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 *****@****.***.
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.
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.
3 available packages from US$1000 to US$5000
https://www.sponsormyevent.com/pa-gala-san-diegoRecognition as Gold Sponsor on event materials, website, and press releases Table for 8 at the event Logo placement on signage and slideshow Social media acknowledgment Project AWARE Appreciation Plaque VIP swag bags for all guests at table
10 available
Recognition as Bronze Sponsor on website and printed materials 6 event tickets Name listed in the event program Swag bags
6 available
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc. will be hosting our inaugural Black Tie Fundraising Gala in San Diego. We are reaching out with great hope that you will consider donating an item or gift certificate for our Silent Auction. All donors will be acknowledged on our website (with links to their websites) and in our event program. Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc., operating under our 501(c)(3) nonprofit umbrella, PA Enterprises Inc., is committed to restoring lives and empowering futures. Rooted in lived experience, community mentorship, and emotional literacy, Project AWARE has spent over a decade providing restorative justice, reentry support, and community engagement services to at-promise youth and adults across San Diego County. This gala is not only our first-ever formal fundraising event - it is also a milestone celebration of 20 years of service, impact, and transformation in the communities we serve. It’s a moment to honor our journey, our growth, and the people who have made it all possible. Proceeds from the event will directly support our mission by allowing us to hire community members to serve the community, create opportunities for youth to cultivate their gifts, and continue offering a safe space for emotional literacy skill development through Project AWARE Academy. Gala funds will also support our mediation workshops at schools throughout the County and allow us to expand our work as violence disruptor interventionists where it’s needed most. To learn more about our gala or to become a sponsor of this powerful evening, please visit our website at https://projectawareenterprises.org or scan the QR code included on the invitation. In-kind donations may be mailed to: Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 261134 San Diego, CA 92126 Attn: Reginald Washington This letter also serves to confirm that Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc., under PA Enterprises Inc., did not provide you with any products or services in exchange for your gift. Your contribution may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. PA Enterprises Inc. Tax ID number: 35-2767329. With sincere gratitude, Reginald Washington CEO & Founder Project AWARE Enterprises, Inc. / PA Enterprises Inc. Email: projectawareprogram@gmail.com Web: https://projectawareenterprises.org
10 available