Tipping Point Benefit Raises Over $14 Million To Fight Poverty

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

If you think that no one is doing anything about the homeless situation in San Francisco, think again. Daniel Lurie, the founder of the Tipping Point Community, is spearheading the initiative to change the city’s streets so much so that some speculated he might run for mayor. He’s not, but he’s still making a huge impact. Over 14 million dollars was raised at last night’s benefit gala for Tipping Point.

Photo Credit: Claudine Gossett for Drew Altizer Photography

More than 1000 people gathered at the Bill Graham Civic Center for the benefit gala—a mixture of tech titans, venture capitalists, socialites, and movers and shakers. Some things about the party were futuristic: the organization accepted donations of cryptocurrency, and there were no paddles for the live auction. Instead, guests were given a digital wristband and when they donated, they raised their arm. A volunteer scanned the wristband, and the donor’s name instantly went up on the oversized screen at the center of the stage.

Photo Credit: Drew AltizerGuests were treated to a moving performance by musician Leon Bridges and five different types of specialty cocktails. Chef Tyler Florence catered the meal which included a farro and strawberry salad and chicken with artichokes. Pink tablecloths and lots of yellow daffodils kept the mood light and festive. Notables in attendance included the 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the CEO of the Giants Larry Baer, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams, and Jawbone’s Hosain Rahman.