From Bravery to Brilliance: Silvanus Foundation Hosts 5th Benefit Event Supporting Fallen Firefighters' Children

Hosted by founder Nathan Liu, the January 4, 2026, event supports children of fallen firefighters while advancing youth leadership, education, and innovation

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, UNITED STATES, December 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Silvanus Foundation will host its 5th Annual Benefit Concert and Forum, From Bravery to Brilliance: Igniting the Future, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the CSMA Finn Center in Mountain View. The milestone event continues the foundation’s mission to support the children of fallen firefighters while expanding access to education, leadership development, and innovation opportunities for underserved youth.

“What began as a small fundraising effort when I was 12 has grown into a movement fueled by community support,” said Nathan Liu, Founder of the Silvanus Foundation. “I am deeply honored to host leaders and our distinguished panelists, who are helping us not only support the families of fallen heroes but also equip the next generation with the tools to innovate and lead with empathy.”

A Founder with Deep Roots in Public Service

The Silvanus Foundation was established by Nathan Liu, now a student at the USC Marshall School of Business, whose commitment to public service began well before his college years. Liu launched his first fundraising effort at age 12 after learning about the increasing number of firefighters who lost their lives during California’s wildfire seasons. As a high school freshman, he organized his first benefit concert, an effort that grew into a sustained, community-driven initiative supported by students, educators, civic leaders, and local families.

A pianist, Liu created the Tribute to Fallen Heroes benefit concert series, uniting youth performers and community partners to raise funds and increase awareness of wildfire risks. These efforts have supported scholarships through the California Fire Foundation’s Daniel A. Terry Scholarship Program, which assists children of fallen firefighters pursuing higher education. To date, the Silvanus Foundation has helped raise approximately $87,000, funding 20 scholarships and expanding outreach programs focused on college readiness, leadership development, and community resilience.

Event Program Highlights

This year’s program will feature a founder’s keynote, an in-depth fireside conversation, two expert panel discussions, and student musical performances.

Fireside Chat: Dr. Wayne Liu, Co-Founder and President of Perfect Corp (NYSE: PERF) and a Forbes Council member, will join founder Nathan Liu for a conversation on youth leadership, decision-making, and long-term personal development.

Panel 1: College Readiness and Life Preparation: Panelists will share insights on academic planning, mentorship, building support networks, and setting realistic goals for high-school and college students.

Panel 2: AI, Innovation, and Youth Creativity: Experts from technology and creative industries will discuss responsible AI use, adaptability, and how young people can cultivate creativity and problem-solving skills in a rapidly evolving world.

Featured Participants include Dr. Dina Venezky, a leadership coach and former Associate Director of Online Executive Education at Stanford GSB; Fiona Bai, a director recognized for AI-assisted creative work; Dr. Mark Lucas, a management consultant; Anni Ankola, an entrepreneur; and university students from Stanford and Northwestern.

Musical Performances will feature a concerto soloist from the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, an international award-winning pianist, and a performer from the USC Thornton School of Music.

“We are very grateful to continue our fifth consecutive year of partnership with the Silvanus Foundation,” said Angie Carmignani, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. “This partnership has allowed us to help the children of fallen firefighters pursue their dreams of higher education by providing financial assistance when the unimaginable happens. None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors and organizations like the Silvanus Foundation.”

Event Information

Date: January 4, 2026, 3:00–5:00 PM, Location: CSMA Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA
Tickets: https://www.silvanusfoundation.org/shop
Sponsorship inquiries: support@silvanusfoundation.org

About Silvanus Foundation
The Silvanus Foundation is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the children of fallen firefighters while empowering young people through education, mentorship, and leadership development. Grounded in the values of service, resilience, and community, the foundation unites students, educators, civic leaders, and professionals to transform loss into long-term opportunity. Through benefit concerts, leadership forums, and educational initiatives, the Foundation honors fallen heroes while inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose, creativity, and social responsibility.

About California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides emotional and financial support to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve. Founded in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, it provides survivor and community support.

Judith Tsai
Silvanus Foundation
gosilvanus@gmail.com
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