I think Lisa Sobrato Sonsini would have gotten a real kick out of Unity Care’s Youth Live fundraiser Saturday, where she was honored for her advocacy on behalf of youth, especially the foster kids that Unity Care supports.
Unfortunately, the president of the Sobrato Family Foundation had to miss the moment in the spotlight. Her father, John A. Sobrato, the honorary chair of the inaugural event at Club Auto Sport in San Jose, explained that his daughter overdid it running a marathon and was hobbling on crutches. Sleep Train founder and CEO Dale Carlsen also was honored for his company’s support of foster kids through shoe drives, direct donations and advertising. The company also furnished Unity Place II, a recently opened apartment complex in South San Jose for foster kids who have aged out of the system and have children of their own.
“Sleep Train has opened the average person up to understand what goes on in foster care,” Unity Care CEO Andre Chapman said.
Carlsen couldn’t be there Saturday, and both honorees missed an event that showcased some amazing performers from Santa Clara County. The crowd was entertained by singers Parissa Koo, Dana Cullinane and Gabriella Trapani; poet Amelia Guasch; rapper Joe Branch; and nearly 22 youth models in a high-energy fashion show.
Contact Sal Pizarro at spizarro@mercurynews.com or 408-627-0940.
