First Star 25th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6:30 PM – Cocktails, dinner, awards, and entertainment
The Mountaingate Country Club
12445 Mountaingate Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Ahmanson Ballroom
Cocktail or Business Festive – no formalwear needed. It’s a Tuesday night!
Honoring
Legacy Award
Peter Samuelson, President and Co-Founder of First Star
The Visionary Award
Honoring Shaun Kadlec and Possible Selves for bringing national attention to the voices and experiences of First Star Scholars
The First Star Brilliance Award
Honoring Kurt Manio – an Academy Director who has gone above and beyond to serve our scholars
The National Peer Mentor Award
Honoring Kayla Murillo – a Peer Mentor who has gone above and beyond to serve our scholars
About the Celebration
Join us for an inspiring evening filled with storytelling, recognition, and purpose, as we celebrate First Star’s 25th anniversary. Since 2000, we have been dedicated to transforming lives through innovative education and support programs for youth and young adults in foster care. This special event will unite our community of champions, including donors, partners, alumni, and friends.
Presenting Sponsor – $25,000
Honoring the legacy built over 25 years of impact
- Two premium tables with preferred placement (20 guests)
- Recognition from the stage during the event
- Name/ Logo listed as Presenting Sponsor on invitation materials
- Name/ Logo listed as Presenting Sponsor in all print/ electronic media when possible
- Incorporation of your company logo on event signage, the First Star website, and social media channels
- Presenting Sponsor ad in digital program
Visionary Sponsor – $15,000
Celebrating the bold vision that continues to guide our work at First Star
- One premium table with preferred placement (10 guests)
- Recognition from the stage during the event
- Name/ Logo listed as Visionary Sponsor on invitation materials
- Name/ Logo listed as Visionary Sponsor in all print/ electronic media when possible
- Signage at the event/ incorporation of your company logo on the First Star website
- Visionary Sponsor ad in digital program
Guiding Star Sponsor – $10,000
Recognizing those who illuminate the path in the foster care space
Host Committee
Isael Andrade
First Star Alumnus
Alex Ballantyne
First Star Alumnus
Michael Cook
Liles Parker PLLC
Jay Paul Deratany
Deratany & Kosner
Curtis Estes
Northwestern Mutual
Saryl Hirsch-Samuelson
Philip Hong
University of Georgia
Brett Austin Johnson
East Pearl Productions
Ariela Moskowitz
Brecheen Feldman, Breimer Silver & Thompson LLP
Adrien Sebro, PhD
University of Texas
Evan Seymour
ERS Public Relations
Vince and Jackie Thompson
Middleshift, Inc.
Lyndsey C. Wilson
First Star CEO
Robin Winston León
First Star COO
Eric Zabinski
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Digital Ad Pages
Please submit all ads in high-res PDFs or jpegs via email by October 10, 2025 to celebration@firststar.org
– for more information, please contact celebration@firststar.org
Digital Ad Pages:
- Digital Gold Advertisement $3,000
- Digital Silver Advertisement $2,000
- Digital Full Advertisement $1,000
Ad Specs:
- Landscape Layout 16:9, Aspect ratio – 10 x 5.63 inches
Become a Sponsor
To become a sponsor or learn more, please contact:
Robin Winston, Chief Operating Officer
Email: robin.winston@firststar.org
Phone: 310-882-5810