Community Updates | EVENTS | PAG News
On June 27, 2026, Pension Advocacy Group’s Senior Prom fundraiser brought the community together for an evening of celebration, community, and continued commitment to pension advocacy.
Held at Mayfair Presbyterian Church, the event combined the spirit of a senior prom with PAG’s ongoing work to protect earned benefits, support fair and sufficient pensions, and raise awareness around issues affecting CTPF members. The evening also served as a celebration of Tina Padilla’s birthday and a reminder of the community that continues to grow around PAG’s mission.
A Celebration Rooted in Advocacy
The Senior Prom fundraiser was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to bring people together in support of PAG’s work and to recognize the importance of protecting fair and sufficient pensions for educators.
As PAG Founder Tina Padilla reflected, the evening was “a beautiful reminder of why this work matters.”
The event also honored the broader history of CTPF and the role pensions have played in supporting retirement security for generations of educators. Throughout the evening, guests reflected on the importance of staying informed, engaged, and connected as PAG continues its work around pension protection, Tier 2 concerns, and retirement security.
“The work PAG is doing is truly a labor of love, and our guests arrived ready to embrace that spirit and reflect it back to us.”
— Tina Padilla, PAG Founder
For retired teacher and PAG supporter Terry Daniels, the event’s purpose was especially meaningful. She noted that the fundraiser supported “our fight to reconstitute our pension to the full funding it once had,” while also recognizing PAG’s continued work to address Tier 2 and protect fair retirement security for educators.
An Evening of Music, Food, and Community
The room was filled with color, music, and joyful details, from streamers and paper flowers to lights, table decorations, and prom-themed touches. PAG Intern Sawyer Wall described the decorations as “a kaleidoscopic array of color” that helped transform the Mayfair Presbyterian Church gym into a festive gathering space.
Guests enjoyed food prepared by Michael J. Harris, including salmon, grilled vegetables, salads, pasta, and other selections prepared for the evening. One attendee described the food as “magnificent,” noting that the care put into the meal helped make the event feel special.
Music helped set the tone throughout the event. Elaine Wagner welcomed guests with dulcimer music, followed by DJ music and a live performance from former CTPF Trustee Gregory Redfairen and The Uptown Experience Jazz Band. Their performance brought energy to the room and kept the evening moving with music, dancing, and celebration.
Terry called attention to the range of music throughout the evening, from “the lovely strains of a dulcimer player in the foyer” to “a great Dixie and jazz band” and DJ music that carried the celebration forward.
“When Tina Padilla gives a party, you know you’ve been to a party.”
— Terry Daniels, retired teacher and PAG supporter
Recognition, Reflection, and Support
The event included meaningful moments of recognition and reflection. Ray Wohl, PAG President, former CTPF Trustee, professional actor, and former arts teacher, spoke about the importance of PAG’s work and the continued need to protect fair and sufficient pensions for educators.
Ray also contributed $1,000 in support of PAG’s efforts, a generous gift that reflected the spirit of the evening and the shared commitment of those who continue to support PAG’s mission.
PAG intern Sawyer Wall reflected that the evening brought together celebration and advocacy in a way that honored both CTPF history and PAG’s continued work to protect fair and sufficient pensions for educators.
Tina also recognized the people who helped make the event possible, including Maria Blancas and Lori Marshall, describing them as “key to the success of the event” and among the most valuable members of the team.
A Special Moment: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Ray and Tina performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” bringing together the event’s themes of joy, hope, and shared purpose.
Sawyer compared Tina’s presence that evening to a “fairy godmother,” noting that, like a figure helping others reach their dreams, Tina continues working to secure the dream of a fair and sufficient pension for educators.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made the Evening Possible
PAG is grateful to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, performed, prepared food, decorated, and helped make the evening possible.
Special thanks go to Michael J. Harris, Elaine Wagner, Gregory Redfairen and The Uptown Experience Jazz Band, Ray Wohl, Maria Blancas, Lori Marshall, Sawyer Wall, and all who contributed to the success of the event.
The Senior Prom fundraiser was a reminder that advocacy is strengthened by community. PAG’s work continues because members, retirees, educators, and supporters keep showing up, sharing their voices, and standing together to protect earned pension benefits.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening meaningful, joyful, and memorable.
Scenes from Senior Prom
