Backyard Bash Recap – More Than a Party, a Community Movement

We’re still smiling from the incredible energy, generosity, and joy that filled the air at our very first Backyard Bash for Splash, and it’s all because of YOU. Whether you came to connect, to celebrate, to support our cause (or all three!), you brought something truly special. You went for the fun, stayed for the cause, and left a lasting legacy.

Guests danced to the soulful sounds of Wealth of Nations, raised their paddles high during our silent and live auctions, and rallied together for Sacramento’s youth. “I love a good bidding war!” shared Gina Fleming, Director of Development. “Supervisor Pat Hume did an amazing job getting the crowd excited and inspired to bid on our fabulous items. We could not have done it without him!”

Together, We Made an Impact

  • Raised over $27,000 for Project AWE
  • Celebrated the strength of our community
  • Proved that real impact starts with us

We were touched by the heartfelt words of SMUD Board President Gregg Fishman and moved by the powerful speech of 11-year-old Damian, who shared how much Splash has meant to him since he was four years old. In one unforgettable moment, founding board member and passionate supporter  Bob Shanks won the first live auction item and then gifted it directly to Damian after his speech. It was a reminder of how generosity and connection ripple through everything we do.

Thank You, Sponsors & Partners

A heartfelt thank-you to those who made the Backyard Bash possible:

Nature Nurturers: SMUD, Insperity, Golden One Credit Union, Wood Rodgers STEAM Team

Sustainability Supporters: Republic Services, Poppy Bank, Bayer Foundation, Weintraub | Tobin Law

And a huge thank-you to our friends at Sheldon Inn/Adkin’s Family Vineyard, who turned a 105-degree summer evening into a 10/10 experience with shady trees, incredible fans, delicious food, and undeniable charm.

This fundraiser was established to help bridge the funding gap for Project AWE, a program created in partnership with the Sacramento Area Sewer District and Splash. The program is majority funded by the Sacramento Area Sewer District and our program sponsor, SMUD. 
To see a short clip from the night, click here. Thank you to Dale Sanchez Visuals for putting this video together for Splash at no charge, and thanks to Josh Moy Photography for your time and images!