Our events are fun, sophisticated, and inspiring! Whether we're celebrating graduations virtually, organizing a rubber ducky race, mixing craft cocktails, or listening to youth talk about their life-changing internship experiences, it's all one big party to support foster youth! Read on to learn more about our events.
Dream Makers
Each year we honor our Dream Makers, people whose incredibly generous donations allow us to fulfill our mission. At this special luncheon, our youth take the stage to share their experiences and gratitude for the people whose contributions make their lives brighter.
Learn more about becoming a Dream Maker here!
Past Pivotal Events
Mix Masters
At our Mix Masters events, we mixed and mingled, while we sipped on one-of-a-kind craft cocktails. Local mixologists dazzled and delighted the taste buds, all for a great cause. With a few friends, we hit up happy hour with great like-minded community members who are eager to support our work.
Pivotal Connect
Hosted at the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation at Santa Clara University, Pivotal Connect was a day of workshops, networking, and inspiration. The morning session was specifically for Pivotal scholars and alumni and is focused on professional development, hands-on workshops, and peer-to-peer networking. In the evening, we held an arts and storytelling event aimed at bringing together our community and scholars, which featured the powerful Foster Youth Museum's Lost Childhoods exhibit.
80's Bingo Night
Those of us missing the days of acid-washed jeans, blue eyeshadow, and spiky hair, dusted off our Walkmen, cranked up the music, and joined us for a totally radical time at Pivotal’s 80’s Bingo Night!
Virtual Graduation 2020
We didn't let Covid-19 stop us from celebrating our high school and college scholars' well-deserved graduations. We went virtual and rocked both graduations! Both graduation ceremonies featured a cameo from celebrities Ne-Yo and Anthony Trucks, and magician Eric Wilzig entertained our high school graduates with card tricks and disappearing acts. Special thanks to PayPal, whose employees shared personal congratulatory messages with graduates! Congratulations to our 2020 graduates!
Ducky Derby
Our first-ever virtual event raised $25,000 for coaching and scholarships. For just $100, participants registered a rubber ducky, gave it a funny name, and tuned in to hear the voice of the San Jose Sharks, Randy Hahn, give play-by-play commentary as 250 ducks paddled against each other in a 25-yard pool dash. Our 2020 winner, Lucky Duck Leo, won four tickets to watch the San Jose Sharks take on the Anaheim Ducks!
Internship Showcase
When employers hire one of our summer interns, they do more than provide a job. They open up a world of new possibilities. They spark their interest in future careers and give our youth their first real experience in the workplace. Our Internship Showcase features a moderated discussion that includes supervisors and interns who openly share their experiences with attendees.