SAN JOSE, CA — May 15, 2025 — The Creekside School proudly presents “Better Together: A Talent Showcase Benefitting The Creekside School,” an inspiring evening of entertainment and community impact taking place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Hammer Theatre in downtown San Jose.
The evening will begin with an exclusive VIP Reception from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the Hammer Theatre rooftop, featuring live music, food, and drinks. Following the reception, the Main Program will run from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, delivering a powerful lineup of diverse performances in support of students with profound autism.
Headlining the event is singer-songwriter Kodi Lee, the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 14, whose story has captivated millions. Also featured are magician and mentalist David Gerard, comedian Andrew Orolfo, and the contemporary dance ensemble sjDANCEco. Adding energy and excitement to the night will be Franco Finn—MC and TV personality for the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors—serving as Master of Ceremonies and Live Auctioneer.
“As a singer and songwriter with autism, Kodi Lee is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity,” said Katie Shepard, Principal at The Creekside School. “This showcase is a celebration of inclusion, potential, and the limitless futures we can create together, not just for our students, but for the entire San Jose community.”
The theme “Better Together” reflects The Creekside School’s commitment to uniting the community through diversity, advocacy, and shared purpose. The showcase intentionally highlights local performers and diverse talent, bringing attention to the power of inclusion through art.
Proceeds from the event will directly support The Creekside School’s mission to improve the quality of life for students with profound autism and their families. Funds raised will go toward expanding enrollment and launching the school’s much-anticipated Adult Day Program. This initiative addresses a critical need: at age 22, individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities age out of federally mandated education, support, and services. This abrupt end of services is commonly referred to as “falling off the cliff” into an adult-targeting human services system that is ill-equipped to serve the needs of individuals with profound autism. The Adult Day Program will provide meaningful opportunities for continued education, vocational training, physical wellness, and social development—ensuring that Creekside students have lifelong support.
VIP guests will also have the opportunity to meet Creekside staff, explore hands-on experiential tables showcasing how students with autism learn, and participate in a silent auction featuring exclusive packages such as courtside seats to a Golden State Warriors game with a signed Steph Curry jersey, premium tickets to a San Francisco Giants game with a signed Jung Hoo Lee item, and access to New York Fashion Week.
“This is more than an event, it’s a movement,” said Elena Jolly, Executive Director of The Creekside School. “We’re on a mission to build a community where individuals with profound autism are fully included and supported. Every ticket you buy, every bid you place, directly fuels life-changing opportunities and greater independence for our students. Your involvement matters — because together, we can create a future where no one is left behind. We are truly better together.”
Tickets start at $75.00 and are available now at the Hammer Theatre website.d
About The Creekside School:
The Creekside School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) private, nonpublic school founded in 2006 and located in San Jose, California that serves students with profound autism. A “typical” student has significant communication challenges and sensory issues who is working towards a high school certificate of completion. We are devoted to discovering our students’ untapped potential, which is often overlooked in clinical settings due to communicative, behavior and/or sensory motor-based issues. We serve students in grades K-12 (ages 5-22).
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