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CELEBRATING RIPPLES OF CHANGE
260 Guests Raise Funds for First Generation College Students
SAN DIEGO, CA (April 12, 2025) — On Friday, April 11th, local nonprofit Reality Changers hosted a gala-style fundraiser in support of their mission to prepare youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
The event was called The Ripple Effect Gala and was presented by sponsor U.S. Bank. The ‘Ripple Effect’ title is a nod to the theme of the event, which highlighted how one college degree can affect not just one individual’s life, but also create socio-economic change for families and communities.
260 guests and 30 volunteers, including Reality Changers students and alumni, attended the gala, which was held at The Prado at Balboa Park.
Reality Changers CEO & President Tamara Y. Craver said, “it was a joyous celebration in a beautiful location! We are so grateful to the sponsors, guests, and volunteers who helped make it successful. Every dollar raised will help San Diego youth complete high school, get into college, graduate, and launch their careers.”
The featured speaker was Liam Pasada Lizaola, a 12th grader in Reality Changers. He talked about his goal to become a physical therapist and how his experience as a first-generation American is an asset that will help him to build a bright future for San Diego and the country.
Additional highlights included a live auction, silent auction, live music performed by the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, a collaborative art piece, surprise prizes, and more! The Ripple Effect was generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, the Masons of California, Ivory Bridges Foundation, Texas Roadhouse, and more local partners.
About Reality Changers –
At Reality Changers, we believe that college changes everything. We aim to transform lives by preparing youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. We provide academic programming and activities to meet the unique social-emotional needs of students from underrepresented backgrounds, including tutoring, mentorship, college readiness skills, and professional development — at no cost to students and their families. Since 2001, more than 3,500 students have graduated from the program. Reality Changers is a donor and volunteer-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at RealityChangers.org.