Over the past few years the education community has shown remarkable resilience and creativity in adapting to a changing world. RAFT to the Future was an evening about what comes next: what an engaging, hands-on learning environment actually looks like.
The evening
Held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:00pm at the RAFT store in San Jose, with a silent auction that closed at 6:30pm on the night. The evening showcased RAFT’s impact and celebrated the STEAM Teachers and Administrators of the Year, RAFT Heroes, Partners and Volunteers.
Why hold it in a warehouse
Because the warehouse is the point. Guests arrived early to tinker and explore, touring the STEAM Kits and the constantly changing inventory of art supplies, classroom materials and furniture. RAFT gets called the candy store for educators, and the fastest way to understand why is to stand in it.
Sponsors
The 2025 tiers were themed to match: DeLorean at $25K, Great Scott at $15K, Gigawatt at $10K and McFly at $5K. Supporters included Ned and Jimi Barnholt, Douglas Spreng and Peggy Lucchesi, The Ball Family, Ann and Alden Danner, John and Deanne Ebner, the Mark and Carolyn Guidry Foundation, Anne and Ron Murphy, Donna Whitney and Uwe Kladde, Deloitte and Terrace Consulting.
The 2025 event committee was John Ebner, Sylvia Lai, Vivi Pham and Andrea Whittaker.
This year’s event is Fields of STEAM.