Former Air Force Chief of Staff Announced as Keynote Speaker for Leaven Kids’ Gala for the Kids Event
FAIRFIELD, CA - Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David L. Goldfein (Ret.), has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Leaven Kids’ Gala for the Kids fundraising event, August 4, 2022.
The Gala for the Kids event raises critical funding for Leaven Kids learning centers, which provide free after-school tutoring and educational resources to hundreds of students every week. This award-winning educational program continues to transform the lives of young students in need, bringing desperately needed resources to historically underserved communities throughout California and soon-to-be Texas.
“Leaven Kids has proven to be an invaluable program for children in the toughest conditions,” said Gen. Goldfein. “I’m honored to help expand God’s work throughout the nation. We’ll make a difference one child at a time.”
Gen. Goldfein retired from the United States Air Force in October 2020 after an impressive 37- year military career. As Chief of Staff, he was responsible for 685,000 men and women serving in the United States and abroad, managed an operating budget of over $168 billion, and ensured the readiness of US air and space power. Today, he serves as a senior advisor for Blackstone, a global investment firm, and as an Honorary Board Member for Leaven Kids.
“We’re honored to host Gen. Goldfein at this year’s Gala for the Kids, which is a celebration of our community,” said Mark Lillis, Chief Executive Officer for Leaven Kids. “The educational resources and mentorship that we provide to at-risk youth would not be possible without the tremendous support we receive from our community members. This event is our chance to show our heartfelt appreciation and help raise the funding we need to continue making a difference in the lives of young kids across California and soon-to-be Texas.”
With a rapidly growing footprint across California and Texas, all funds raised at the Gala for the Kids event will be used to operate, develop, and expand existing learning centers and ensure that children in need continue to receive the resources they need to succeed.
“Our very first learning center was founded right here in Fairfield,” said Lillis. “The partnerships we built in those early days continue to serve as a blueprint for new and existing learning centers. We are forever grateful to the people of Fairfield for their steadfast support, without which none of this would be possible.”
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Heritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, and keynote address from Gen. Goldfein. Seating is limited. Members of the public can purchase tickets by visiting leavenkids.org/gala.
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About Leaven Kids
Since 2009, Leaven Kids has provided free after-school tutoring and mentoring to some of California’s most at-risk neighborhoods. It serves as an in-community resource for children and their families by building educational centers in areas hardest hit by poverty, crime, and high drop-out rates among youth. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Leaven Kids helps to transform entire communities by providing love and patience to children struggling to learn and succeed in school. To learn more, visit leavenkids.org.
Contact for Media
Samuel Swanson sswanson@leavenkids.org