The Celebration: The third-annual Raising Our Voices gala

The Cause: Teach With Africa – a San Francisco-based nonprofit that responds to the severe educational crises in Africa and the U.S. by breaking down social and economic barriers to education through a reciprocal exchange of teaching and learning. The organization deploys and supports teams of educators to schools in Africa and implements educational projects in underserved communities.

The Chairs: Kristina Pollak and Amy Schoew

The Credentials: This year’s fundraising soiree was held at the St. Regis Hotel and featured a silent auction and breathtaking live performances by Vernon Bush from Glide Memorial Choir, the students and faculty of LEAP Schools in Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as a performance by the Bay Area’s own Castelmont High School Castleers – all of which was emceed by Hooman of the Sarah and Vinnie Morning Show on Alice @ 97.3 and honoree John Gilmour – founder and director of the LEAP School in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Coup: $108,000 (and counting!)