Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; The U.S. and the Holocaust; The American Buffalo; and, most recently, Leonardo da Vinci.
Ken Burns
Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; The U.S. and the Holocaust; The American Buffalo; and, most recently, Leonardo da Vinci.
Ken Burns
Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; The U.S. and the Holocaust; The American Buffalo; and, most recently, Leonardo da Vinci.
Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom
Frans Lanting is a photographer, author, and speaker. He has documented the natural world from the Amazon to Antarctica. His work has been commissioned frequently by National Geographic, where he served as a Photographer-in-Residence. His influential work appears in books, magazines, and exhibitions around the world. Frans is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. His Royal Highness, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, inducted him as a Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark for his contributions to conservation.
Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom
Frans Lanting is a photographer, author, and speaker. He has documented the natural world from the Amazon to Antarctica. His work has been commissioned frequently by National Geographic, where he served as a Photographer-in-Residence. His influential work appears in books, magazines, and exhibitions around the world. Frans is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. His Royal Highness, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, inducted him as a Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark for his contributions to conservation.
Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom
Frans Lanting is a photographer, author, and speaker. He has documented the natural world from the Amazon to Antarctica. His work has been commissioned frequently by National Geographic, where he served as a Photographer-in-Residence. His influential work appears in books, magazines, and exhibitions around the world. Frans is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. His Royal Highness, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, inducted him as a Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark for his contributions to conservation.
Ella Al-Shamahi
Ella is a National Geographic Explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist…and stand-up comic. Her debut book The Handshake is a Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year. She specializes in Neanderthals, caves, and expeditions in hostile, disputed, and unstable territories. She almost exclusively works in places it is hard to get insurance, such as Iraq, Yemen, Nagorno-Karabakh, and places she can’t publicly admit to. From heading up exploratory expeditions to joining cave excavations, the conditions can be unusual—from avoiding landmines to wearing a burqa for security reasons.
Ella Al-Shamahi
Ella is a National Geographic Explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist…and stand-up comic. Her debut book The Handshake is a Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year. She specializes in Neanderthals, caves, and expeditions in hostile, disputed, and unstable territories. She almost exclusively works in places it is hard to get insurance, such as Iraq, Yemen, Nagorno-Karabakh, and places she can’t publicly admit to. From heading up exploratory expeditions to joining cave excavations, the conditions can be unusual—from avoiding landmines to wearing a burqa for security reasons.
Ella Al-Shamahi
Ella is a National Geographic Explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist…and stand-up comic. Her debut book The Handshake is a Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year. She specializes in Neanderthals, caves, and expeditions in hostile, disputed, and unstable territories. She almost exclusively works in places it is hard to get insurance, such as Iraq, Yemen, Nagorno-Karabakh, and places she can’t publicly admit to. From heading up exploratory expeditions to joining cave excavations, the conditions can be unusual—from avoiding landmines to wearing a burqa for security reasons.
Anthony Ray Hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton survived for 30 years on Alabama’s death row. His story is a decades-long journey to exoneration and freedom. In 1985, Mr. Hinton was convicted of the unsolved murders of two fast-food restaurant managers based on the testimony of ballistics experts for the State who claimed that the crime bullets came from a dusty revolver found in Mr. Hinton’s mother’s closet. Without the benefit of a competent expert to challenge the State’s theory (Mr. Hinton’s lawyer hired a ballistics expert who was blind in one eye), an all-white jury convicted Mr. Hinton and he was sentenced to death.
Anthony Ray Hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton survived for 30 years on Alabama’s death row. His story is a decades-long journey to exoneration and freedom. In 1985, Mr. Hinton was convicted of the unsolved murders of two fast-food restaurant managers based on the testimony of ballistics experts for the State who claimed that the crime bullets came from a dusty revolver found in Mr. Hinton’s mother’s closet. Without the benefit of a competent expert to challenge the State’s theory (Mr. Hinton’s lawyer hired a ballistics expert who was blind in one eye), an all-white jury convicted Mr. Hinton and he was sentenced to death.
Anthony Ray Hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton survived for 30 years on Alabama’s death row. His story is a decades-long journey to exoneration and freedom. In 1985, Mr. Hinton was convicted of the unsolved murders of two fast-food restaurant managers based on the testimony of ballistics experts for the State who claimed that the crime bullets came from a dusty revolver found in Mr. Hinton’s mother’s closet. Without the benefit of a competent expert to challenge the State’s theory (Mr. Hinton’s lawyer hired a ballistics expert who was blind in one eye), an all-white jury convicted Mr. Hinton and he was sentenced to death.
PHOTOS | Root Division’s Flourish: A Spring Soirée
Event: SFCASA’s Fostering Change Gala 2025
Date: May 2, 2025
Location: Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Photos (42): Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography
Bay Area arts supporters came together on May 2nd for Root Division’s spring fundraiser Flourish: A Spring Soiree at FOUR ONE NINE in San Francisco.
This first-ever event was an opportunity to invest in the future of art. Root Division’s programs provide a vital launching pad for emerging artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. The gathering served as a reminder that art thrives through collective support.
The evening honored Arts Champion, JD Beltran and Root Division alumni artists Alexander Hernandez, Kija Lucas, and Nimah Gobir. The celebratory event also featured music from DJ Lady Ryan + Geo Shwae, inspired bites from Azalina’s, and an open bar with crafted cocktails by longtime supporter Public Works San Francisco.
Notable guests included Root Division ED Demetri Broxton, Arts philanthropists David and Pamela Hornik, Gallery owner Jonathan Carver Moore, and Artists Rachelle Reichert & Julie Chang, among others.
Demetri Broxton, Root Division’s new executive director remarked on Flourish: “It is important to take this moment to commemorate new and old friends while celebrating the future of Root Division. We are so excited to see the organization grow and continue to serve our community while making vital contributions to keep artist opportunities available in a rapidly evolving city.”
Notable attendees:
Demetri Broxton – Root Division’s new Executive Director
David and Pamela Hornik – Arts philanthropists
Jonathan Carver Moore – Owner of Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery
JD Beltran – Arts Champion and Flourish Honoree
Root Division Alumni Artist Honorees – Nimah Gobir, Kija Lucas and Alexander Gonzalez
Artists Rachelle Reichert and Julie Chang
[ Content Credit: Drew Altizer Photography ]
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PHOTOS | SFCASA’s Fostering Change Gala 2025
Event: SFCASA’s Fostering Change Gala 2025
Date: May 2, 2025
Location: Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Photos (110): Andrew Caulfield and Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography
On May 2, 2025, San Francisco CASA (SFCASA) showcased numerous stories of youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems building a deep relationship with a volunteer advocate, their ‘CASA’ and exploring their strengths and interests at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. Board Chair Erwin Mock kicked off the evening with a toast to the San Francisco Community. Gala chairs Felix Burmeister and Eamon Foley, along with a generous board of directors raised a record $1.3 million to support San Francisco’s youth on a successful, beautiful evening with 525 guests at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. In addition to an inspiring Youth Gallery featuring photos by Marcus Mendez, artwork, memorabilia, and stories, keynote speakers Joshua and Kyle Chambers and Mark Roh shared a few beautiful stories about their relationship and the mutual impact. Gala Chair Eamon Foley also shared some touching anecdotes from his experience advocating for two youth in the foster care system.
“We prioritize relationships because we know that healthy relationships are key to resilience, to healing, to thriving, and key to overall wellbeing,” said Executive Director Kate Durham.
Justice Terri Jackson presented SFCASA’s Champion for Children Award to Unified Family Court Judge Monica F. Wiley in a moving tribute.
For 34 years, SFCASA has transformed the lives of children and youth traumatized and displaced in the foster care and related systems by providing one consistent, caring volunteer advocate, trained to address each child’s needs in the court and community.
Notable attendees:
Erwin Mock – Board Chair
Felix Burmeister – Gala Chair
Eamon Foley – Gala Chair
Joshua Chambers – Keynote Speaker
Kyle Chambers – Keynote Speaker
Mark Roh – Keynote Speaker
Justice Terri Jackson – Award Presenter
Family Court Judge Monica F. Wiley – Champion for Children Award Recipient
[ Content Credit: Drew Altizer Photography ]
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PHOTOS | Compass Family Services Hosts Sold-Out 2025 Spring Benefit
Event: Compass Family Services Spring Benefit 2025
Date: April 22, 2025
Location: The Hibernia, San Francisco
Photos (23): Mahelly Ferreira and Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography
On Tuesday, April 22, Compass Family Services hosted its sold-out 2025 Spring Benefit at the historic Hibernia , welcoming over 330 guests to an unforgettable evening in support of families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in San Francisco.
This year’s benefit included a two-level guest experience, beginning with cocktails, appetizers, and games on the lower level, followed by dinner and an inspiring live program on the first floor. The event’s theme, “When Everyone Plays Their Part, We All Win,” was woven throughout the evening — from playful décor and experiential stations to heartfelt storytelling.
A powerful moment of the evening came during a speech by Compass CEO Erica Kisch, who reflected on a recent New York Times article that underscored the deep-rooted barriers many families face. With clarity and conviction, she shared that “the game is actually rigged,” a striking metaphor that echoed the evening’s theme, reminding us why playing our part is essential to leveling the field for families facing homelessness.
The night ended on a high note with a powerful Paddle Raise, as guests gave generously to fuel Compass’s life-changing work. Overall, the event raised $800,000 for families in need.
The sold-out event was a joyful, mission-forward celebration — and a powerful reminder that when we all play our part, everyone wins..
Notable attendees:
Manny Yekutiel – Founder of Manny’s and Executive Director of the Civic Joy Fund
Heidi Sabelhaus – Fashion Retailer
Thatcher and Shannon Davis – Co-Founders at Woven
Beth and Oliver Jenkyn
Tina Sharkey – Entrepreneur
Steven Dinkelspiel – Compass Family Services Board Member
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Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return to San Jose.
This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century” (Huffington Post), “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph)and “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune).
PHOTOS | SFMOMA’s Art Bash Draws Record-Breaking Crowd … Celebrities, Fashion
Event: SFMOMA’s Art Bash 2025
Date: April 23, 2025
Location: SFMOMA, San Francisco
Photos (110): Drew Altizer, Andrew Caulfield, Jessica Monroy, Katie Ravas and Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
SFMOMA’s Art Bash on April 23, 2025, attracted record-breaking attendance of over 2,750 guests for an extraordinary, museum-wide event featuring installations by artists Firelei Báez, Masako Miki and Jeffrey Sincich as well as performances by Zack Fox, Martin Luther, DJ Lady Ryan and DJ Shortkut. The Art Bash dinner, party, and late-night party raised more than $3.7 million in total, including $1.35 million raised through a live artwork auction led by Sotheby’s auctioneer, Phyllis Kao.
An important, community-centered event, Art Bash directly supports SFMOMA’s education and family programs and community engagement events, benefiting over 150,000 people every year. This year’s Art Bash was sponsored by Bank of America, Bloomberg, and the official Fashion Partner was Valentino.
Notable attendees:
Zack Fox – Art Bash headliner who performed a DJ set
Martin Luther
DJ Shortkut
DJ Lady Ryan
Art Bash Artists Firelei Báez, Masako Miki, Jeffrey Sincich, Franna Lusson, and Maria Radilla
Artists Yves Béhar, Woody De Othello, Michael Jang, Marcel Pardo Ariza, Tabitha Soren, Kunie Sugiura, and Sarah Sze, Chelsea Ryoko Wong
Christopher Bedford – Helen and Charles Schwab Director of SFMOMA
Bob Fisher and Diana Nelson – SFMOMA Board leaders
Daniel Paltridge – CEO Americas of Valentino
Richard Dickson – CEO, Gap Inc.
Zac Posen – EVP & Creative Director, Gap Inc. and SFMOMA Board member
Ayesha Curry – Actress, chef, award-winning author
Sherri McMullen – Fashion retailer
Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers running back
Daniel Lurie – Mayor of San Francisco
Phyllis Kao – VP Client Strategy, Sotheby’s, and auctioneer for the SFMOMA’s Art Bash 2025
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PHOTOS | Over $1.7 Million Raised at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s Annual Gala and Late Night 2025
Event: The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s Annual Gala and Late Night 2025
Date: April 10, 2025
Photos (76): Drew Altizer, Andrew Caulfield and Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography
SAN FRANCISCO – On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (the “Fine Arts Museums”) hosted museum supporters, artists, and luminaries at the de Young for its largest fundraiser, the black-tie Annual Gala and vibrant Late Night after-party.
Chaired by long-standing museum supporters Trustee Lynn Poole and Edward Poole, this year’s event raised $1.7 million for the Fine Arts Museums – the most ever in museum Gala history. All proceeds raised during the Annual Gala benefit a dynamic exhibition program at the de Young and the Legion of Honor, the care of the permanent collection, and impactful and engaging educational and community programming for Bay Area audiences.
Throughout the evening, guests celebrated the artistic community of San Francisco, enjoying performances and activations by local artists. This year’s Gala honored two cultural leaders: Dagmar Dolby, a philanthropist, tireless champion for the Bay Area’s vibrant cultural landscape, and former Trustee of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and Isaac Julien, a groundbreaking filmmaker and installation artist whose first major US retrospective premiered at the Gala. Julien is the creator of Lessons of the Hour, a major video installation acquired by the Fine Arts Museums for its permanent collection, that presents an immersive and poetic portrait of the life and work of Frederick Douglass. In celebration of that work, Kenneth B. Morris, Douglass’s great-great-great grandson, gave a tribute to Julien at the gala.
“Our 2025 Annual Gala was both a celebration of our extraordinary collection and programs, and a moment to reflect on art’s capacity to inspire and unite,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “We are grateful to the supporters, artists, and community members who contributed to the evening’s vibrancy, and whose support ensures that the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco will continue to be a vital center for creativity and the arts.”
Gala guests savored a seated multi-course dinner, catered by McCall’s Catering and Events, with caviar by local favorite The Caviar Co. and wines by Bryant Imports and Hertelendy Vineyards. During the night’s festivities, all guests enjoyed full access to the de Young museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions – including the popular photography presentation Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm. The evening also served as a premiere for the highly anticipated, major multichannel video exhibition by honoree Sir Isaac Julien, Isaac Julien: I Dream a World.
After the Gala dinner concluded, the Fine Arts Museums welcomed nearly 1,000 supporters for the buzzing afterparty, Late Night. In addition to having full access to the museum, Late Night guests danced in Wilsey Court to a Goldenvoice Presents headliner performance by Ravyn Lenae. As they explored the museum, party attendees sampled elevated bar bites with a caviar finish in The Caviar Co. lounge, posed for a custom Le Feels Speed Portraits with illustrator Ali Rybczyk, sat for Polaroid portraits from Anna-Alexia Basile and enjoyed performances by Tauwoo and Nkechi Njaka in the Hamon Observation Tower’s observation level.
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Photos | CityBeat Breakfast: Celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Event: CityBeat Breakfast: Celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Date: February 25, 2025
Photos (76): Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography
San Francisco, February 26, 2025 – “With a promising outlook, we were pleased to unveil the results of our 37th consecutive poll at the 2025 CityBeat Breakfast, where we celebrated the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s 175th anniversary. The results showed a sharp increase in voter optimism and strong support for bold investments downtown. This moment in San Francisco’s history is yet another pivotal era in reshaping its legacy for generations to come. We are not only tackling today’s challenges – we are driving big ideas.” – Rodney Fong, President and CEO San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
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PHOTOS | Stars of Hollywood, Theater Attend Berkeley Rep’s Ovation Gala 2025
Event: Berkeley Repertory Theatre Ovation Gala 2025
Date: March 29, 2025
Photos (76): Natalie Schrik and Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
Berkeley Rep hosted their annual Ovation Gala, their most exciting fundraising event of the year, on Saturday, March 29th. It was a star-studded evening honoring acclaimed playwright, actor, composer, and singer-songwriter Eisa Davis. Her friends – Tony Award-winning actor and writer Ari’el Stachel, Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, composer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and singer-songwriter and composer Shaina Taub – contributed heartfelt speeches in her honor, and performers Brian Quijada, Nygel D. Robinson, and Madalynn Mathews brought down the house with excerpts from Eisa’s many projects.
The beautiful Ritz-Carlton San Francisco ballroom was the glamorous backdrop for the event, with delicious wine provided by Hafner Vineyard, Kermit Lynch, and Palisades Canyon. The storied Berkeley theatre company raised $790,000 to support the world-class theatre it presents onstage, supported by an auction hosted by Greg Quiroga. As a surprise to Ms. Davis, the cast of performers and the incredible band concluded the evening with a joyful rendition of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s September, one of Ms. Davis’s favorite songs..
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PHOTOS | Big Brothers Big Sisters Raises $715K at Annual Gala
Event: Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Gala 2025
Date: March 21, 2025
Location: Julia Morgan Ballroom, San Francisco
Photos (76): Jessica Monroy and Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
On Friday, March 21, 2025, nearly 300 guests came together in the Julia Morgan Ballroom to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area and celebrate the bright futures (gotta wear shades) ahead for Bay Area youth. For the first time, four Littles from the program shared their life-changing stories! Bay Area Alumni Little and Buffalo Bills star rookie running back, Ray Davis, shared about how his relationship with Big Brother Patrick allowed him to experience joy and fun during a challenging childhood and changed the trajectory of his life. Camila, one of our Big Futures Littles, spoke about her emotional 10+ year bond with Big Amanda, and she was surprised after her speech with a video message from Amanda herself!
The program also recognized this year’s Honored Matches with awards and heard from Littles Reign and Tim directly about how their long-lasting Matches have given them much-needed consistency, inspiration, and support. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area raised an amazing $715,000 to meet the ever-growing demand for their mentoring services – all provided at no cost to the children and families enrolled in their programs.
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PHOTOS | NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway returns to Oakland during All-Star week
Event: Fireside Chat with Tim Hardaway
Date: February 14, 2025
Location: Town Fare, Oakland
Photos (64): Photographer-At-Large
Attendees enjoyed breakfast bites followed by an intimate and insightful conversation with an NBA Hall of Famer, 5-time All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tim Hardaway.
Timothy Hardaway Sr. is an American former professional basketball player. Hardaway played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA Team member. Hardaway won a gold medal with the United States national basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He was known for his crossover dribble which was dubbed the “UTEP two-step” by television analysts. In 2022 Hardaway was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Topics included career highlights on and off the court, father/son sports dynamic and the drive to become one of the best.
Moderators: Ken Maxey (President, Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area) & Michael DeFlorimonte (Managing Editor, BAR | Bay Area Registry)
Presented by: Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area
Media Sponsor: BAR | Bay Area Registry
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PHOTOS | Cal Performances Annual Gala 2025
Event: Cal Performances Annual Gala 2025
Date: March 7, 2025
Location: UC Berkeley’s Lower Sproul Plaza / Zellerbach Hall
Photos (134): Natalie Schrik and David Zahrobsky for Drew Altizer Photography
Cal Performances’ 2025 Gala was held on Friday, March 7, with all proceeds benefiting Cal Performances’ artistic initiatives and education programs. Gala festivities began at 5:30 pm with a celebratory cocktail reception at UC Berkeley’s Lower Sproul Plaza. At 7 pm, guests took their seats in Zellerbach Hall for a performance featuring the renowned Vienna Philharmonic, with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and pianist Yefim Bronfman.
Following the performance, members of the Vienna Philharmonic were invited to join gala attendees in Zellerbach Playhouse for an elegant dinner onstage with a Viennese-inspired menu designed by award-winning chef Paul Canales. The wine sponsor for the evening was Hess Person Estates. The Community Sponsor was Wells Fargo, The Private Bank.
The seasoned San Francisco Bay Area event planners at McCalls Catering & Events and Got Light led the event’s design in partnership with Stuart Rentals. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga led the Fund-A-Need paddle raise. Cal Performances presented the California Performing Arts Visionary Award to Lead Sponsors and Honorary Co-Chairs Maria Manetti Shrem and Elizabeth Segerstrom in recognition of their creation of the California Orchestra Residency, which brought the Vienna Philharmonic to the Bay Area and Orange County.
The Gala was co-chaired by Cal Performances Board of Trustees Special Events Committee Chairs Sara Wilson and Janice Brathwaite, who gave remarks. Remarks were also shared by Cal Performances Board of Trustees co-chairs and donors Lance Nagel and Jeff MacKie-Mason. Trustee and Education Committee co-chair Cary Koh spoke passionately about arts education from the stage, noting that all in attendance share a “…common appreciation of sharing, giving, and helping others. Your generosity helps to ensure that these transformative experiences are available to all students.”
Jeremy Geffen, Executive and Artistic Director, shared remarks and presented the California Performing Arts Visionary Award. This moving speech thanked Maria Manetti Shrem and Elizabeth Segerstrom as the visionary philanthropists who made the 2025 Cal Performances Gala evening and the California Orchestra Residency across both the Bay Area and Orange County possible. Geffen shared, “Together, Elizabeth and Maria have demonstrated that philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about inspiring others to engage, create, and believe in the power of collective action. They have built an enduring legacy of kindness, creativity, and social responsibility that will continue to enrich lives for years to come. And, as much as one is aware of their generosity, please allow me to share that you are only seeing the tip of the iceberg, as so many of their contributions take place in less visible, but equally transformational, ways.”
The 2025 Gala raised more than $1 million from tickets, sponsorships, donations, and the evening’s live Fund-A-Need. All proceeds from Cal Performances’ 2025 Gala support Cal Performances’ mission to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts.
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