Golden Gala: Celebrating 50 Years of Quality Child Care
Join us on May 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM at Marriott in Rancho Cordova for an unforgettable evening—honoring our legacy and launching the next 50 years of impact for children, families, and early educators.
The Golden Gala is a night to celebrate what’s possible when a community comes together.
This milestone evening honors 50 years of progress and contributes to what comes next. The Golden Gala will support the Child Action Impact Fund, advancing child care that is more accessible, affordable, and high-quality for families.
Event Highlights
An evening designed to celebrate impact, connection, and community, including:
Dinner and music
Honoring child care champions and community allies
Stories from families and early educators
Opportunities to connect with civic leaders, philanthropists, and employers
Silent and live auction
Why We’re Fundraising: The Child Action Impact Fund
The Golden Gala launches the Child Action Impact Fund—strategic, sustainable investments that expand access, strengthen providers, and help more children thrive.
Increase child care options for families with nontraditional schedules, culturally responsive needs, and children with disabilities.
Zero-interest loans, microgrants, coaching, facility improvements, tech upgrades, and professional development.
Early literacy, STEM learning, multilingual supports, and research partnerships that elevate quality and outcomes.
Wraparound supports like mental health resources, transportation access, and family support services.
Policy and systems efforts that strengthen equitable funding, accountability, and oversight.
As we invest in expansion and quality, the Impact Fund also supports stronger systems, oversight, and earlier anomaly detection to help ensure resources reach eligible families and providers—protecting public trust and strengthening outcomes for children.
Your sponsorship isn’t just a contribution—it’s an investment in Sacramento’s future. Together, we can uplift providers, support parents, and ensure every child has a strong start.
Expanding access for families navigating care and careers.
Included Benefits:
Reserved seating for 2 guests
Quarter-page ad in the Gala program
Logo and name on signage and website
Group digital and social media recognition
Logo featured in Gala sponsor slides
Inclusion in post-Gala social media sponsor thank you messaging
Investing in trusted providers and early learning quality.
Included Benefits:
Reserved premium seating for 6 guests – 4 VIP access
Half-page ad in the Gala program
Logo on sponsor webpage, signage, and event materials
Group digital recognition and public acknowledgment
Donor wall listing for 1 year
Recognition plaque delivered post-event
Feature in a quarterly Child Action email newsletter
Printed logo in event program
Logo featured in Gala sponsor slides
Recognition in post-Gala social media and email recap
Connecting working parents to child care and opportunity. Included Benefits:
VIP table (10 VIP tickets)
Full-page ad in the Gala program
Logo on website, signage, and event materials
Donor wall listing for 2 years
Recognition plaque delivered post-event
Feature in a quarterly Child Action email newsletter
Verbal acknowledgment during Gala speaker program
Invitation to exclusive Gala VIP Reception with leadership, elected officials, and special guests
Printed logo in event program
Logo featured in Gala sponsor slides
Recognition in post-Gala social media and email recap
Digital Care Champion sponsor badge
Empowering innovation and cross-sector partnerships.
Included Benefits:
One VIP table (10 VIP Tickets) and one premier placement table next to VIP table (10 GA tickets)
Verbal thank you and custom commemorative plaque presented on stage
Full-page ad in event program
Year-round promotion on our website, newsletters, and name on all Child Action convenings for the year
Named award or scholarship (up to $7,500)
Access to exclusive convenings and roundtables
Donor wall listing for 2 years
Invitation to exclusive Gala VIP Reception with leadership, sponsors, elected officials, and special guests
Printed logo in event program
Logo featured in Gala sponsor slides
Recognition in post-Gala social media and email recap
Digital System Shaper sponsor badge
Honoring 50 years of leadership and launching the next 50.
Included Benefits:
Two VIP tables (20 VIP Tickets)
Legacy long-term partner mentioned as a sponsor at all Child Action events for the next two years
Presenting Sponsor and Keynote Speaking Opportunity for Gala
Named award or scholarship (up to $15,000)
Full-page ad in event program
Year-round promotion on our website, newsletters, and name on all Child Action convenings for the year
Access to exclusive convenings and roundtables
Donor wall listing for 5 years
Custom commemorative plaque presented on stage
Featured in the 26/27 Annual Report
Invitation to exclusive Gala VIP Reception with leadership, sponsors, elected officials and special guests
Printed logo in event program
Logo featured in Gala sponsor slides
Recognition in post-Gala social media and email recap
Digital Legacy Visionary sponsor badge
View Sponsorship Opportunities
Explore sponsorship opportunities that honor 50 years of impact and invest in the future of child care for Sacramento’s children, families, and early educators.
Join Sacramento’s leaders to celebrate 50 years of impact—and invest in the next 50. The Golden Gala brings together employers, civic partners, and community champions who believe child care is essential infrastructure.
Care Champion
Access Accelerator
Community Supporter
More sponsors to be announced.
Give with Minimal or No Fees
To ensure the greatest possible impact, several giving options are available with reduced or no transaction fees. All contributions support the Child Action Impact Fund.
PayPal (reduced fees): Donate securely through PayPal to help minimize processing costs.
ACH / Wire (no fees): For bank transfers, please email fundraising@childaction.org
Checks (no fees): Checks may be mailed directly to Child Action
These voices help shape the flow and feel of the evening, creating moments that inspire connection and generosity.
Freddie is the founder of FSA Auctions and a nationally recognized benefit auctioneer who has helped nonprofits raise over $125 million. Known for his energetic, engaging style, Freddie brings heart and purpose to every event. He is a Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designee and President of the Sacramento Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Courtney is a longtime anchor and reporter on Good Day Sacramento, where she’s been a familiar and trusted presence for more than two decades. A Sacramento State graduate, Courtney is known for her engaging storytelling, warmth on air, and deep connection to the Sacramento community. She’s passionate about highlighting local stories and giving back through community involvement across the region.
Support the Golden Gala by donating an auction item such as gift packages, experiences, services, or event tickets. Donated items are recognized in event materials and directly strengthen Child Action’s work with children, families, and early educators across Sacramento County.
Popular items include dining experiences, weekend getaways, sports tickets, wellness packages, services, or unique Sacramento experiences.
Make It Auction-Worthy
Donate a standout item or experience and help turn the Golden Gala into meaningful impact for our community.
Child Action has funded 25 million hours of child care—distributing $160 million and generating a potential $2.56 billion economic impact across the region.
Be Part of the Next 50 Years
Celebrate our legacy. Strengthen the future of Sacramento’s children, families, and early educators. Purchase tickets, sponsor the evening, or donate an auction item—and help build a child care system that powers our region’s workforce and prosperity.
