Bridge the Gap College Prep held its annual fundraising event, Vines & Vision Together We Rise Gala on March 11. The Marin City-centric non-profit provides academic, social, and emotional support to Marin City students in grades K-12, with the goal that every student completes high school and graduates from college.
The online event, presented by the BTGCP Advisory Council and chaired by council member Sasha Larson, was geared to supporting Bridge the Gap College Prep’s programs and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current health crisis and school shutdowns had a dramatic effect on Marin City youth, and put their academic progress at risk. During the past year, Bridge the Gap College Prep successfully pivoted to support its students virtually and opened an in-person learning hub for Marin City high school students, providing a quiet space with internet connection, computers, and tutors. Funds raised through Vines & Vision will also support summer programs for Marin City students.
The event was led by emcee William Cole-Woods, BTGCP Board Member and former program director. Several speakers offered heartfelt words, including the organization’s new executive director Lisa Raffel, Tamalpais High School senior Nimai Hamari, and BTGCP board member and former student Ashley Ellington. Other entertainment included the showing of an original film “Bridging the Covid Gap” by Tylor Norwood, plus an online auction and paddle bidding. Sponsors included Dodge & Cox, The Larson Family Charitable Trust and the Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation.
Bridge the Gap College Prep currently serves more than 250 students in Marin City, with the Little Scholars program beginning in kindergarten level the way through high school. It also offers college support services.
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Donna Berry Glass is a freelance writer in Marin County who writes mostly about family and kid-oriented topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family exploring the natural beauty of Marin, snuggling with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel while reading a good book or whipping up something delicious in her space-challenged kitchen. Donna is a supporter of the California Academy of Sciences, a world class science museum and research institution, and the Institute on Aging which provides much needed services to seniors and disabled individuals.
