NBA Champion Festus Ezeli Headlines Juma Ventures’ Annual Gala

Juma Ventures celebrated its annual Paths to Possibility event on September 6, raising over $265,000 for youth employment programs. NBA Champion and philanthropist Festus Ezeli delivered an inspiring keynote to 150 community members gathered in San Francisco to toast the Bay view. Board Chair Susan Hopkinson and Board Member Damaune Journey provided compelling remarks alongside a Juma youth sharing his personal transformation story. The evening’s Fund-A-Need generated generous support to expand the organization’s YouthConnect program, providing individualized coaching and career pathway connections.

The evening’s spirited silent auction featured coveted items including a Golden State Warriors jersey signed by Steph Curry and Club Level tickets to a 2026 San Francisco Giants game. Guests savored Foxtail Catering’s exceptional menu, featuring honey and stout-braised short rib, olive oil-poached salmon and caramelized butternut squash. Juma board members Paul Clemmons and Jane Thornton joined San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rodney Fong for an evening that concluded with dancing to live music from Retro Jukebox Band. The remarkable fundraising success supports Juma’s mission of operating social enterprises at major sports venues, where the organization has employed over 11,000 low-income youth who have earned $15.5 million in wages and saved $6.4 million for higher education since its 1993.