MPFC 3rd Annual Gala Recap

The Maryam Parman Foundation For Children hosted a 3rd Annual Charity Gala at The Resort At Pelican Hill on Friday, November 13th at 7:00 pm. Due to compliance with state and local health guidelines, our Gala looked different than years past. Instead of our usual larger crowd, we invited 50 of our biggest supporters to enjoy a Dinner Under The Stars. The Gala was hosted outside, required masks, and had socially distanced tables. We hosted the Gala’s silent auction online so that bidders could avoid touching the same pen and paper to place their bids. This also allowed those who were not able to attend the Gala to bid on the packages as well. We streamed the Gala live online so that other supporters could enjoy the program and participate in the Fund-A-Need from the comfort of their own home. Guests arrived at 7:00 pm and enjoyed drinks at the bar, browsing the silent auction tables, and getting their pictures taken in front of our MPFC photo moment. Guests were then seated at 7:30 pm for plated appetizers at their tables.

The Program For the Night

The Gala featured a shorter program for the evening. The night began with a video that recapped all of the work we have done throughout the year and showed how we have been able to face the challenges that 2020 has brought us. Our auctioneer, Nick, spoke about the foundation and how much the success of the Gala meant to us and our kids. He then held up a $5 bill and auctioned it off for an incredible $2,000! With the night starting off on a good pace, Nick went straight into the Gala’s live auction items.

Live Auction Items:

Private Plane Experience to Vegas for up to 8 People
- Donated by Maryam Parman
Sailing Away & Lunch for 8 on a Sailing Yacht
- Donated by John Carpenter
Cabo Private Villa for 8
Private Yacht for 14 in Newport Beach
- Donated by Maryam Parman

The Parents Share Their Story

The guest enjoyed a 3 course dinner while the violinist played in the background. After dinner, a special portion of the Gala’s program began. We invited the parents of two children we have helped to share their stories with the attendees. Denise and Matt came to the stage first to tell Brayden’s story. They explained to the guests at the Gala how Brayden grew up a very active and athletic boy until a snowboarding accident nearly cost him his life. They shared how the foundation provided in-home nursing and a Bioness device that helped change Brayden’s life. They thanked the crowd for supporting the foundation that helped their son learn how to walk again and gain his athletic lifestyle back. Next, Krissy and Brandon went on stage to tell Oliver’s story. They explained that Oliver has a very rare gene mutation and how his doctors did not provide any suggestions on how to improve his condition. They shared that MPFC has funded hippotherapy at The Shea Center and intensive therapy at NAPA Center which has helped Oliver learn how to walk. He went from not being able to walk on his own to walking 330 steps in a row. There was hardly a dry eye at the Gala after both parents shared their stories. It was very apparent to everyone who was there that their support and donations were making a difference in people’s lives. It was so impactful and touching to hear from two families that were directly affected by the donors support.

The Results

The final portion of the Gala program consisted of the Fund-A-Need. Nick returned to the stage and went through the various levels of funds needed. The guests raised their bidding numbers and generously donated. The night ended with music playing from the violinist and people saying their goodbyes. It was an incredible night for all who attended. We were able to have a safe evening filled with generous donations and heart felt stories. We were able to raise over $160,000 for our kids and their programs. We are so thankful for everyone who supported our 3rd Annual Gala.

Thank You

We also want to give a huge thank you to your 3rd Annual Gala Sponsors!

The 3rd Annual Gala would not have been possible without you! Thank you to all of the companies that generously donated to our silent and live auctions. Your donations greatly contributed to the success of this Gala. Because of your support, we are able to continue to provide resources to children who desperately need our help.