goal: giving every student the high-quality education they deserve.

See full photo gallery here.