A World Teachers' Day Celebration Filled with Love, Gratitude, and Generosity

Honoring Oakland's Educators, One Act of Kindness at a Time

On October 5, World Teachers' Day, something truly special happened at the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA). Our campus became a place of celebration, appreciation, generosity, and pure joy as more than 55 Oakland Unified School District teachers were treated to an unforgettable evening dedicated entirely to them.

Thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of Juan Toscano-Anderson, founder of Journey to Achieve (JTA), and Adonal Foyle, founder of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation, our local educators received something they give so freely to others every day. Love, encouragement, appreciation, and support.

And what a celebration!

Teachers arrived to find a beautiful gathering filled with music, laughter, delicious Mexican food, and an incredible assortment of classroom supplies, educational games, decorations, and other essentials. These are the very items that far too often come directly out of teachers' own pockets because they want their students to have everything they need to succeed.

But on this evening, someone was looking out for the teachers.

Throughout the evening, teachers danced to the music of a live DJ, enjoyed delicious food, connected with fellow educators, and mingled in EOBA's beautiful East of Zen garden. With perfect weather, plenty of laughter, and a warm sense of community, the evening was filled with joy. And as the celebration came to a close, teachers headed home with overflowing tote bags of classroom supplies and smiles that said it all.

As someone who had the privilege of witnessing this extraordinary act of kindness, I found myself deeply moved. There is something powerful about watching people who spend so much of their lives giving to others finally have an opportunity to receive.

At EOBA, we were honored to open our doors and share our campus for such a meaningful occasion. Watching more than 55 educators leave with their arms full, their tote bags overflowing, and smiles across their faces was a reminder of what happens when people come together with the simple intention of doing something good for someone else.

To Juan, Adonal, and everyone who helped make this evening possible, thank you for recognizing the people who show up for Oakland's children every single day.

And to our teachers, thank you for your patience, your sacrifices, your dedication, and the love you pour into your classrooms.

You deserve the flowers, the celebration, the overflowing tote bags, and so much more.

Happy World Teachers' Day! Oakland's teachers, we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you!