The Red Hot Ball on Friday, February 25, was a first-class hit in its fourth year, raising more than $40,000 to benefit the children of the b.a.y. fund, as well as their summer enrichment program. The Red Hot Hip Hop, which occurred two hours prior to the ball, allowed the children of b.a.y. fund to enjoy a fully catered dance party of their own, complete with tunes spun by San Francisco DJ Seven.

More than 650 guests, dressed in their cocktail best, celebrated at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio. Distinguished San Franciscans such as Mayor Gavin Newsom joined the mingle. Everyone enjoyed a fun, sophisticated evening in the three rooms decked out in red. A slide show of the children of b.a.y. fund ran in the main room. People of all ages danced to the high-energy music of Pride & Joy on the main stage, and DJ Seven’s hot music played in the “Bubble” room. Plentiful food in every corner was generously provided by Le Colonial, Rose Pistola, Eastside West, and Straits Cafe, among others.

Plan ahead so you don’t miss the next b.a.y. fund fund-raiser during Father’s Day weekend at SBC Park on Saturday, June 18, 2005.  “Batter’s Up with b.a.y. fund” will include a breakfast with Mayor Gavin Newsom and a morning ballgame on the field for a limited number of supporters. Guests will bat, catch, pitch, and run the bases with some star players from the Giants. It will be a fantasy baseball morning for the man/men in your life. At noon, everyone can join the fun, starting with a gourmet lunch followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of SBC Park and batting practice on the field. b.a.y. fund’s youth and mentor participants will join the fun of the afternoon.

b.a.y. fund was modeled after the successful Fulfillment Program in Los Angeles. Bay Area resident Ann-Eve Haven had a chance to learn about the LA program from its leaders when looking for a model to help children of this area. b.a.y. fund gives the participating youth a real chance in life as it commits ten years to guiding youth from the end of 7th grade through five years of college. The goal is to help each child become the first in their family to graduate from college.

Rozanne Junker, executive director, said, “It starts with Discovery Day. Youth are encouraged to apply from a variety of San Francisco’s intermediate schools. They present individual projects that exemplify their interest and commitment. Each applicant must give a presentation of their project to the board of selection of b.a.y. fund. Out of 75 applicants, the board selects 24. The ten years of commitment to the child means staff resources, 500 hours a year of volunteer time per child, and aid to help them reach and stay in college. b.a.y. fund is currently working with 150 children with 24 more youth joining this May.”

Rozanne continued, “They are part of a comprehensive program without gaps exposing youth to people from all walks of life, as well as financial and professional profiles. They are brought in contact with many heroes from sports, neighborhoods, and the community. They are given regular contact with new role models from everyday to extraordinary. Volunteers, who are a part of b.a.y. fund, share a common focus to give youth hope and a commitment to not let them down. We work at being there, as a team, for each child.”

Tom Ahn, Director of Programs, said, “Youth who become part of b.a.y. fund have access to modern tools of technology when creating projects designed to advance learning. They practice public speaking when giving presentations. The mentors and volunteers from every walk of life expose the youth to new options just in sharing what they do or have done. The mentors are good role models as they must have a successful career and college degree. Times have changed, and there are very few blue-collar jobs or union jobs with on-the-job training available. The competitive nature of looking for a job today and in the future requires at least a B.A. just to survive. We all have a common goal to see these kids through.”

Founder Ann-Eve Hazen gave an illustration. “Urbanology is a multimedia Summer Academic Enrichment project that 21 of the newest group of students recently finished. They had to do research on the Internet about San Francisco. They then went out into the community to conduct interviews in the Mission, Chinatown, and Marina neighborhoods. During these trips and interviews, they made a video. After editing the video, they gave a presentation using the video and talking to the audience about the communities of San Francisco. These little tiny kids did such a great job.”

Ann-Eve went on to say, “Mayor Newsom was in the audience. He spoke to the participants after the presentation. He told them as a kid he was dyslexic. He told them he would never have done a presentation like that when he was their age. It made those kids feel so good to hear this successful man had challenges he was able to overcome. They were beaming with his praise. I’ve seen such changes in all of the kids in their self esteem. They smile now and make eye contact.”

“We support each child by getting them academically ready and guide them through the process to apply for schools and what they need. Colleges have money set aside (as aid, grants, and scholarships) for kids like these. But few apply for it. They need to be ready for college. If not ready, they can’t do the work. We guide them to get ready to do the work, to stay in college, and to succeed.” Ann-Eve finished with moving appreciation in her voice for the efforts of all involved, particularly for the kids who accept the help and challenges of b.a.y. fund. “Kids need to know someone cares.” It is clear at b.a.y. fund people do care, a lot.

To make a difference, a real difference, requires a serious commitment to break the chain of events in socio-economic circumstances and learned behaviors at an early point in life. b.a.y. fund’s goal is to help a child be the first in their family to graduate from college. b.a.y. fund provides a helping hand to change the world, one child at a time.