A new Stockton fundraiser is bringing together paella, music, conversation and community support for a cause centered on access, confidence and opportunity.
The Delta Sculling Center will host its inaugural Port City Paella Dinner on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Humphreys University in Stockton. The evening will support the nonprofit’s inclusive rowing and sculling programs for youth, adults, military veterans and adaptive athletes.
Guests can expect a relaxed but purpose-driven evening featuring Valencian-style paella prepared by Addy’s Paella, wine and other beverages, music, a silent auction, raffle, wine pull and dessert auction.
But one of the evening’s biggest draws will be a special conversation with award-winning journalist and author Sam Quinones.
A Fireside Chat About Purpose, Persistence and Community
Quinones, whose career included years reporting for The Stockton Record, will take part in a fireside chat and book signing centered on his 2025 book, The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work.
The book follows musicians, teachers, students and craftspeople who devote themselves to an instrument that rarely puts its players in the spotlight. Along the way, it explores themes of persistence, mentorship, discipline, collaboration and the sense of purpose that can come from working hard at something meaningful.
Those ideas have a natural connection to sculling.
Like music, rowing rewards patience, repetition, concentration and trust. For many people involved with Delta Sculling Center, the sport becomes about more than technique. It can build confidence, create friendships, foster belonging and give participants a goal worth pursuing.
That connection will help shape the evening’s conversation with Quinones, who is expected to discuss both The Perfect Tuba and the broader ideas behind the book.
Guests will also have an opportunity to meet him and have books signed.
An Evening With a Purpose
The fundraiser will support Delta Sculling Center’s efforts to make sculling more accessible throughout the Stockton community.
Based at RiverPoint Landing Marina Resort, the nonprofit offers recreational and competitive programs for youth and adults, including military veterans and adaptive athletes. Its programming also includes learn-to-scull opportunities, youth development programs, camps and community partnerships designed to reduce barriers to participation.
The inaugural Port City Paella Dinner is intended to welcome longtime supporters as well as local businesses, families, friends and community members who may be learning about Delta Sculling Center for the first time.
Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions, raffle activities and donations will help the organization continue expanding access to rowing opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities.
“Port City Paella Dinner is an opportunity to bring people together for a memorable evening while introducing more of our community to who we are and why this work matters,” said Dani Daly, deputy executive director of Delta Sculling Center.
Daly also noted the connection between Quinones’ book and the organization’s mission, especially the idea of finding something worth working toward and having a community that encourages you to keep going.
Event Details
What: Inaugural Port City Paella Dinner
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Humphreys University, Stockton
Tickets: $125 per person. Purchase tickets online.
Featured Guest: Award-winning journalist and author Sam Quinones
Highlights: Valencian-style paella, fireside chat, book signing, music, silent auction, raffle, wine pull, dessert auction, wine and other beverages
Sponsorship opportunities and donations for the silent auction, raffle and other fundraising activities are also being welcomed.
For Stockton residents looking for an evening that combines great food with a strong community purpose, the first Port City Paella Dinner offers something a little different.
It is a chance to share a meal, hear an engaging conversation, support an inclusive local nonprofit and help more people discover the confidence, discipline and sense of belonging that can come from getting out on the water.