SAN MATEO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 3, 2026 / CORA welcomed over 250 supporters, advocates, partners, and community members to its annual gala for an evening filled with connection, reflection, and extraordinary generosity. Together, guests helped raise more than $200,000 to support survivors of abuse and prevention programs.

The evening began with a VIP reception and champagne toast before guests gathered for a program emceed by #1 voted fundraising auctioneer in the U.S., Ellen Toscano. During welcoming remarks, CORA CEO Karen Ferguson reflected on the collective responsibility of all community members to keep one another safe from abuse and shared how their support already has impacted survivors for the better.

Board Chair Duffy Magilligan and Ferguson also honored Dan Rave with a special leadership award recognizing his many years of dedicated service on CORA's board and his immense contributions to the organization's growth over the years.

A highlight of the evening was a powerful keynote from Marisa Lagos, correspondent for KQED and cohost of the Political Breakdown podcast. Lagos shared a personal story about a high school friend she lost to domestic violence while reflecting on the role storytelling and media play in shaping public understanding of abuse and those impacted. Her remarks offered a thoughtful and moving reminder of why these conversations matter.

One of the most emotional moments of the night came during a featured video spotlighting survivor Crystal Kalani alongside the family and friends who supported her throughout her journey. With Crystal and her loved ones in attendance, the room rose to a standing ovation, honoring both her courage and the community of support that stood beside her every step of the way.

The evening concluded with a live auction and Fund-a-Need appeal, garnering tremendous generosity. As CORA looks ahead to celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, the organization is excited to continue building on this momentum and deepening its impact throughout the community.

CORA extends special thanks to the event's sponsors for their generous support, including ADZ Law LLP, AMR, AlixPartners, Artichoke Joe's Casino, Donna Colson, Fenwick & West LLP, and Kaiser Permanente.

CORA also thanks its many in-kind sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and dedicated event committee members whose support and generosity made the evening possible.

Additional thanks to Crystal Springs Golf Course for hosting the event and to the evening's photographers Naima Nazouari and Giovanni Shishido for capturing such meaningful moments throughout the celebration.

For more information about CORA and ways to support survivors, visit www.corasupport.org.

Media Contact:
Charity Peets
Communications & Marketing Officer
CORA
650-609-8505
[email protected]

SOURCE: Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse