CONCORD, Calif. – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.
Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.
The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.
During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.
Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.
One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.
Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.
The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.
“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”
For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.
Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors:
BIA Bay Area
California Retaining Walls
Cemcon, Inc.
Covenant Technical Solutions
DeNova Homes, Inc.
Rescue Electric
RPM
Sanco Pipelines
SDG Architects
The Conco Companies
The Garaventa & Colvis Families
The Graham Family
The Resmark Companies
Platinum Sponsors:
Brookfield Residential
Calex Drywall
California Bank & Trust
cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners
Discovery Wall Systems
DPAE Structural
Independent Construction
Legacy Risk & Insurance Services
Lew and Sara Carpenter
Miller Starr Regalia
OAG Architects
Pacific Coast Landscape Management
UBS
Waymark Development
Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP
Gold Sponsors:
Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc.
California Building Industry Association
Gately Family Foundation
J&M, Inc.
Meridian Associates
OJ Insulation
Silvermark Construction Services
vanderToolen Associates
Previous
1 comment
Comments are closed.
Add Comment