The evening featured jazz music, a live auction and a video presentation highlighting the organization’s achievements over the years.

Addressing the attendees, Nahla Kayali, ACCESS California founder and executive eirector, reminisced about the history of the organization.

"It began with a vision that stemmed from a real need in the community," Kayali said. "As I look back at our accomplishments over this decade, I am amazed by how much we have done and how much our services have developed. This vision could not have been a success without support and teamwork."

Kayali also emphasized the importance of ACCESS to the community and encouraged all individuals to take advantage of the group’s numerous services.

"Many people have the misconception that ACCESS only serves low-income families, and that’s not true," Kayali told InFocus. "It is a family resource center that encompasses a wide range of social services, including help with immigration, taxes, legal questions, computer training classes, English classes. ACCESS should be the first place that everyone turns to."

Maria Khani, crisis intervention coordinator at ACCESS, echoed the same message and highlighted the need for more support.

"ACCESS is the heart of the community, but it still requires the rest of the body to function," Khani said. "It’s not just about financial support. What we need is for people to volunteer their time and their education."

At the culmination of the gala, ACCESS honored Talal Zarif with the Humanitarian Award for his exceptional support and compassionate efforts in helping all those in need. The Excellence in Advocacy Award was presented to Amin David for his tireless campaigning efforts in civic engagement.

"Life should not really be about how much money we accrue, but rather how many people we serve, because the greater your giving, the greater your living," Issa Edah-Tally, gala chair, told gatherers.