Evening Highlights

Reception

• Socialize with old friends and new
• Passed hors d'oeuvres
• Musical accompaniment by Times 4

Opening

• Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sings us into the celebration
• Welcome from Christina Alvarez, Episcopal Impact Fund's new Executive Director
• Grace/Invocation provided by The Rt. Reverend William Swing

Dinner

• 3-course meal designed and prepared by California Culinary Academy-trained Four Season's Executive Chef, Kevin Tanaka
• Wine pairing from Keenan Winery

Program

• Kick off from event Emcee and former Beach Blanket Babylon star, Ellen Toscano
• Welcome from Christina Alvarez, Executive Director, Episcopal Impact Fund
• "Love Is the Way", a conversation on the the Power of Love and Hope between Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Marc Andrus
• Live Auction filled with items you'll want to bid
• "Starting Life with Love" by Dr. Jeremy Bornstein, Director of Psychology Training and Chief Psychologist, CPMC
• "Sharing the Love", a video journey highlighting Episcopal Impact Fund's work throughout the Diocese of California
• Bid from the Heart, an opportunity to raise a paddle and support the mission of Episcopal Impact Fund

Post-Program

• Dessert
• Dancing to the sounds of Times 4 until 11:00 P.M.

Presenters

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry

The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry is presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. At the church’s 78th General Convention in June 2015, he was elected to a nine-year term in this role and installed in November of that year; he serves as The Episcopal Church’s chief pastor, spokesperson, and president and chief executive officer.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Curry has been a prophetic leader, particularly in the areas of racial reconciliation, climate change, evangelism, immigration policy, and marriage equality. The animating vision and message of his ministry is Jesus of Nazareth and his way of radical, sacrificial love, and he regularly reminds Episcopalians they are “the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.”

Bishop Curry was ordained a priest in 1978 and served parishes in North Carolina, Ohio, and Maryland until his 2000 election as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. He graduated with high honors from Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Yale University. Bishop Curry is the author of five books and a regular guest on national and international media outlets.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Handley Andrus

The Right Reverend Dr. Marc Andrus is the 8th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Before coming to California in 2006, he served as Bishop Suffragan in Alabama. Raised among the hills and rivers of East Tennessee, Bishop Marc developed an early love for the beauty of the earth and heard a call to help protect it. His activism centers on race, environmental justice, gender equity and immigrant rights. Since 2015, Bishop Marc has led the Episcopal delegation to the United Nations climate summits. An acclaimed preacher, thought leader, and author, Bishop Marc’s most recent book is Brothers in the Beloved Community: The Friendship of Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr. He also co-authored an award-winning publication with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox, activist and theologian, Stations of the Cosmic Christ. Bishop Marc lives in San Francisco with his wife, Sheila.

Dr. Jeremy Bornstein

Dr. Jeremy Bornstein is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the psychological aspects of health, illness, and disability.  As the Chief Psychologist at California Pacific Medical Center, he serves as the Director of Psychology Training and has supervised dozens of interns, residents, and fellows.  Dr. Bornstein specializes in the development of interdisciplinary behavioral health programs and the delivery of high-quality psychological services to traditionally underserved patients. He has a busy consultation practice and an active program of research focusing on healthcare provider burnout.

Ellen Toscano

After graduating with a BFA from New York University, Ellen Toscano performed for 10 years in the world's longest running musical review, San Francisco’s iconic “Beach Blanket Babylon” playing characters like Carmen Miranda, Chiquita Banana, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand and Sarah Palin to name very few. Other favorite performing experiences include: playing the title role of “Evita" with Sonoma Arts Live, singing at several San Francisco Giants games including the 2014 World Series, performing with the SF Symphony, SF Gay Men’s Chorus, ACT, and working with actors John Cleese and Gina Rodriguez. She can most recently be seen around the bay area in a hot tub commercial.

Upon leaving her decade-long run at “Beach Blanket Babylon,” she began her work as a fundraising consultant, charity auctioneer and emcee in 2015 combining her two greatest passions: performing and helping others. For 4 years, she worked with the reputable Generosity Auctions before starting her own business in 2019. A California based auctioneer, Ellen has raised millions of dollars annually for dozens of nonprofits throughout California and across the nation.  Known as "The Singing Auctioneer," she's even been known to bust out a song or two during an event - often to help raise more money!  When she's not on stage wearing her signature sequined outfits, Ellen is also a certified Reiki Master Teacher and retreat leader.