Silver Lining Mentoring's Match Gala

Nearly 400 guests attended the Match Gala on May 15, 2025, and helped raise $625,000 to ensure all youth in foster care have access to a volunteer mentor!

The inspirational evening celebrated the transformative power of positive consistent relationships in the lives of young people.

Watch the video shared at Match and hear directly from mentees and mentors about the life-changing impact of Silver Lining Mentoring.

Join the hundreds who have already donated to uplift youth in foster care—there’s still time to make a difference.

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Evening Highlights

SLM Mentee Josiah Speaking at Match Gala 2025

“Before Jesse, no one really cared about what I accomplished. The system never asked. But Jesse does.” – Josiah, Silver Lining Mentee

At this year’s event, youth speaker Josiah shared the profound challenges he faced growing up in foster care—40 placements across four states. Constant moves meant constant instability, making it nearly impossible to build trust or form lasting relationships. But then he met Jesse, his Silver Lining mentor.

“Jesse asks about my interests, my dreams. I matter to him, and so does my success. For the first time, I know I have someone by my side who’s not going anywhere.”

SLM Lead Program Coordinator Valentina Alfaro (far right) presented the Power of Two Award to mentee Deavonie (second from right) and his mentor, Keith (second from left), in recognition of the trust, support, and true connection they’ve built through their mentoring relationship.

“Both Keith and Deavonie have shared that they had no idea what they would eventually mean to each other. What began as a relationship built around goals—conversations about careers, music, and business—soon blossomed into something deeper: a genuine, lasting friendship.”

A young man in a suit stands at a podium addressing event attendees.

An adult male mentor stands next to his mentee, a young man, on stage at a podium. They are looking at each other as the young man addresses an audience. There is a photo collage on the screen behind them with pictures of various activities they did together including biking, fishing, and attending a baseball game.

Match Host Committee Co-Chairs Sonia Chung and Matt Marcotte energized the crowd during a spirited auction and paddle raise, helping to generate vital support for our programs. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who gave so generously—ensuring more youth in foster care have access to a caring, committed Silver Lining mentor.