The Inaugural 49ers Legends Living on Purpose Benefit Gala

Title Sponsor: Northern Trust | Presented by Sheri Mac Enterprises

This premier event brings together an elite community of 49ers Legends, NBA and WNBA greats, high-profile executives, investors, and philanthropists—all united by one shared mission: to make purpose, equity, and empowerment the new standard of success.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of connection, conversation, and culinary excellence, all in support of Living On Purpose's groundbreaking work empowering athletes and marginalized communities to rise, lead, and live with intention.

Living On Purpose is the Bay Area hub of Changing Faces Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving children, families, and individuals in crisis since 1998 by improving the lives of thousands of at-risk and BIPOC youth across Southern California.

Co-Founded by Tiffany “Tip” Hayes, 2x WNBA All-Star, 6th Woman of the Year, and entrepreneur, and Mariah Cooks, NCAA athlete turned San Francisco-based attorney and community advocate, Living On Purpose was born from their shared belief that leadership is service in motion.

Together, they are building a movement to:

• Increase upward mobility for underserved youth and families.
• Foster economic development and financial competency, while significantly decreasing the generational wealth gap.
• Equip and Support athletes transitioning beyond the game.
• Empower purpose-driven leaders to transform their communities from within.

Living On Purpose is honored to be the beneficiary of this historic event, co-chaired with the globally respected Founder, CEO, and Chief Revenue Officer - Sheri Macdonald, alongside an incredible lineup of 49ers Legends and professional athletes.

For Tiffany and Mariah, this event represents more than a celebration,but a declaration that purpose-driven leadership belongs at the center of our communities, our businesses and our culture.

Event Experience

• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Cocktail Hour & Networking Reception with 49ers Legends, NBA & WNBA Players, plus globally revered executives, investors, and philanthropists
• 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Silent Auction, Fashion Show, Keynotes, and “'Legends Living on Purpose” award ceremony
• Dinner curated by Elyse Restaurant, featuring exceptional food, wines, and spirits

Our confirmed roster includes some of the most celebrated names in professional sports who are true champions, trailblazers, and community leaders who embody what it means to live “On Purpose”.

49ers Legends

• Ronnie Lott – Pro Football Hall of Famer, 4× Super Bowl Champion, NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• Roger Craig – NFL MVP, 3× Super Bowl Champion, first player in NFL history to record 1,000+ rushing and receiving yards in a single season
• Dwight Hicks – 3× Super Bowl Champion, 4× Pro Bowl Safety, and former 49ers team captain
• Eric Wright – 3× Super Bowl Champion, legendary 49ers cornerback and key figure in the dynasty era
• Keena Turner – 4× Super Bowl Champion, San Francisco 49ers Vice President, and community advocate
• Super Bowl Champions and esteemed members of the 49ers dynasty to include Saladin Martin, Carlton Williamson, Tim Collier, Jeff Fuller, Darryl Pollard, and Tory Nixon

WNBA Players

• Tiffany “Tip” Hayes – Co-Founder of Living On Purpose and SEYAH, 2× WNBA All-Star, 2024 6th Woman of the Year, current player with the GSW Valkyries
• Veronica Burton – Rising star guard with the Golden State Valkyries, NCAA standout 2025 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and 2022 WNBA first-round pick
• Kate Martin – GSW Valkyries guard, NCAA Champion with Iowa, known for her leadership and playmaking
• Kayla Thornton – Veteran forward with the GSW Valkyries, celebrated for her defensive dominance and tenacity, WNBA All Star Selection
• Kristine Anigwe – Former WNBA player, NCAA All-American, and advocate for women in sports
• Chasity Melvin – Former WNBA All-Star, women’s basketball pioneer, and motivational speaker

NBA Players

• Josh Childress – Former NBA first-round draft pick, Stanford alumnus, international basketball star, and investor
• Kenny Thomas – Former NBA first-round draft pick and forward with 11 seasons in the league, philanthropist, and entrepreneur

We invite you to take your place among visionaries and champions who understand that impact and influence are greatest when they’re shared. Together, we can expand what’s possible for our youth, our communities, and our collective future.

Tiffany “Tip” HayesCo-Founder & CEO, Living On Purpose

Mariah CooksCo-Founder & CEO, Living On Purpose

Sheri Macdonald, Co-Chair, Founder & CEO Sheri Mac Enterprises

For Sponsorship opportunties, please email [email protected].

Info: Our confirmed roster includes some of the most celebrated names in professional sports who are true champions, trailblazers, and community leaders who embody what it means to live “On Purpose”. 49ers Legends include Dwight Hicks, Carlton Williamson, Ronnie Lott, Rick Gervais, Tim Collier, Saladin Martin, Darryl Pollard, and Tory Nixon. WNBA Players include Tiffany “Tip” Hayes , Veronica Burton, Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, Kristine Anigwe, and Chasity Melvin. NBA Players include Josh Childress and Kenny Thomas. Plus, plus globally revered executives, investors, and philanthropists

Info: Dinner curated by Elyse Restaurant, featuring exceptional food, wines, and spirits. There will also be a Silent Auction.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Elyse Restaurant, 96 South 1st Street, San Jose, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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