Sold-Out 25th Anniversary Gala Raises Over $900,000
This past October, the High Tech High Foundation (HTHF) brought together community leaders, educators, and supporters for a sold-out 25th Anniversary Gala at Liberty Station—a night filled with celebration, fundraising, and reflection. Dedicated to advancing transformative education through project-based learning and fostering an inclusive, caring culture, the HTH Foundation supports over 6,600 K-12 students across 16 schools in San Diego County.
The evening featured heartfelt tributes to CEO Emeritus Larry Rosenstock for his visionary leadership, as well as to long-serving faculty and staff whose dedication has shaped HTH over the past 25 years. Highlights included remarks from Foundation Board Chair Gary Jacobs, trustee and NTC Foundation President and CEO Lisa Johnson, gala chair Sarah Poore, and alumni, plus live music, a silent and live auction, and a Raise the Paddle match. The gala raised an impressive $925,000 to assist HTH students pursuing higher education and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
“It was truly an inspiring evening to see the community of supporters, teachers, faculty, families, and students come together,” said Gary Jacobs. “As we celebrate 25 years of impact, we look forward to the next 25 years and the opportunity to provide countless more students with the exceptional education they deserve. We are filled with gratitude for all the ways the community has joined together in support.”
One of the most exciting moments of the night was during the paddle raise. Joan and Irwin Jacobs made an extraordinary $25,000 donation specifically for scholarships. Gary Jacobs highlighted how such contributions can make all the difference for students. “Money that we raise and can give could be the tipping point for a student who receives financial aid but still needs an additional $10,000 to choose a college of their choice,” he explained, emphasizing how these funds open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach by allowing us to give scholarships to these students.
The energy in the room during the paddle raise was electric, and it was truly moving to witness everyone coming together to support the students in such a meaningful way. Another standout moment was the auction of a Jason Mraz Meet and Greet experience, showcasing his commitment to education, further contributing to the evening’s success and the Foundation’s mission.”
The Gala Committee and the High Tech High Foundation express deep gratitude to Presenting Sponsors Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs and Joan (in memoriam) and Irwin Jacobs, along with Title Sponsors UC San Diego and Tom & Jen DeBiasi, for their extraordinary support in making the event possible. Special thanks also go to the distinguished sponsor, the San Diego Padres and prominent sponsor JRMC Real Estate, Inc., as well as supporter sponsors: The Potiker Family and The Gabriel Family. The Foundation extends appreciation to all contributor sponsors, including Genevieve & Paul Jacobs, Annie & Jeff Jacobs, Larry Katz, JP Morgan Wealth Partners, and James & Rebecca Smith, along with Decor Sponsors Arts District Liberty Station, Jennifer & Brian Benson, and Above & Beyond Productions. Finally, thanks to the friend sponsors, including City National Bank (An RBC Company), Len Simon, and K-Co Construction, and in-kind sponsors Bonnie Foster Productions, Olive PR, and Sports Arena Chick-fil-A, whose combined generosity supports our mission to shape the future of education for our students.
Category: children, Donations, Events, Local News, Nonprofit, Students
