Thank you to our CCS community!
Thank you for attending our 27th Annual Tea & Tonic! We were so honored to host you as well as our guest speakers, Nichole & Jim Schmidt, at the iconic Hotel del Coronado!
Because of you, our programs and services for survivors and prevention efforts in our communities remain strong. Funds raised at this year's event represent not only your inspiring generosity but allow for the continuation of uninterrupted life-saving programs currently offered to all San Diego survivors and their families. This success is especially meaningful as CCS faces funding cuts related to federal funding reductions this year.
Beyond making our services possible, your support also sends a powerful message, reminding survivors that they are not alone and can find healing and hope after trauma. Thank you for supporting survivors and preventing assault in our communities and we look forward to seeing you at our 2027 Tea & Tonic!
A special thank you as well to The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation for their incredible $100,000 Donation Match and to all of you who gave and DOUBLED YOUR IMPACT for survivors!
Check back soon for photos and results from Tea & Tonic!
Need a copy of your event receipt? Email philanthropy@ccssd.org.
Nichole & Jim Schmidt
Nichole Schmidt and her husband, James “Jim” Schmidt, are the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, who lost her life to relationship violence in 2021.
Gabby Petito’s story captured global attention because she was deeply relatable—a young person sharing everyday hopes, experiences, and travels online. Her highly visible journey also sparked urgent and thoughtful conversations about relationship violence, personal safety, public awareness, and how communities and systems respond when warning signs emerge.
In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Nichole and Jim committed themselves to transforming grief into purpose by advocating for survivors and raising awareness about relationship violence and missing persons. Through their advocacy and public speaking, they continue to honor Gabby’s legacy by promoting education, prevention, and community action to help prevent future tragedies.
Today, Steph serves as the National Director of Women & Wealth at Northern Trust, leading the Elevating Women platform to advance financial literacy and help women use their wealth to achieve measurable impact on their families, businesses, and communities. A frequent media contributor, she has appeared in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron’s, and Bloomberg.
Steph Wagner
Each year, Center for Community Solutions recognizes an individual who has transformed their personal trauma into a strength that paves the way for others’ healing. This year we are honored to recognize Steph Wagner as our 2026 Courage Award recipient. After triumphantly rebuilding her own life, Steph shares her personal story to help other women redefine their relationship with money and gain financial independence. Steph inspires women to turn resilience into security and possibility.
Steph Wagner is an author, a sought-after speaker, a nationally recognized thought leader in women’s wealth and financial empowerment, and the former Board President of the Center for Community Solutions, which serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Her debut book, Fly! A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love became an instant bestseller. Drawing on her personal journey from private equity executive to stayathome mom to single mother facing financial uncertainty—and as a survivor of domestic violence—Steph is fiercely committed to helping women achieve financial autonomy, which extends into every area of their lives—including the ability to leave dangerous relationships.
The Venue
Hotel del Coronado
This year's Tea & Tonic was held at the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Champion Sponsors
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