The 7th Annual Gala for buildOn, a charitable organization that engages urban youth through after-school programs in the U.S. and builds schools in rural villages in developing countries, will take place May 19th at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

Catarina Schwab is a second generation supporter of the buildOn organization and will be taking her first Trek for Knowledge in July to Nicaragua to help build a school. Find out why, as a Princeton graduate and after a successful career in the financial and entrepreneurial worlds, Catarina made the decision to join buildOn as Vice President of Development.

Why did you get involved in buildOn?

It was a family affair.  I was not brought up in a philanthropic-minded household. The Swedish and English governments, my parents’ heritage, subsidized social services so individuals didn’t get involved like they do here in the States.

The buildOn CEO, Jim Ziolkowski, started his career at GE and then went on to start buildOn. My Dad met him some years later while my Dad was working at GE.  He got involved in buildOn as did my mother, who served as a Co-Advisor to the buildOn program at a Connecticut High School. My sister, Camilla Field, opened the buildOn office in San Francisco in 2001.

I then went on to Chair the San Francisco Gala two years in a row. buildOn had a job opening for a VP of Development and I offered to help them recruit that person. During that process I realized I wanted to apply for the job. I’ve been at buildOn for 1 ½ years and absolutely love every day of it.

What is the history of the Gala coming up May 19th?

Last year’s SF event grew from 200 to 400 and this year we’re on target for 550 guests.  We’ve held the Gala at the St. Francis Hotel for 3 years and there are also annual fundraisers in Connecticut and Chicago.

After a Silent Auction and Cocktails in Colonial Room everyone moves to Grand Ballroom for dinner and the program.

Our tagline is ‘How can you buildOn?’ We want people to have fun, learn about organization and how can get involved.

The program includes a moving overview of what the organization has been up to for the past year by CEO, Jim Ziolkowski. We also ask two of our students to talk about their personal experiences and how buildOn has changed their lives.

We will be giving the Global Impact Award to Hayes Barnard, CEO of Paramount Equity from Roseville CA. We do not automatically give this award every year, only when someone or some company contributes to an extraordinary level. Mr. Barnard and Paramount donated $32,000 to erect a school plus they gave an optional $5,000 for an adult evening education program. We are the ones honored that he and his organization have been such incredible supporters.

Finally, Ed Gold of Reynolds & Buckley will be the Auctioneer for our Live Auction and Fund In Need.

We keep the evening on schedule.  But we also have an after-party at Michael Mina’s Clock Bar in the St. Francis.

Tell us about your Fund In Need.

We did a Fund In Need last year that was a great success, raising over $100,000. The level started at $32,000 – the cost to build one school, and then went to $10,000 and on down. Our lowest level was $250. We thought we’d go to $100 but it seemed everyone in the room had already participated.

How do you balance the quantifiable goal of raising money with the goal of broadening goodwill?

Focus on the goodwill and the money will follow.

There are many charitable events out there. What makes this one special?

Our Gala has developed a real sense of community. Guests know each other and those that don’t still feel a sense of camaraderie. It’s fun but when they leave everyone will know what the organization does and how to they can get involved.

How has your background helped you in what you’re doing for buildOn?

I have a lot of experience in the financial world, including as an Investment Banker and Venture Capitalist. I’m pretty organized and am a diligent person. Throughout my career networking has been the key.

You can’t sell something you don’t believe in. If you do, sharing it with others is a real joy. I’m not afraid to do the hard ask but I focus on interpersonal relationship.

I have great passion for buildOn but with the professional skills to back it up.

What are you wearing to the event?

The attire is cocktail so I will be in an LBD (Little Black Dress!).

Who is your role model?

I have two; one who has been a long-time friend and the other I have recently met:

1. Sue Diekman: I’ve known Sue for years. She was the Director or AirTouch Communications Foundation and currently serves on a number of non-profit boards. Sue & her husband, John, served as our honorees last year and have been instrumental in the growth of buildOn in the Bay Area. They have hosted and co-hosted two parties for buildOn, the most recent one to help fund our expansion to the Peninsula. Sue continues to be a true mentor to me, both in the field of philanthropy and in life itself, and I know that she is never more than a phone call or an email away for wise guidance and enthusiastic support!

2. Sarah Lucas: I really admire Sarah and what she does for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as Chair of their event in Half Moon Bay. It’s one of the most fun events outside buildOn’s! One of the secrets to her success is she puts on events like each one is a wedding. By attending you’ll see old and new friends alike.

Who will be the Event Chairs this year?

Ken Goldman and his wife, Susan Valeriote. Ken has been very supportive of buildOn. This year he has attracted a lot of corporate sponsors. Whereas last year we had 16, this year we have 22.

We also have 30 people on the Host Committee. And every one of them has come through with putting together a table of friends and family for the Gala on May 19th.

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?

In addition to Vivanista, we have San Francisco Magazine as a proud media sponsor.

We also have partners who have stepped up to ensure a successful event, including Reynolds & Buckley, Greater Giving, and Lauren Hull of The Best Soiree. Lauren is terrific at managing the event from coordinating volunteers to processing our Express Checkout, all with a calm demeanor!

The Junior League of San Francisco is also supporting our event by providing 10 volunteers through their Done In A Day community program.

Courtney & Company – invitations and program

Drew Altizer Photography will be photographing the event.

What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?

It’s all about people, it’s about everyone inviting their friends. But this is Volunteer work; you can’t ask too much.

We try to make it fun and provide other opportunities to help out.

What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?

Master Calendar that’s a year in advance so you know when other events are being held!

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

Hand written notes and letters. I am a huge believer in the thank you note. I may send out a quick email but I also follow it up with a hand-written letter.

For more information on the May 19th Gala, please click here.