Recap: Changing Lives 2024
StarVista’s Annual Fundraiser
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Thank you for joining us at Changing Lives 2024, StarVista’s Annual Fundraiser! This year’s event was a magnificent celebration of Unity through Community. As we gathered for the 5th Changing Lives event, we were reminded of the extraordinary collective effort it takes to elevate the mental health and wellness of our cherished community.
Changing Lives is not just an event; it is a beacon of hope and transformation. It provides an invaluable platform to highlight how StarVista is Changing Lives through empowering individuals, inspiring hope and strengthening communities. Moreover, it invites you to be an essential part of the StarVista Visionary Community, where your sustained generosity over five years can create lasting change.
On Thursday, October 17, we transformed the Farallon Room at Skyline College into a haven of inspiration. Our guests enjoyed complimentary food and beverages against the backdrop of a stunning oceanside sunset. The evening’s atmosphere was electrified by live performances from the legendary Rudy Colombini of Music City San Francisco and the dynamic DJ Goyo, enriching the experience with their captivating melodies.
This year’s program was a tapestry of empowerment, weaving together the uplifting stories of our clients, the remarkable strides made by our initiatives, and the incredible strength we derive from our community. Together, we are crafting a future where mental health and wellness are prioritized, supported, and celebrated.
VIEW THE EVENT PHOTO ALBUM ON FACEBOOK HERE
VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO OF HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT HERE.
Here’s what attendees had to say:
“I’m basically supporting my friends and my community.”
“From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming with all of the decorations and decor. The venue was beautiful and created a perfect backdrop for the evening’s activities. The choice of speakers was particularly impactful as their stories were not only inspiring but also highlighted the importance of why we do work that we do. Overall, this event was memorable, and I genuinely appreciated the effort that Marketing and Development put into making it successful. Thank you all for your hard work and I’m excited to see how we can continue to build upon this for future events!”
“Changing Lives showed me the passion StarVista has for its mission statement.”
Thank you…
Guest Speakers
Thank you for highlighting our high-impact services and programs.
We were grateful to be joined by StarVista and San Mateo County leaders as they shared stories of empowerment, inspiration, and strength.
Speakers from left to right:
Sara Larios Mitchell, Ph.D., MACP, StarVista CEO | Eric Wollman, Retired Police Chief of Burlingame, StarVista Board Chair, StarVista Visionary | Donna Colson, Vice Mayor of Burlingame, StarVista Visionary | Congressman Kevin Mullin, CA-15 | Nancy Magee, San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools | Sabrina Thompson, Previous StarVista Client, StarVista Visionary | Christie James, Radio & Event Disc Jockey, iHeartRadio
The event featured familiar faces from StarVista, including CEO Sara Larios Mitchell, Board Chair Eric Wollman, and former StarVista client, Sabrina Thompson.
We were grateful to also have Congressman Kevin Mullin, Mayor of Burlingame, Donna Colson, and the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, Nancy Magee, share their connection to StarVista and how StarVista is enhancing mental health resources and accessibility within the community. Our attendees also viewed several videos that highlighted and showcased our efforts in the community.
Visionaries
Thank you for your continued support of our organization and mission!
Thank you, StarVista Visionaries! Changing Lives is a milestone that commemorates the visionaries who have supported the cause since its inception and an invitation to new supporters to join in this noble endeavor. It’s a chance to look back at the impact made and to look forward to the future with renewed vigor and determination.
This year, we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Visionary community and their impact on the sustainability of our organization.
You can become a Visionary too! Join 40+ other members today! Learn more and pledge here: https://star-vista.org/visionaries/
Sponsors
Thank you for your generosity and for making Changing Lives possible!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Heritage Bank of Commerce, Stanford Health Care, Peninsula Health Care District, Sol Mateo, Hannig Sail It Forward Foundation, The Raiser Organization, and Telecare Corportation, for sponsoring our once-a-year fundraising event, Changing Lives 2024! We are grateful for your support and for joining us in Changing Lives.
Check out our sponsorship portal here: https://star-vista.org/sponsorship-portal/
Musicians
A big thank you to our musician, Rudy Colombini of Music City San Francisco, and live DJ, DJ GOYO, for their wonderful music.
DJ GOYO
A huge record collector, DJ Goyo is a vinyl DJ who brings the best of the old and the new, the rare and the popular, the upbeat and the intimate to the San Francisco Bay Area!
Rudy Colombini in front of his hotel and planned nightclub on Bush Street
Rudy Colombini of Music City San Francisco
Rudy Colombini, a Musician and Philanthropist, founded Music City San Francisco (MCSF) to give back to his city and create a vibrant ecosystem and training ground for artists. MCSF, a newly opened music epicenter, offers six performance stages, twenty hourly rehearsal studios, music education programs and a music-themed hostel. It also features the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame with over 90 portraits and write ups of local music icons. MCSF’s mission is to unite musicians, industry experts, and audiences, providing resources and community support to nurture emerging talent and inspire new generations of artists.
Staff
We also want to shout out our incredible program teams from Daybreak, Crisis Center, San Mateo County Pride Center, Together for Families, and Early Childhood Services, for joining to share more about their programs with guests.
Guests, Donors, Community Captains, Community Partners, and Volunteers
Thank you for joining us for an evening of community, change, and celebration!
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended Changing Lives last Thursday. It was a night brimming with empowerment, inspiration, and strength. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, Visionaries, donors, speakers, community partners, staff, guests, community captains, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of 40,000 people of all ages.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without you, our incredible supporters. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping San Mateo County residents navigate life’s challenges and access high-impact supportive services.
Your generosity today will make a lasting impact.
Mark your calendars for “Cheers for Changing Lives” on February 6, 2025!
Hear Christina’s story on YouTube! This story was shared at StarVista’s once-a-year fundraising event, Changing Lives, in 2024.
Show your support for StarVista and Changing Lives all year long and shop Official Changing Lives 5th Anniversary Swag exclusively from StarVista’s Merch Shop!
Visit the StarVista Merch Shop to order your own Changing Lives 5th anniversary t-shirt. A portion of the proceeds from each Changing Lives tee sale will be donated to StarVista’s programs.