The Salvation Army’s The Way Out Gala Raises Nearly $500,000, Honors NBA Legend Gary Payton

Event: CRUSHING Closing
Date: August 27, 2026
Location: The Marker Union Square, San Francisco
Photos: Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography

On September 12, more than 250 business, civic, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders gathered at Oakland’s historic Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts for The Way Out Gala 2026, The Salvation Army of Alameda County’s signature fundraising event honoring NBA Hall of Famer and Oakland native Gary Payton. Together, they raised nearly $500,000 and counting to support life-changing programs and services for individuals and families throughout Alameda County.

Guests stepped directly onto the historic basketball arena floor and into an immersive comic book brought to life. Towering custom illustrations, oversized environmental graphics, hidden tributes to Payton’s legendary No. 20, dramatic capes, and basketball-inspired details transformed the venue into a celebration of heroes, not only those who make headlines, but also those quietly serving their communities every day through The Salvation Army. Every detail reinforced the evening’s message: heroes aren’t defined only by championships, but by compassion, generosity, and service.

The celebration began with a lively social hour featuring beautifully curated hors d’oeuvres by Carrie Dove Catering & Events, an expansive silent auction, and a crowd-favorite Dirty Soda Bar generously provided by San Leandro’s Torani before the Warriors Hardwood Classics Dance Team electrified the room with an opening performance set to a soundtrack of Journey classics. Guests later enjoyed an elegant 3-course dinner by Carrie Dove Catering & Events as nationally acclaimed auctioneer Ellen Toscano kept the energy soaring through a live auction featuring extraordinary experiences, including golf with NBA legend Jason Kidd, luxury getaways to Paris and New York, exclusive Bay Area dining experiences, and an original portrait of Gary Payton paired with dinner for four with the NBA legend himself.

Among those in attendance were former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris; Mary Theroux, Chair of The Salvation Army Alameda County Advisory Board and CEO of the Independent Institute; Major Osei Stewart, Divisional Leader for Northern California and Northern Nevada; Major Richard Pease, Alameda County Coordinator; Regi Young, Executive Director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank; Marc Fisher, Vice Chancellor of Administration at UC Berkeley; Valerie Powell-Stafford, SVP and Area Manager at Kaiser Permanente, Bishop Gregory Payton, and numerous business, civic, and nonprofit leaders from across the Bay Area.

The emotional centerpiece of the evening came during an intimate Courtside Chat between Golden State Warriors broadcaster Tim Roye and Gary Payton. Reflecting on his Oakland upbringing, his remarkable basketball career, and the work of The Glove Foundation, Payton spoke candidly about the importance of giving back to the community that shaped him. His heartfelt appeal for guests to support The Salvation Army’s mission drew one of the evening’s warmest responses and perfectly captured the spirit of the night.