Photos | Cal Performances Gala raises over $1 million

Event: Cal Performances Gala 2024
Date: April 4, 2024
Location: UC Berkeley’s Alumni House, Zellerbach Hall, Pauley Ballroom, Berkeley
Photos (68): Ando Caulfield or Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala was held on Thursday, April 4, 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 Alumni House. At 7 pm, guests took their seats for a performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Zellerbach Hall. The performance was capped by an exceptional performance of Alvin Ailey’s iconic Revelations accompanied by live music under the direction of Damien Sneed.

Following the performance, the Ailey company dancers were invited to join gala attendees in Pauley Ballroom for an elegant dinner with a menu designed by award-winning chef Tanya Holland. The wine sponsor for the evening was Sonoma County winery LynMar Estate. The seasoned San Francisco Bay Area event planners at McCalls Catering & Events and Got Light led the event’s design. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga led the Fund-A-Need paddle raise. Cal Performances presented Spotlight Awards to Ailey Executive Director Bennett Rink, Ailey Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, and philanthropist Joan Weill.

The 2024 Gala raised more than $1 million from tickets, sponsorships, donations, and the evening’s live Fund-A-Need. ​ All proceeds from Cal Performances’ 2024 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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