JJ’s Legacy “Treasure Every Moment Together” Gala • April 23, 2026
Join JJ’s Legacy for an unforgettable evening at the Treasure Every Moment Together Gala, the organization’s premier fundraising event dedicated to celebrating the gift of life and honoring the powerful stories that connect our community through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
This inspiring evening brings together donor families, transplant recipients, healthcare professionals, and community supporters for a night of celebration, reflection, and hope. Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner, live music and dancing, exciting auction experiences, and a heartfelt program highlighting the life-saving impact of organ donation right here in Kern County.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening will be the story of Ericka, a local kidney transplant recipient whose journey demonstrates how one act of generosity can change multiple lives.
For years, Ericka lived with kidney disease while facing the uncertainty that many transplant patients know all too well. Doctors told her the wait for a kidney transplant could be as long as ten years.
Determined to help, one of Ericka’s close friends stepped forward to be tested as a living donor. While their tests revealed that they were not a direct match, her friend refused to give up. Instead, she chose to donate her kidney to someone else in need, creating what is known as a living donor chain.
Because of that incredible decision, the transplant system was able to match Ericka with a compatible donor. What could have been a decade-long wait changed almost overnight — Ericka received her life-saving kidney transplant just one month later.
Her story is a powerful reminder that even when a donor is not a match for the person they hoped to help, their generosity can still create a ripple effect that saves lives.
Stories like Ericka’s are the reason JJ’s Legacy continues its mission in Kern County.
Founded in memory of Jeffrey Johns, JJ’s Legacy works to increase organ, eye, and tissue donor registration while providing education and support throughout the community. The organization partners with hospitals, schools, and families to raise awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation and to inspire the next generation of Donate Life advocates.
Through programs like the Got the Dot High School Fellowship, students learn about the importance of donor registration and lead community outreach efforts that educate their peers about the life-saving impact of saying “yes” to organ donation.
JJ’s Legacy also provides meaningful support to transplant recipients and donor families through its Gift of Life Initiative, which has helped more than 200 local families and provided over $210,000 in financial assistance, education, and support resources since the program began in 2022.
Funds raised during the Gala directly support these programs, helping expand lifesaving education, support transplant patients and families, and continue building a community where the gift of life is understood and celebrated.
The evening will conclude with celebration and live music from The Trip, inviting guests to dance, connect, and reflect on the moments that matter most.
The Treasure Every Moment Together Gala is more than a fundraising event—it is a powerful reminder that one decision can save lives, one story can inspire hope, and one community can make a lasting difference.
Join JJ’s Legacy as we come together to celebrate the gift of life and truly Treasure Every Moment Together.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3533182-0
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3533182-2
