Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) supporters put their money where their mouth is to feed food- and housing-insecure families in Sunnyvale and the Alviso neighborhood of San Jose at the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser “Our Kids, Our Community” on May 15.
More than $362,420 was raised, exceeding the goal of $350,000. Generosity begat generosity as more than 150 attendees, moved by the message of SCS Executive Director Marie Bernard, gave eagerly and highly praised SCS, founded 55 years ago in 1970.
In her remarks, Bernard, who has headed SCS since 2010, pointed out that one-third of the 11,300 individuals SCS helped in 2024 were children.
“In the past year, we’ve seen that our kids are even more at risk of hunger and homelessness … How can we hope to break the cycle of poverty if children are missing meals and sleeping in cars before heading to school?” said Bernard.
“Early intervention and support are key to helping families facing a financial crisis … Keeping families and children fed and housed—preventing homelessness—is the most cost-effective and least-traumatizing solution for everyone,” she continued.
The atmosphere inside the multi-purpose food warehouse at the Kern Avenue SCS headquarters was festive as event attendees competed for silent and live auction items. Two Sunnyvale firehouse dinners with a fire engine ride included were hotly-contested, selling for $8,000. Dinner at the home of Sunnyvale Mayor Larry and Mary Klein was another hot item.
A pledge of $50,000 brought a gasp as donors pledged to fund specific needs: $100 for a backpack and school supplies for one child; $1,000 to feed a family of four for four months. At least one attendee got so excited as co-auctioneers and emcees Shane Jacksteit and Jeremy Nishihara urged them on that they pledged twice. Others had pledged before they arrived.
County of Santa Clara District 3 Supervisor Otto Lee presented a commendation to SCS, accepted by Bernard.
“On behalf of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I commend Sunnyvale Community Services for its tireless advocacy, innovative programs, and compassionate leadership,” said Lee.
“Your efforts reflect the very best of our community—resilience, equity, and a deep care for others—and we are proud to stand with you in this vital mission. Congratulations on 55 years of impactful service.”
An evening highlight was a folk-dance performance by 14 colorfully-costumed children from Sunnyvale’s San Miguel Elementary School Baile Folklorico.
Volunteers and sponsors were recognized. An SCS Partner Award was presented to El Camino Healthcare District, accepted by CEO Dan Woods; a Champion Award to Shane Jacksteit; and a Hero Award to Mary J. Bradley.
For a second year running, Sunnyvale’s Dishdash Restaurant catered a buffet dinner of Middle Eastern cuisine.
“This is for a good cause. This is for my community,” said Dishdash District Manager Amit Rajgarhia, a 27-year resident of Sunnyvale. “We want to be part of this good cause.”
Yet it was more than a good cause that spurred generosity at the “Our Kids, Our Community” fundraiser. It was high regard for Sunnyvale Community Services as, every day, it addresses homelessness before it happens and hunger before it is felt. Also, it was acting in solidarity and community with other compassionate volunteers, neighbors, friends, family, colleagues and Sunnyvale dignitaries.
“As worthwhile as the cause is, I also get inspiration from the staff and volunteers at Sunnyvale Community Services,” said past SCS Board President Barbara McClellan. “They are really great people to work with, and they make me want to be part of this.”
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