Pathways to Citizenship raised more than $100,000 at its annual fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4, at La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe.
The nonprofit, which was formed by members of Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, drew more than 200 supporters to the event called "Party with a Purpose," according to a news release published in the San Diego Union-Tribune's Del Mar Times. The money will fund free and low-cost legal clinics, consultations, representation and education for immigrant families in San Diego County, the release stated.
The afternoon gathering at 5690 Cancha de Golf featured a steel drum band, tropical-themed food and drinks, a silent auction, a wine pull and opportunity drawings. It ran from 3 p.m. until sunset, with $140 tickets, according to a Times of San Diego event listing published before the event.
Clients shared their stories at the gathering. Roger Kassy, a Pathways client originally from Côte d'Ivoire who became a U.S. citizen, told the crowd: "As I begin this new chapter as an American citizen, I make this promise: I will do my best to be the kind of citizen America can be proud of."
Executive Director Sonya Williams said the event celebrated resilience and hope for immigrant families, according to the news release.
The U.S. Department of Justice authorized Pathways to Citizenship to practice immigration law in 2016. Since then, the organization says it has helped thousands of immigrants from more than 60 countries pursue citizenship. Its DOJ-accredited representatives and attorneys handle naturalization, residency, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals, green card renewals and family-based petitions, according to the Immigration Advocates Network's legal directory.
Pathways to Citizenship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing affordable and pro bono legal assistance for eligible immigrant families in San Diego, according to the group's website. Residents interested in the organization's services or volunteer opportunities can find details there.
