Pathways to Independence raise $850k at 80’s CSULB fundraiser

Remember shoulder pads, Madonna leggings, velour, spandex, and Lycra, all hallmarks of 80s fashion? Well several hundred supporters of Pathways to Independence, a local nonprofit came out in 80s style Saturday to contribute more than $850,000 for a program that creates pathways to independence for otherwise struggling women.

“It takes a village,” said Pathways Executive Director Diana Hill, of Los Alamitos (Hill is also a member of the Los Al Unified Board of Education) as she welcomed an overflow crowd to the campus commons of California State University Long Beach.

“This mindset comes from an African proverb, and it couldn’t be more accurate for what Pathways does,” she said. “All of you are part of our village and we are extremely grateful for that,” she added.

Actually, the event had been set up like a village for the evening, where local restaurants were neatly nestled in booths down what appeared to be tiny village walkways. There was a multimedia stage and additional local walkways complete with restaurants and silent auction items on display on either side.

Hill said that Pathways has held a fundraiser each year for the past 27 years. “How many local nonprofits have had a fundraiser for the past 27 years in a row,” asked Hill? She thanked the many local restaurants, many of which have been participating in each of the past fundraisers.

Raymond Cervantez, a banking executive who serves as Pathways Board President, asked the board members present to stand acknowledging the enormous amount of “hard work” they endure to transform the lives of the program’s young women.

“Trust me, it is a lot harder than it seems,” said Cervantez, who also asked the many Pathways volunteers in the audience to stand thanking them. “And I appreciate all of you because we would not be able to do the work we do without your contribution,” the board president said.

Before the auction, Hill presented two “Change Maker” awards, one to Jane C. Conoley, President of the Cal State University Long Beach system, whom she called an extraordinary partner to the organization.

Hill introduced Rose Voss to present the other award.

“Pathways has been fueled by the efforts, time, talents and generosity of people like you who, just by attending this event, buying an auction item or just having good fun with us contribute to the future of these wonderful women,” said Voss.

Voss honored the 2nd recipient, Patricia “Patti” Flynn, one of the founding members of the organization. “Patti has spent 27 years volunteering and supporting the work of Pathways to Independence. I figured out that Patti’s spent more than 600 hours of her life making these women better than they already are,” said Voss.

Also, she said Flynn had individually raised more than $1 million for Pathways. “Patti, we are forever indebted to your untiring dedication and commitment to Pathways,” said Voss.
“It has been my honor and joy to raise funds for these resilient women of Pathways to Independence,” said Flynn. Twenty-seven years ago, my heart was touched by the young women who shared those stories. I knew right then and there that this was a mission that I would do whatever it took to further help these women overcome whatever obstacles they face,” said Flynn.

After three decades, Pathways has significant networks throughout various communities to locate potential young women who need support. Generally, they come from modest households, are financially struggling, yet willing to commit to various standards to receive help.

Prospects generally come from a background of abuse, homelessness, or foster care with a serious desire” to complete their college education and become self-sufficient.
The large crowd gathered at Cal State in Long Beach on Saturday enjoyed a video that documented the successful metamorphosis of three young women, Mia, Desiree and Tiffony. The video traced their struggles, the Pathways intervention and how their lives have changed since.

With 360 alumni, Pathways to Independence each year continues to provide cohorts of young women with mentors, funds for college, a car (if they need one), housing and other needs to help them through college.

“My goal tonight is to communicate to you the deep impact that this program can have on the life of an individual,” Andrea, another Pathways recipient told the crowd in person.
“Investing in women has actually been considered the single most effective payoff in terms of poverty,” said Andrea. “Investing in women has immense economic benefits, some research shows,” she told the large crowd listening intently in their 80s wear.

With humor and brutal honesty, Andrea told the story of her somewhat dysfunctional homelife and how, at separate times, both of her parents ended up serving separate prison sentences. She explained her own successful fight with sobriety and how at some point she figured out “I can’t do this on my own.”

The young woman explained how her life turned around after she “got the call” in early 2020 and was invited into the Pathways program, but first had to take a college-level English class to demonstrate her commitment to turning her life around.
“I took my hardest course and I managed to do it on my own,” she said. “I got an ‘A’ which was crazy,” she said.

“It’s been an amazing, amazing opportunity,” Andrea told the donors, “I’ve never gotten to do anything like that in my life,” she said. “The whole thing feels like a dream.”

“For the first time in my life, I no longer had to choose between my health and my bills,” she said was her realization after entering the Pathways program.

“I just didn’t realize how powerful I was, and Pathways helped me take that power and I promise every day forward from here I’m going to take that power and pass it forward. So that is what you’re supporting here today.”

“You are giving young women their power back and that is magical.”
Hill thanked Farmers & Merchants Bank, the presenting sponsor, Frank and Lisa Chapman, the title sponsor and everyone who contributed and had a role in sponosoring the event“What an evening,” she said.