Damion Matthews
One of the Bay Area’s most prominent fundraising events, the annual Tipping Point Community benefit, raised $6.5 million this year, with 100 percent of the money raised going to local nonprofits that provide education, housing, employment and wellness services to low-income individuals and families.
Over 900 guests attended the 5th annual event, which included some of the biggest figures in tech, finance and philanthropy, as well as a celebrity – the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am.
The bulk of the money raised came from the evening’s auction, which raised $4 million from 290 donors. Google’s Sergey Brin and wife Anne Wojcicki donated $1 million.
As California has now sunk to 43rd in the nation in per-student spending, and consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of student achievement, this year’s fundraising efforts are largely focussed on supporting education and the most effective educational programs serving students and their families in low-income communities.
“We have a responsibility to dream big for every child in the Bay Area,” said Tipping Point Community Founder, CEO, Daniel Lurie. “A college degree is a one-way ticket out of poverty. You graduate from college and you double your earnings. It’s that simple.”
Daniel, by the way, is going to be awarded the University of San Francisco’s California Prize for Service and the Common Good on November 1st, 2011, for his service to the poor. You can purchase tickets and get more information at usfca.edu
The benefit was co-chaired by Lisa Pritzker and John Pritzker, Katie Schwab Paige and Matt Paige, Owen Van Natta, and Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins.
Comedian and Bay Area native Brad Wollack hosted the 5th annual event, while Tipping Point board chair Alec Perkins, San Francisco Giants owner Larry Baer, and Jed York (owner of the San Francisco 49ers and also Tipping Point board member), addressed the guests as well.
Beck entertained the nearly 1,700 guests who gathered at Pier 48 for the fundraiser, and DJ Ruckus spun
for the spirited after party.
About Tipping Point Community
Tipping Point screens nonprofits rigorously to find the most effective groups connecting low-income people to the services and opportunities needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Tipping Point’s board underwrites all operating and fundraising expenses so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly toward fighting poverty. Beyond dollars, Tipping Point provides its grantees with the communications, technical and management assistance they need to grow and increase their impact. More information about Tipping Point Community is available at tippingpoint.org.