From The Court to the Kitchen: CANOPY Event Manager Suzanne Zadeh hosts an All-Star Weekend event with former NBA Champion Festus Ezeli to benefit VisionC
SF’s All-Star weekend was a golden state opportunity to celebrate our city’s diverse cultures, on and off the court.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, former Golden State Warrior Festus Ezeli and CANOPY Events Manager Suzanne Zadeh hosted “From the Court to the Kitchen” at Market Street’s Saluhall, highlighting the Bay Area’s diverse culinary offerings while supporting the nonprofit Vision Cameroon.
“I’m showcasing some of the top food vendors here in the Bay to all visitors coming in so they get to experience the flavors that we love all year long,” said Ezeli.
“I love the Bay Area. There is so much good here. My message to people from here: make sure visitors feel our energy. Make sure they understand why we love this place so much.”
Around 200 guests attended, including entrepreneur and Founder of Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy, Zaza Pachuli; three-time NBA Champion JaVale McGee, NBA Africa President Amadou Gallo Fall, plus Ezelie’s NBC Sports colleagues and Silicon Valley CEOs and investors, including Reddit CEO Steve Huffman.
Attendees nibbled on panini from Tony’s Pizza Napolitana, plated by award-winning pizza chef Tony Gemignani, and ice cream from Humphrey Slocombe. Saxophonist Josh Rickert and DJ Bisi Obateru provided the soundtrack to African dance lessons; Ezeli gave tribute to the nonprofit VisionC, where Ezeli serves as executive director.
Ezeli came to America at the age of 14 from Nigeria before graduating from Vanderbilt and becoming an NBA first-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He joined the Golden State Warriors, where he went on to win a Championship in 2015.
His organization VisionC works with underprivileged children in Cameroon, helping them develop confidence, leadership, social skills, and accountability through sports.
“I feel like I’m a bridge between Africa and the United States. I was a young kid who came from Nigeria as a teenager. The United States gave me opportunities that changed my whole life,” he said.
“My job now is to find ways to support other kids like me and make the same opportunities for them.”
During the evening, various items were auctioned, including jerseys and balls signed by Steph Curry and other players and a Warriors box, raising $70,000.
Co-host Suzanne Zadeh, who serves as VisionC’s development advisor, says volunteering with VisionC is one of the most meaningful philanthropic projects she has contributed to. Suzanne is working with Ezeli to organize a summer camp in Cameroon, bringing together 125 children to learn basketball, but notes the experience goes far beyond sports for these youngsters.
“Playing together on a team teaches these kids essential life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and problem-solving. Through sports, they also develop confidence, leadership, social skills, and accountability—skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life,” she explains.
Learn more about this event and VisionC’s work in CBS and ABC7 news segments.
Follow Festus Azeli on Instagram @fezzyfel and @festusfeasts. Follow Suzanne on Instagram @suzanne.zd and @canopy.space, and on Linkedin.
Please make a donation here to support VisionC.