PA Gala,

About the event

Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc., operating under the umbrella of PA Enterprises, Inc. -a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - is proud to host its first-ever fundraising gala, celebrating two decades of healing, advocacy, and transformation. This milestone event commemorates where we started and boldly affirms where we are and where we’re going.

Born from lived experience, Project AWARE was founded to meet the urgent need for emotional literacy, restorative justice, credible mentorship, and leadership development in communities often pushed to the margins. Over the past 20 years, we’ve grown from a grassroots vision into a dynamic and trusted community-based organization providing programming inside youth detention centers, schools, and neighborhoods throughout San Diego County.

This gala is more than an evening of elegance; it’s a testament to resilience. Funds raised will sustain and expand our work creating safe spaces, uplifting youth and families impacted by systems of harm, and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to heal and thrive.

Keynote Speaker: Chef Jeff Henderson

We are honored to welcome the award-winning chef, bestselling author, and motivational speaker Chef Jeff Henderson as our keynote speaker. His powerful journey, from incarceration to becoming the first African American executive chef at world-renowned resorts like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio, mirrors the very heart of what Project AWARE stands for: redemption, purpose, and the power of second chances.

Chef Jeff discovered his passion for cooking while incarcerated and used that passion as a springboard to rewrite his life’s story. His memoir Cooked became a New York Times bestseller, leading to national media appearances and inspiring audiences around the country. In 2020, he founded The Chef Jeff Project, a nonprofit that empowers at-risk youth and adults through culinary training. Today, he continues to motivate and ignite transformation through his story, showing what’s possible when people are given a chance to grow.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future of our youth, communities, and collective purpose.

This celebration would not be possible without the support of our community and partners. To help us make this night even more impactful, we invite individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider becoming sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. If interested in aligning your band with our mission and investing in transformational change, please contact *****@****.***.

Why should you sponsor?

Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc., a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is celebrating 20 years of healing, advocacy, and empowerment through its first-ever fundraising gala — and we invite you to be part of this historic milestone.

By sponsoring this event, you’re doing more than just placing your logo on a program — you’re investing in generational change. Here's why your support matters: For two decades, Project AWARE has created safe spaces and life-changing programs in youth detention centers, schools, and underserved neighborhoods across San Diego County. From emotional literacy to credible mentorship and leadership development, your sponsorship fuels programs that break cycles of harm and foster resilience. This gala features Chef Jeff Henderson — a powerful voice of transformation whose story from incarceration to executive chef and bestselling author mirrors the work we do. By sponsoring, you’re publicly aligning with the values of second chances, equity, and empowerment — messages your audience deeply cares about.Your sponsorship connects you with a broad network of community leaders, philanthropists, educators, and changemakers across San Diego and beyond. It’s an opportunity for meaningful visibility and to show your organization’s commitment to social impact. This isn’t just a gala. It’s a gathering of hope, celebration, and vision — a night to honor the past and fund the future.Your support ensures that Project AWARE continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact for years to come.Sponsorship packages offer a range of benefits — from VIP tickets and brand placement to exclusive networking opportunities and public recognition before, during, and after the event. It’s a smart investment in your brand and your community. This celebration would not be possible without the support of mission-aligned sponsors. If you believe in the power of community, redemption, and youth leadership — this is your chance to invest in real, lasting change.

Adriana Chavez

CEO and Founder Reginald Washington

As a young man, Reginald Washington found himself involved with gangs with no awareness of alternative ways to deal with his anger. He founded Project AWARE to teach young people the emotional literacy skills he wish he had back then.
Experienced and Certified
Mr. Washington is a certified trainer in Restorative Practices and a certified Community Mentor, with over a decade of experience working with youth in San Diego County. He has been trained by recognized agencies such as the National Institute of Corrections, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, and the National Conflict Resolution Center, among others
Recognized and Trusted
Reginald has been recognized by the San Diego County Sherriffs Department for his contributions to their Youth Academy, and by the California Crime Prevention Officers Association for promoting public safety.

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