This blog post recaps Marin County’s latest philanthropic milestone. It highlights Vivalon’s fourth annual Soirée d’Élégance Gala in San Rafael, where more than $1.1 million was raised—including a $500,000 matching gift from presenting sponsor Vickie Soulier.
The evening brought together community leaders from across Marin. Folks celebrated generosity and leadership in towns from Greenbrae to Larkspur, Novato to Sausalito, and beyond.
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Soirée d’Élégance Gala: A Night of Generosity in San Rafael
On February 28, a private venue in San Rafael transformed into the stage for one of Marin County’s most anticipated nonprofit fundraisers. Vivalon said the event surpassed the $1.1 million mark, showing just how much the county supports senior services and community programs.
The headline gift—$500,000 in matching funds from presenting sponsor Vickie Soulier—really set the tone for the night. That sort of excitement is contagious, you know?
More than 220 guests joined in, drawing a cross-section of Marin’s civic and philanthropic leadership. Among the attendees were Nancy Lumer of Greenbrae and Susan and Dennis Gilardi of Larkspur, which goes to show the event’s reach across the North Bay.
Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan of Novato showed up too. That highlights the strong ties between local government and nonprofit efforts here.
The evening honored standout community figures for their contributions to the region. The Gilardis received the Vivalon Transformational Philanthropist Award, recognizing their ongoing generosity and leadership.
In a separate tribute, Erika Vaughn was presented with the Vickie Soulier Healthy Aging Champion Award. That aligns perfectly with Vivalon’s mission to support healthy aging across Marin.
A photograph by Brian Dettor captured Vivalon CEO Kaushik Roy with the awardees and sponsor. It’s a nice snapshot of partnership between donors and the nonprofit’s mission.
Award Recipients and Key Moments
- Transformational Philanthropist Award — Susan and Dennis Gilardi (Larkspur), for their longstanding leadership and generosity in Marin County.
- Healthy Aging Champion Award — Erika Vaughn, named in honor of the presenting sponsor’s commitment to senior well-being.
- Event spotlight — Kaushik Roy, Vivalon CEO, recognized for guiding the organization toward innovative programs and community partnerships.
A Glimpse of Marin County’s Philanthropy
Marin County’s generosity isn’t limited to one city. From Mill Valley and Sausalito to Tiburon and Corte Madera, residents and business leaders keep rallying to fund programs that help seniors, families, and neighbors thrive.
The Soirée d’Élégance Gala showed how San Rafael stays a vibrant hub for nonprofit energy. Novato and nearby communities lean into collaborative philanthropy too.
Events like this highlight how local leaders, small businesses, and private donors coordinate to sustain essential services in our region. They make sure aging residents have access to resources, transportation, and opportunities to stay engaged.
For Marin County residents who care about civic responsibility, the gala isn’t just a night of celebration. It’s a reminder of the power of investing together in the people who shape our towns.
How to Share Your Fundraising News with Our Paper
Our readers genuinely enjoy hearing about Marin’s latest benefit events and the difference they make. Organizing a fundraiser or know of a standout event?
Here’s what you’ll want to include when you send us your news:
- Mention funds raised and attendance numbers. Don’t leave those out—they matter.
- List participant names and towns for notable attendees. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and places.
- Share a clear photo credit and, if you can, add a caption that tells us what’s happening in the photo.
- Give the event details: date, venue, and a short description of any programs or awards. The basics go a long way.
- Send everything promptly so we can include it in our next edition. Timing really is everything.
We invite organizers and supporters to share their stories as Marin County continues to shine with generosity and strong community ties. Got fundraising news—a gala, benefit concert, or even a neighborhood drive?
Send your details to our newsroom. We’re here to help spread the word and highlight the generosity that makes Marin County what it is.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin social scene: Vivalon presents annual gala
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