Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) is hosting its third annual fundraising gala, LA for Everybody: Building Bridges, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

This year's theme celebrates SAJE and key partners amplifying working-class voices to advance housing justice, equitable land use, and climate solutions in Los Angeles. Join us for a celebratory evening of drinks, dinner, and time to connect with other economic justice staff, organizations, and leaders in Los Angeles.

HONOREES

Institute for Market Transformation (IMT)

The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) is a national, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 nonprofit that helps create better buildings by bridging the needs of business, government, and communities. IMT forges innovative collaborations in public policy and business practices that drive widespread market shifts in the places people live, work, and learn.

 

Julian Gross
Principal, Law Office of Julian Gross

Julian Gross is one of the nation’s principal experts on community benefits in land use development and public infrastructure, and has represented SAJE in negotiation of numerous community benefits agreements.

For over 25 years, Julian has served the advocacy community and the public sector in policy development, contract negotiations, and legislative drafting – in all cases aimed at improving land use development and public infrastructure, and advancing racial and economic equity.  He has negotiated dozens of community benefits agreements (CBAs) around the country.  Julian represented SAJE and a broad coalition in negotiation of the groundbreaking Staples/L.A. Live CBA in 2002, and has been serving SAJE and the communities it represents ever since.  Julian acts as a resource to the field, widely sharing his expertise and dedication, over the decades.  He works closely with the affordable housing development community, as well as with public entities who want to take a proactive approach to fighting discrimination and advancing equity.

 

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA)

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved. In 2025, LAFLA celebrated 95 years of fighting for justice. 

LAFLA’s mission is to achieve equal justice for people living in poverty across Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA changes lives through direct representation, systems change, and community education. 

Every year, LAFLA’s free, high-quality legal services benefit more than 100,000 people. Their unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the front lines in vulnerable communities and at the forefront of change.

 

UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES

United Way of Greater Los Angeles stands as one of the most trusted nonprofits in the Los Angeles region and beyond. For over a century, it has been dedicated to fostering diverse coalitions and investments to support Angelenos during crises and empower communities build a future where everyone has access to housing stability, education, career opportunities, and economic prosperity.

United Way has been a pivotal force in addressing poverty in Los Angeles County — the largest county in the nation — by pioneering bold, innovative models for programs, policies, and partnerships that disrupt historical racial inequities and address major problems like homelessness and economic disparities. Collaborating with community leaders, philanthropists, government entities, and donors, United Way remains committed to driving transformation and lasting change, making Los Angeles a place that inspires our nation and the world.

Co-CHAIRS

Better World Group
Randy Renick, Partner, Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai LLP
​Staci Nesbitt, Principal, Practice Architects FKA Gonzalez Goodale Architects/GGA+
The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC)
ONYX Architects

EMCEE

Eric Ares
HOusing and HOmelessness POlicy Director,
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez

SPONSORS

Campaigner
St. John’s Community Health
UFCW 770
UNITE HERE! Local 11
SEIU United Healthcare Workers West
M. and R. Strathmann

Champion
Noah Grynberg
IBEW Local 11
Kilter

Changemaker 
AEG
Elder & Spencer, LLP

Movement Builder
Natural Resources Defense Council 
Riley | Ersoff LLP

Sponsorship Packages

Visionary

$50,000

10 tickets

Ad on program inside cover

Name on sponsor list

Name on gala website

Name on program slideshow

Mention in remarks

Name on Invitation

Movement Builder

$15,000

10 tickets

Ad on program inside back-cover

Name on sponsor list

Name on gala website

Name on program slideshow

Mention in remarks

 

 

 

 

Changemaker

$10,000

 

10 tickets

Full-page ad in program

Name on sponsor list

Name on gala website

Name on program slideshow

Mention in remarks

 

 

 

champion

$5,000

 

5 tickets

Full-page ad in program

Name on sponsor list

Name on gala website

Name on program slideshow

 

 

 

 

campaigner

$2,500

4 tickets

Half-page ad in program

Name on sponsor list

Name on gala website

 

organizer

$1,000


2 tickets 

Quarter-page ad in program

Name on sponsor list

activist

$550


1 ticket

Quarter-page ad in program

Supporter

$275


1 ticket

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: When is LA for Everybody?

Thursday, March 27, 2025. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and program at 7:00 p.m. The event will conclude at 10:00 p.m.

 

Q: Where is LA for Everybody?

The event will be at Seventh/Place in the Los Angeles Arts District. The address is 802 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90021.

 

Q: What is the dress code for attendees?

Dress will be business formal or cocktail attire.

 

Q: Should attendees wear masks?

Masks are not required, but if you prefer to wear one, please do! We’ll have extras on hand if you need one. Please do not attend the event if you are not feeling well.

 

Q: Does Seventh/Place have parking?

The venue offers valet parking, and there is street parking on adjacent blocks. We’ve highlighted street parking in yellow on the map below.

Q: How will I know where to sit?

The registration table will be located at the entrance to Seventh/Place, just before you reach the patio. Please bring ID to check in under your first and last name at the registration table and to receive your table card. Please allow 20 minutes for valet/parking and check-in.

 

Q: What if I need to send someone to the gala in my place?

Please have your guest check in under the original ticket holder’s name.

 

Q. What’s for dinner?

Dinner will be catered by South Central L.A.–based restaurant Chichen Itza.

Dinner service will include:

Passed Tray Appetizers

Ceviche de Kanpachi (Yellowtail), Roasted Corn Esquites*, Tetela de Hongos**

Mixed-Green Salad

with Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumber, Roasted Beets and Avocado

One of the following entrees:

Combined Plate

with Barbacoa de Costilla de Res, Pescado a la Veracruzana (Branzino), Vegetales al Carbon, Arroz Blanco

OR Vegan Plate

with Veggie Mole Enchiladas, and Rice & Black Beans

and, of course, coffee, dessert, and signature cocktails!

 

Q. How do I order a vegan/vegetarian meal?

Let your server know you would like a vegan/vegetarian meal.

 

Q: Are kids allowed?

Yes, children are welcome! Please note that each guest, including children, will need a ticket, as seating is arranged per plate.

 

FYI: The gala will include alcohol service and dancing.

For more information, contact Maya Donelly, Development Associate, at mdonnelly@saje.net