La Jolla Entrepreneurs Raise Money for Foster Youth with 4th Annual PEERS Gala

The PEERS Network is hosting its 4th Annual Gala in La Jolla on Saturday, October 13, with proceeds benefitting the non-profit charity, Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT). JIT supports young adults who age out of the foster care system at 18 years old, yet need critical support. In fact, nearly 300 youth transition from foster care to independence each year within San Diego County.

The PEERS Network, founded by local entrepreneurs including several La Jolla residents, gives back to the San Diego community through philanthropic pursuits. Since its creation in 2009, the PEERS Network has helped raise over $1 million in cash and kind contributions for San Diego non-profit charities.

PEERS Board member and La Jolla resident, Trevor Callan, said the idea for PEERS came about when he and fellow board members, Chad Ruyle and Marty Waters, discovered the need for a networking group that encouraged and supported their members’ charitable interests. The highly-anticipated PEERS Gala is one fundraiser the organization arranges to help raise money for local charities, such as for JIT. Last year's PEERS Gala alone raised $190,000 for the non-profit, helping provide resources to foster youth to ease the transition of independence and self-sufficiency in the community.

Taking place at a private cliffside La Jolla Farms estate, this year’s gala attendees will indulge in gourmet catering, a live and silent auction, and a tour of the homeowner's world-renowned private art collection for VIP guests. Cocktail reception for VIP with champagne and hors d'oeurvres by famed chef Jesus Gonzalez, begins at 5:30 p.m. with regular admittance beginning at 6:30 p.m.

"I’m proud to be part of the PEERS Network,” said Callan. "It is amazing what a group of people can do when they commit to supporting a great cause like Just in Time and their foster youth programs.”

Along with his involvement in the PEERS Network, Callan is also Chairman of the Board for the Equinox Center, Board Member of the San Diego Social Venture Partners and a former Board Member of the La Jolla Music Society. He currently resides in West Muirlands in La Jolla and his business, Callan Capital, located on Prospect Street in La Jolla.

Several other PEERS' board of directors reside in La Jolla including Malcom Davies, Reed Caldwell, Derek Cowling, Bill Malloy, Hany Girgis, Shazad Berenjian and Ron Soltero.

Tickets for the 4th Annual PEERS Gala can be purchased at jitfosteryouth.org.