The 2011 San Francisco Social—which benefitted the KIPP Bay Area Schools, a network of free college-preparatory schools for underprivileged children—raised more than $55,000, exceeding goals and delighting a sold-out crowd. Approximately 450 young adults from San Francisco and surrounding areas came together to show their support and commitment to education for local students in-need.

Anderson Pugash, founder of the San Francisco Social, said: “The San Francisco Social is inspiring a new generation of young philanthropists who will be critical in supporting our community for decades to come. Many are already aware of the challenges facing our educational system today and they are eager to support a results-oriented solution like KIPP Bay Area Schools, a cause that is proving that demography does not define destiny.”

The San Francisco Social began as a fundraiser for the Sonoma Jazz+ Festival five years ago, and today has hundreds of loyal annual followers and a track record of raising tens of thousands of dollars. The event’s unique mission is to draw an engaging young adult audience to support and become involved with important Bay Area charitable causes. The festive evening brings together young, philanthropic-minded professionals and leaders from Marin, San Francisco and Silicon Valley to socialize for a purpose. The event changes its beneficiary every two years to distribute financial support and audience exposure to a variety of deserving art, education, and service charities. Through the San Francisco Social, young leaders and their friends get together to impact their community and enjoy a memorable evening.

Photos: Claudine Gossett for Drew Altizer Photography | drewaltizer.com