Moraga Juniors' Spring Gala To Benefit Bay Area Crisis Nursery

LAMORINDA, CA — Mark your calendars for an evening of philanthropy and celebration as the Moraga Junior Women’s Club announces its upcoming annual fundraising gala, slated to take place Saturday, May 11 at The Garden, Walnut Creek.

Guests can expect an evening filled with delectable cuisine, captivating live music by The Ripplers, mesmerizing magic, and fundraising activities. From silent auctions to raffle drawings, there will be ample opportunities for attendees to support the cause and contribute to the organization's goals.

"We are thrilled to announce our annual gala and invite everyone to join us for a night of giving and impact," said Sarah Gerrish, president of Moraga Juniors. "This event is not only an opportunity to raise vital funds for our cause but also a chance to come together as a community and make a difference."

Attendees will hear from keynote speakers highlighting the impact of Moraga Junior Women’s Club programs and initiatives in the community.

As preparations for the gala are underway, organizers are calling on local businesses and community members to show their support through sponsorships, donations and ticket purchases.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, whose contributions make events like this possible," said Adina Macinca, Moraga Juniors' spokesperson. "Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve."

Proceeds Benefit Bay Area Crisis Nursery

All proceeds from ticket sales to the gala go toward Bay Area Crisis Nursery's mission to prevent child abuse through providing supportive services to families. What was once an emergency shelter for young children from birth through 5 years old is now a thriving family resource center dedicated to alleviating the effects of poverty on families with young children.

The Nursery has been open for 42 years and never closes its doors. It is are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. BACN is one of four crisis nurseries in the state and the only crisis nursery in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in Concord, BACN is a 20-bed shelter that provides a haven for children from birth to 6 years old whose families face homelessness, domestic violence, medical needs and other emergencies. Children live at the Nursery while their families work on creating a safe space for them to return to. In addition to care in times of crisis, parents can also request respite care for their children during times of high stress.

The cost of parenting in the Bay Area has reached an all-time high; 93 percent of families who reach out to BACN are single mothers with one or two children younger than 5. On average, they make around $2,500 per month. Without the Nursery, these families wouldn’t be able to work, feed, house or care for their children’s needs.

BACN provides over 30,000 hours of free care to young children annually, ensuring that over 250 parents can work without paying for childcare — saving our community over $830,000 in childcare costs each year.

The lobby of the Nursery houses a free boutique where families can shop for clothing, shoes, toys, books and children’s equipment.

The Nursery offers a weekly food pantry giving thousands of pounds of food each year and providing almost 90,000 diapers to over 2,000 families and 1,800 children a year. The Nursery also feeds over 900 parents and children holiday meals each year.

Tickets to the gala are $125 and can be purchased on the Moraga Juniors website.

For donations or further inquiries, contact moragajuniors@gmail.com.

"Together, we can illuminate hope and create positive change in our community."