CONCORD, Calif. (July 11, 2025) – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof”
fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance
the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for
families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization
was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in
Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide
affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are
experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming
unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the
affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where
sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed
a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing
impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of
Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81
multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition,
local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s
communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that
accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is
committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.
Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to
Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of
her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her
three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband
and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have
restored her family’s hope.
Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience,
describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a
brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.
The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance
donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and
Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for
an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.
“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when
compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof
Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose
commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and
opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”
For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and
events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.