A Night to Remember: $250K raised for Kibera!

On October 9th, more than 150 guests gathered at Webster Hall in San Francisco for a night that reminded us what’s possible when compassion meets community. The Human Needs Project Gala brought together supporters, partners, and friends to celebrate our shared commitment to clean water, energy, education, and opportunity in Kibera, Kenya — one of the world’s most vibrant and resilient communities, and the heart of everything we do.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, paddle-raise donors, and silent auction participants, we raised an amazing $248,054 — and we’re still going. Our goal is to reach $300K, and every contribution brings us closer to building our new Satellite Center in Kibera, expanding access to vital services for thousands of residents.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when guests tuned into a livestream from Kibera, made possible by Doug Stringer. The room fell silent as Stella Mwania and Byrones Khainga from the Human Needs Project team in Kenya shared stories and updates directly from the community. Their words brought the mission to life in a powerful way — reminding everyone in the room that our efforts in San Francisco echo across the world, touching real lives and creating lasting change.

The evening drew together an inspiring mix of leaders, artists, and advocates including Connie Nielsen, actress, humanitarian, and founder of the Human Needs Project; Judge Ann Claire Williams, international advocate for justice and education; James and Zem Joaquin, co-founders of Obvious Ventures & Near Future Summit; Dr. Dean Ornish, pioneering physician and founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute; Daniel Futwax, artist from Kibera; Holly Levow, film producer and philanthropist; and our Executive Director, Kristina Yarmolich. Together, they celebrated a decade of community-driven impact and the next chapter of what’s to come.

Guests enjoyed African-inspired bites, local wines, and an unforgettable live performance by Daniel Futwax, whose music brought the room to its feet. The night ended in laughter, music, and inspiration — a beautiful reminder of how connection and purpose can spark real transformation.

If you couldn’t attend or haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to join us in reaching our goal. Every dollar helps expand clean water, solar energy, and education programs in Kibera. Watch our short video to see the incredible impact your support makes:

.

Thank you for believing in our work!