Tech executives organize fundraiser for Cameron House to build a new computer lab after the burglary

(SAN FRANCISCO) In a break-in incident earlier this year, 150-year-old Cameron House lost almost all of their computer equipment. A group of young tech executives and leaders have extended the helping hands to the Cameron house by organizing a fundraiser to build a new computer lab to benefit the seniors and the youth.

The fundraiser has been held online at the GoFundMe website starting October 5. On the same day, the tech leaders who organized the event announced their fundraising campaign in front of the historic headquarters of Cameron House.

The tech leaders in the Cameron House fundraising campaign include John Jersin, co-founder of the John and Erica Jersin Foundation, Bilal Mahmood and Jason Shen, two co-founders of the 13 Fund, and Danny Sauter, Executive Director of Neighborhood Centers Together.

Jersin, who was one of the organizers of the GoFundMe campaign, announced the John and Erica Jersin Foundation's donation of $25,000 to the fund in support of Cameron House.

"We are thrilled to continue that work by partnering with Cameron House, which has deep ties to a local San Francisco community without much access to technology," Jersin said in the GoFundMe website.

The John and Erica Jersin Foundation as well as the 13 Fund are in partnership to build a new computer lab in the Cameron House. The goal of the fundraising campaign is $50,000, which will help fund laptop computers, iPads, software, and accessories. Supplemental funding will go to instructors’ salaries and programs.

They believe a new computer lab will work to close the digital gaps in Chinatown and bring opportunities that will transform lives.

"Cameron House’s long standing relationships will help bring the resources of this new computer lab to large numbers of children and families immediately, and over time we aim to support Cameron House and their staff in developing educational programs to teach children more advanced computer literacy and coding skills. Please join us in helping with this vial work," Jersin said at the press conference.

“Computer and internet access are essential for this community to apply for housing and jobs, for students to complete school assignments, and for seniors to stay connected to friends and loved ones," said Jason Shen who is an immigrant from China at a young age and has become a philanthropy giving back to the community.

Liane Wong, President of the Cameron House Board of Directors, thanked for all the support from them. “Today, Cameron House is a community center improving the lives of the Chinese community, especially in Chinatown where many are immigrants living in SROs who lack access to technology. Some of our older laptops were stolen earlier this year and we realized that all of our equipment was almost at the end of its lifespan.”

“This generous donation to create a computer lab will empower youths and seniors in Chinatown with skills for a better life,” Wong added.

In the fundraising campaign with a goal of $50,000, the group plans to use the first $20,000 for 20 laptop computers, then the next $20,000 for 20 iPads, software, and accessories. The remaining money will go towards instructor salaries and programs.