Ed Fund Gala Honors Oakland Teachers
Together with the community, we celebrate our educators’ passionate dedication to helping kids learn.
Oakland teachers were the special “guests” during the 2022 Ed Fund Gala held virtually in March. Our teachers provide inspiration, motivation, and dedication to 50,000 Oakland students every day. They create magic in their classrooms. Not many people can wrangle a roomful of students with vastly different personalities, backgrounds, and experiences while directing their energies toward the same goal. We can’t thank them enough!
“An exceptional teacher affects an entire community. Their influence has a ripple effect and reaches their families today and into the future.”
– Ali Medina, Ed Fund Executive Director
Teacher MVP Fund Campaign
The 2022 Gala also kicked off the Ed Fund’s ambitious new campaign to raise $1 million in cash assistance for Oakland teachers. Teachers in our city face skyrocketing housing costs and mounting pandemic-induced stress–and yet, they still show up to class every day for our students. The campaign will help provide more resources to support teachers in and out of the classroom.
Community Champions Invest in Our Kids
The Ed Fund recognized Community Champions who consistently enhance learning for Oakland students by connecting them to mentors and others in the community who care.
Teacher Transforms Lives Through Media
Oakland native Leon Sykes brings multifaceted energy to his work as a Career Technical Education (CTE)-credentialed MultiMedia teacher in Fremont High School’s Media Academy —where he is known for transforming student lives through the power of media. The Ed Fund honored his dedication with the 2022 Community Champion Award. A founding member of 510 Day—a celebration of Oakland’s history and culture—Leon has dedicated his life to preserving Oakland’s culture through community work and education.
“It’s more than just teaching. It’s truly a life that we choose.”
– Leon Sykes, 2022 Community Champion Honoree
Piedmont Tutors Roll Up Their Sleeves To Improve Student Literacy
The Piedmont Ave. Reading Tutors were awarded the 2022 Community Champion Award for volunteers. This group of 24 dedicated volunteers supports the Piedmont Avenue Elementary School community by helping to improve reading outcomes for every student. Under classroom teacher supervision, they perform reading assessments and evaluations to help teachers identify the highest priority students in need of extra tutoring help. Then, they roll up their sleeves and get to work reading with students one-on-one.
“We all feel a sense of togetherness with our teachers and want to help them as much as we can.”
– Jack, Piedmont Ave. Reading Tutor Longtime Volunteer
Big Year, Big Event!
Be the first to know when we announce the Ed Fund’s 2023 IN PERSON Gala. It’ll be a big year — and we’re planning an even bigger event to celebrate our 20th year of enhancing education for all Oakland students.
Grateful for Your Support
The Ed Fund’s 2022 Gala, thanks to your generosity, raised $195,000! We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support that enhances and advances our mission to provide educational equity for every Oakland student. Thank you for your partnership! Of course, we welcome your Ed Fund donation anytime!
Our Sponsors
