Tri-Valley Nonprofit Adapts To Challenges Amid Coronavirus

ALAMO, CA — Before the new coronavirus infected patients across the Bay Area, Alamo-based Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation had goals of raising more than $100,000 this year at its largest fundraiser: a summertime tailgate event held before the Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants baseball game.

Last year the event brought in $95,000 — 90 percent of the organization's funding, said President and Founder Andi Callaway. NSF uses that money to serve patients with nephrotic syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease that attacks the kidneys and prevents them from working. Patients have limited treatment options, but usually rely on a combination of transplant and cancer medications.

And though patients are especially in need of support amid the pandemic, NSF has also seen a decrease in donations as the small and mid-sized businesses that normally sponsor the foundation are dealing with fallout from the economic slowdown, too.

"The risk for these families is still so deep and great," Callaway said.

As a nonprofit, NSF already runs on a tight budget. The organization has some savings, but was planning on using that money to serve waitlisted patients, Callaway said.

"That's a big hole in our budget," she said.

NSF sought to quickly come up with an alternative. The foundation and board wanted to find a way to serve patients, serve the community bring people together without meeting in person, Callaway said.

So on Tuesday, April 28, NSF will host its "Dine Together" virtual dinner party. Guests are invited to grab a seat for a donation of at least $20, pick up takeout from a participating restaurant and eat while learning about NSF and its work.

Just like a real dinner party, Callaway hopes people set their tables and partake in a toast. Tyler Scott, pastor at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, will offer a non-denominational blessing before the meal.

It's all part of making the dinner party experience feel as authentic as possible, Callaway said.

NSF is partnering with Cocina Hermanas, Danville Brewery Company, Harvest, The Peasant and the Pear, The Peasant's Courtyard and Primo's Pizzeria and Pub. — restaurants that have been big supporters of the foundation. NSF hopes to drive business to the restaurants and help highlight their menus, and in turn, some restaurants have offered to donate back a percentage of their sales.

"In today's day and age, there's no reason why we can't bring everyone together," Callaway said. "So much of our mission is based around community."

NSF is also hoping to bring in some extra donations thanks to Danville-based Quest Foundation, which has agreed to match every dollar donated up to $18,000 until May 1.

Donations help NSF pay for its Backpacks of Hope program, which allows patients to receive a backpack of medical supplies and comfort items. NSF has already given away 100 backpacks this year, but was hoping to distribute another 300 to serve the 225 waitlisted patients.

Donations also go toward NSF's Thermometer Program to give local families hospital-grade thermometers and help the foundation pay for Camp NSF, its annual patient family camp in Livermore.

"We just really felt like we will get through this only if we are united and strong and if we help each other out," Callaway said.

Donate to NSF here or purchase a ticket to the Dine Together event.