Newcomers Access Center's 2025 Gala
NAC held its third annual fundraising gala on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Ontario. More than 150 attendees enjoyed good company, new friends, delicious food, live music, and auctions while supporting a worthy cause. Money raised will benefit refugees and immigrants in Southern California.
The Susie Hansen Latin Band provided swinging salsa music and Afro-Cuban and straight-ahead jazz. The memorable evening also included interactive magic by magician Aaron O’Brien, who emceed the event and served as auctioneer for the live auction.
NAC clients and “graduates” shared their immigrant stories and how they thrived with the help of NAC. Most are now integrated into the community.
At the gala, board president Anne Thorward thanked event sponsors, donors and volunteers.
2025 Gala Sponsors
NAC expresses heartfelt appreciation to our 2025 Gala Sponsors. Your leadership and generosity enable us to support newcomers to Southern California. Your sponsorship will make the difference in the lives of families in our community.
Photos from 2025 NAC Gala
Guests at NAC’s Gala enjoyed music, magic, silent and live auctions, and a delicious dinner at a memorable evening. They heard first-hand stories from the newcomers we serve. To view a photos of the event, please visit a gallery on Pixieset where you can download photos for free. Thank you to all our guests for sharing their evening with us.
Client Stories
A highlight of the evening was hearing firsthand from the people NAC serves. For example, Ahmad Sultani (pictured), an NAC “graduate,” talked about how services provided by NAC helped his family to find housing, a job, and a car and also helped the family through a crisis when their baby needed medical care. Thank you to the clients who came to the event and shared their stories.
2025 Gala Auction Donors
Auction items at our Gala ranged from original art to vacation stays to luxury items for the home. NAC thanks all our auction donors for their generosity. The money we earned from the auction will be used to serve client needs like housing supplements, driving lessons, car seats, and more.
Fund-the-Need Bidding
A special shoutout to everyone who bid on our Fund-the-Need Live Auction. Spirits were lively as bidders raised their numbered paddles to bid and raise money for client needs such as rental supplements and driving lessons. The excitement was especially high as an anonymous angel donor had pledged to match up to $20,000! We raised $14,650 in bids, which was matched. Thank you to our anonymous angel and to our bidders.
NAC's New Executive Director
At the Gala, attendees heard from Juju Lelliot, who was appointed by the board as executive director in April.
NAC's Board
