The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as guests gathered for the Write Your Own Adventure Gala, a celebration of storytelling, education, and the power of student voices. Held at SmogShoppe in the Culver City Arts District, the gala brought together supporters, staff, educators, and student authors for an unforgettable evening.
Led by our dedicated staff, the gala featured a series of activations designed to showcase the work we do and engage attendees in our mission. Mike Dunbar, Programs & Operations Manager in Mar Vista, led the book-making station, where guests had the opportunity to experience firsthand the creativity and imagination that our students bring to their writing. Assembling a book themselves and binding it on the spot, attendees had the opportunity to become published authors.
Aptly named Write On Time, a giant globe wall installation that chronicled our journey over nearly two decades stood tall. From our humble beginnings to our most recent achievements, the timeline served as a reminder of the impact we’ve had and the progress we’ve made. Attendees were invited to reflect on our past and share their visions for our future, sparking meaningful conversations about the role of storytelling in shaping communities as we embark on our 20th anniversary.
For those in need of time-travel supplies, our Time Travel Mart pop-up offered an array of whimsical items to satisfy every adventurer’s needs. From Mammoth chunks to primordial soup, guests indulged their curiosity and imagination as they browsed the shelves, transporting themselves to different eras and dimensions.
Of course, no gala would be complete without delicious food and drinks. From gourmet appetizers to signature cocktails, guests savored every bite and sip, fueling their creativity and camaraderie throughout the evening. Meanwhile, our silent auction station buzzed with excitement as guests bid on exclusive experiences and unique memorabilia from our very own special guest, Dave Eggers, all raising vital funds to support our programs and initiatives.
As co-host Jeff Boos, a valued member of our board, eloquently stated, “Write Your Own Adventure is a celebration of storytelling, education, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard.” With each supporter who joined us on this journey, we were reminded of the profound impact of our work and the importance of community.
As the night came to a close, we felt grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling. With renewed inspiration and determination, we look forward to continuing our mission of nurturing the next generation of writers and storytellers, one adventure at a time. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the Write Your Own Adventure Gala a night to remember. Join us as we set sail on our 20th anniversary! ⛵️
📸 @Sandy Saravia