Solutions for Change, Legend Deion Sanders Raises Record-Breaking $2.1M

Solutions for Change, together with Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, recently raised $2.1 million from a packed house of 550 generous supporters during An Evening to Remember Gala with Legendary sports icons at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

The fundraiser will help permanently solve family homelessness through the organization’s innovative empowerment and wellness programs, which are designed to end dependency through private sector free market based initiatives. Numerous dignitaries supporting the organization’s mission, including Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), as well as more than a dozen state and local officials were in attendance.

Solutions for Change President & CEO Chris Megison expressed gratitude to those at the gala who he says gave a record $2.1 million because they are inspired by the organization’s bold vision and one-of-a-kind model.

“We’ve solved deep poverty for 900 homeless families and 2,300 children because we operate from a playbook that defines success, not by how many families become dependent in government housing, but by how many grow beyond dependency and are now working and thriving in our communities,” Megison said.

The event featured several notable sports stars throughout the evening including Steve Largent, Pro Football Hall of Famer with the Seattle Seahawks, Juli Veee of the San Diego Sockers and 1980 Summer Olympics Teams, and Clint Bruce, NFL and Navy Hall of Famer, culminating in the keynote address from Deion Sanders. The eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champ is more than a colorful commentator and analyst of the game he loved for 14 NFL seasons – he’s also a philanthropist. He, along with Stand Together, launched Prime 5, a $21 million fundraising effort to transform lives and end poverty for Dallas residents.

One emotional highlight of the evening came when 9-year-old Maggie Pankey, daughter of program graduate, began singing in the audience and came up on stage to deliver a tear-jerking rendition of Lost Boy by Ruth B. Maggie’s mom, Jennifer, enrolled at Solutions for Change when Maggie was just 2 years old. With a history of addiction and poverty, Jennifer transformed her life at Solutions for Change, and now is the director of the organization’s organic farm.

At the end of the evening, Megison introduced a new national demonstration effort focused on addressing poverty in northern San Diego. He introduced a powerhouse network of trailblazing nonprofits that are committed to scaling up and joining forces in the region. The project is intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based poverty-alleviation approaches.

 “America’s best-in-class will come and stand together in a laser-focused plan designed to grow people beyond dependency,” Megison said. “We are going to try to change the way America sees and acts on poverty.”

About Solutions for Change

Solutions for Change is a nonprofit organization covering the North San Diego County region providing resources to end family homelessness through a hybrid model, known as Solutions University, blending affordable housing, educational opportunities, employment training and health-related solutions all within one cohesive strategic partnership. Solutions Farms, an aquaponics farm, services as a learning platform that provide real-world experience for residents. By permanently solving homelessness for nearly 900 families, Solutions for Change has reduced the tax burden saving the public more than $54 million in about 20 years.