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SPARK SF Public Schools Celebrates 10th Anniversaryat Asian Art Museum

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Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 /news@davidperry.com 

SPARK SF Public Schools Celebrates 10th Anniversary
at Asian Art Museum

May 7th “Our City, Our Schools” Gala
spotlighted student talent and civic support for SFUSD

9 May 2025 – San Francisco, CA: On Wednesday, May 7, Spark SF Public Schools marked a major milestone with Our City, Our Schools—a powerful gala celebrating 10 years of impact in support of San Francisco’s public schools. The evening brought together civic leaders, educators, philanthropists, and community champions to honor a decade of partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and to launch a bold new era of investment in student success.

Held at the Asian Art Museum, the celebration spotlighted the measurable gains driven by Spark-funded initiatives and the shared belief in the power of public education to transform lives. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie joined the program on stage with an SFUSD kindergartener, speaking movingly about the city’s responsibility to support its public schools.

The evening opened at 5:30 PM with live jazz from the Lowell High School Jazz Band, and attendees were greeted by “welcome fanfare” from the Korean Immersion Program student choir from Claire Lilienthal Elementary as they ascended the staircase into Samsung Hall, the heart of the celebration.

At 6:30 PM, the formal program began with a commanding performance by the Taiko Drumming Ensemble from the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. The program featured remarks from Ginny Fang, President of Spark SF Public Schools; Mark Reisbaum, Chair of the Spark Board of Trustees; Dr. Maria Su, SFUSD Superintendent; and Mayor Daniel Lurie. A moving video and student spotlights brought Spark’s mission and impact vividly to life.

The audience heard firsthand from inspiring educator-student pairs whose stories reflect the transformative power of Spark’s investments:

  • Erik Rice and Andres Melo Moreno, a senior at Independence High School, shared their experience with the “Mission Bay Hub” initiative.
  • Ainye Long, alongside Wesley Brooks III, a sophomore at Lowell High School, highlighted the “Black Star Rising” program.
  • Kindergarten teacher Georgina Cruz-Martinez and her student Victoria Sanchez gave the audience a glimpse into their classroom’s literacy journey through a powerful video segment.


“Do not doubt for a moment the impact you can have—in our schools, for our students,” said Ginny Fang in her remarks. “This past decade of incredible impact isn’t just Spark’s achievement—it reflects what we, as a community of business leaders, residents, parents, philanthropists, and educators, have accomplished together. Tonight, we launch the next decade together.”

Since its founding in 2015, Spark SF Public Schools has become SFUSD’s trusted philanthropic partner, mobilizing more than $140 million to advance equity, excellence, and innovation in public education. The gala’s theme, Our City, Our Schools, reflects Spark’s enduring commitment to public-private collaboration in service of San Francisco’s students.

The evening concluded with a joyful performance by Mariachi Los Osos from Mission High School—a vibrant finale that embodied the heart, talent, and promise of San Francisco’s public schools.


About SPARK SF Public Schools:
Spark SF Public Schools is the official non-profit 501(c)3 organization in formal partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District to receive and mobilize philanthropic and community funds on behalf of the district, working to ensure every SFUSD student has access to an excellent public education.  Spark leverages philanthropic support to pilot new ventures, propel promising ideas, and scale proven practices across the district. Spark’s work exemplifies the durable impact and collective power of public private partnerships. Learn more at www.sparksfpublicschools.org