Walden Family Services will celebrate five decades of impact with its spring gala, There’s No Place Like Home, on April 30, 2026, at the historic Thursday Club in San Diego. The ocean-view event will bring together philanthropic leaders, longtime supporters, and community partners from across San Diego and Southern California for an evening supporting housing stability for foster youth.

Inspired by the magic and meaning of home, the gala will transform the Thursday Club into a Wizard of Oz–inspired celebration featuring emerald décor, theatrical performances, and immersive design. Guests will enjoy a menu by Behind the Scenes Catering, recently recognized for serving Olympic athletes in Milan. The evening will also feature drag performances by Mariam T and her queens, adding vibrant entertainment to the celebration. 

The gala celebrates the thousands of foster youth and families Walden has supported over the past 50 years while helping fund the organization’s next chapter. The evening will raise funds to address one of the most urgent challenges facing young people in care today: housing stability for youth aging out of foster care. Proceeds will provide safe housing and comprehensive supportive services for Transitional Age Youth (TAY).

Without stable housing, many young adults face an increased risk of homelessness and long-term instability. Walden’s programs offer not only a safe place to live, but also the guidance, life skills training, and individualized support needed to break cycles of hardship and build thriving, independent futures.

Walden views housing as much more than shelter. It is the foundation for education, employment, and long-term stability.

“For 50 years, Walden Family Services has walked alongside foster youth and families, helping them build brighter futures,” said Teresa Stivers, Chief Executive Officer at Walden Family Services. “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding access to safe, stable housing and the support young people need to succeed. ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ honors our past while investing in the next 50 years of life-changing impact.”

The event committee, led by Andrea da Rosa, Walden’s Board Vice Chair, alongside Walden Board Member Raymond Simas, and community advocate Dwayne Wynne, has helped design an evening that reflects Walden’s mission while bringing the community together.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to gather once again as a community to celebrate how far Walden has come over the past 50 years,” said Andrea da Rosa, Board Vice Chair at Walden Family Services. “We’ve seen firsthand the progress Walden has made supporting foster youth and families, particularly in expanding housing opportunities for young people transitioning into adulthood. Our gala not only honors that progress, it also helps propel us forward. Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly supports young people in building stable, independent futures.”

To learn more about the gala or purchase tickets, visit waldenfamily.org/spring-event.

EVENT CALENDAR DETAILS

There’s No Place Like Home Gala: Celebrating 50 Years of Walden Family Services

Thursday, April 30, 2026
The Thursday Club
1224 Santa Barbara St.
San Diego, CA 92107

Tickets: Single Ticket – $250; Table of 10 – $2,500