CPAF celebrated 45 years of nurturing change together as 300 gathered on September 8th at the California Science Center Wallis Annenberg Building.

Sports journalist and television host Stacy Paetz provided a heartfelt and genuine presence as emcee for the evening. As we honored CPAF’s past, present, and future during our program, the Advisory Board was recognized for putting down the deep roots that support and sustain the work of CPAF. Advisory board members Wes Tanaka, Naomi Uyeda, and Yvonne Nishio accepted on behalf of the larger group. Former client Yurie uplifted the room as she movingly shared her story of being in CPAF's residential program and transcending from survivor to thriver. The crowd cheered on CPAF youth program participant and melodic singer Cryshzel as she performed an original song about what it means to be resilient, giving us a glimpse into the potential of a future where young people are working to uproot the fundamental causes of violence and toward a vision of nonviolence.

Our long-time partners Hands of Hope and Yasuko Sakamoto Kowalchuk sold jewelry and other beautiful items during the gala, donating their proceeds to CPAF. Along the entrance of the gala, staff, survivors, and volunteers envisioned and created the River of Life - Past, Present, Future CPAF exhibit taking guests on an interactive journey from significant events and developments throughout CPAF’s history. The support and spirit of the community reverberated through the night. We are heartened to know that as we continue to meet the needs of CPAF’s survivors through the changing economic landscape and engaging in critical prevention work, it is through your support that we are truly united through love in our mission to build healthy and safe communities.

Our night would not have been successful without the continued support of our Culinary Chair Jenni Hwang and our amazing beverage sponsors and culinary partners Alta Adams, AMASS, Bites & Bashes, Camphor, City Club LA, Hedonistas De La Fe, Holy Basil, Kali Restaurant, Kombucha Kamp, Lei’d Cookies, MiraLaguna, Phorage, Rossoblu, Scholb Premium Ales, Shlap Muan, Steep LA, Sugarbird Sweets & Teas! Help us support our culinary partners by visiting their restaurants.