YES Fest 2025: A First-of-Its-Kind Community Celebration in Richmond, CA
We love helping organizations evolve their events in ways that deepen impact and bring communities together. This year, we were thrilled to support YES Fest 2025, a first-time event that marked an exciting new chapter for YES, and one that exceeded expectations in every way.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Our partnership with YES spans the past three years, during which we’ve supported their annual benefit concert. In 2025, the organization decided to switch things up, reimagining their traditional fundraiser into a free, community-centered festival that highlighted their programs and invited the broader community to engage with their mission in a hands-on way.
YES Fest also served as the public launch of YES’s capital campaign to raise $7 million for a new building. With $5 million already raised, the event was an opportunity to share the vision, build momentum, and invite the community to help reach the final $2 million goal.
A Festival Designed for Connection
YES Fest was intentionally structured to feel welcoming, active, and engaging. More than 20 community partners joined the event, each hosting interactive activities that showcased their work and impact. Guests moved through the space discovering friendship bracelet and art-making stations, contributing ideas to a mural for the new YES building, learning about coastal impact through a watershed activity, and exploring the community garden.
Additional highlights included bird walks, leaf print art, demonstrations from the building architect, and a beautifully designed bus providing transportation support for nonprofits. Free food was available throughout the day, reinforcing the event’s focus on accessibility and inclusion.
Activities That Energized the Crowd
From the climbing wall and gaga pit to soccer darts, water drop challenges, and a bike valet with free tune-ups, YES Fest offered something for every age and interest. A bike bus kickoff added to the excitement, while local performances kept the energy high.
One of the most engaging elements of the day was a bingo-style activity that encouraged guests to visit partner booths, participate in experiences, and truly connect with the organizations present. Even YES principals got involved, climbing the rock wall alongside attendees and embodying the spirit of fun and community that defined the day.
Strong Turnout and Powerful Results
The response from the community was incredible. YES Fest welcomed more than 500 attendees, far surpassing the original goal of 300. The event more than doubled its fundraising target, raising $260,000 against a $100,000 goal. The turnout and generosity underscored how deeply the community believes in YES’s mission and future.
Behind the Scenes: Thoughtful Structure and Seamless Logistics
Our team partnered closely with YES to help structure the event for a smooth and successful day. From organizing logistics and coordinating vendors to asking the right questions early on, we worked to ensure the event flow supported both guest experience and operational efficiency. This kind of behind-the-scenes planning allowed YES staff and partners to stay focused on connection, storytelling, and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
YES Fest 2025 was more than a successful first-time event. It was a powerful example of what’s possible when mission-driven organizations invite their communities to participate, learn, and celebrate together. We’re honored to have supported this milestone moment and can’t wait to see how YES continues to grow and bring their vision for the new building to life.
Rentals: AM Party Rentals
Games & Activities: Plan-It Interactive
Catering: Taqueria Angelica, Curbside Kitchen, The Pop Nation
Sound: Bryan Hamilton Sound
Event Production: Preziosi Event Productions