American Red Cross
Northern California Coastal Region
Bay Area Chapter
1663 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
redcross.org/bayarea
Media Contact: Cari Dighton
415-583-2949
cari.dighton@redcross.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN FRANCISCO (March 24, 2022) — The American Red Cross of the Bay Area is pleased to announce its 2022 Red Cross Gala raised over $675,000 to support the organization’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Taking place on Saturday, March 19 at San Francisco City Hall, the evening affair was attended by more than 225 Bay Area notables who helped recognize the extraordinary contributions of this year’s honorees, Brandi and Tracy Pico, and Rodan + Fields.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Chaired by Gwyneth Borden and Kirsten Strobel and emceed by KTVU2 News Anchor, Dave Clark, the red-tie event featured a cocktail reception with stunning displays by The Caviar Company and Char.cuterie San Francisco, passed champagne by SEPPI Craft Sparkling Wines, a three course dinner compliments of Chef Ethan Mantel and Chef Matt Hegel of Componere Fine Catering, a magazine-styled photo shoot experience by The Vanity Portrait Studio and live entertainment by San Francisco’s own, The 415s.
Highlights of the evening also included a live auction that featured enticing packages generously donated to support the Red Cross mission, including a lucrative Napa Valley wine country getaway, a seven-night Celebrity Beyond Cruise package and an ultimate Golden State Warrior’s VIP game day experience.
“We are so appreciative of the overwhelming support by partners and guests of the 27th Annual Red Cross Gala to raise over $675,000 to support the lifesaving work of this volunteer-powered organization,” said Kirsten Strobel, gala co-chair. “It was an honor to come together once again to celebrate the courage and compassion of the 2022 Red Cross Gala Honorees and build momentum to help those in need now and in the future.”
HONOREES During the evening, the Red Cross presented 15-year-old Martinez, Calif. resident Brandi Pico and her mother, Tracy Pico, with the 2021 Red Cross Humanitarian Act of Kindness Award. In June 2020, Brandi was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Her treatments started in July 2020, and she underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in late September. On February 16, 2021, Brandi rang the bell to celebrate the end of treatment. During her battle with this rare and aggressive bone cancer, she received nine blood transfusions, and as a result of this journey, the Pico family organized a Red Cross blood drive in honor of Brandi in July 2021. The drive resulted in 38 units of lifesaving blood collected for other patients in need.
The Red Cross also recognized San Francisco-based direct selling and skincare company, Rodan + Fields, as the 2021 Red Cross Disaster Response Partner Award Recipient. The award was accepted by Dimitri Haloulos, Rodan + Fields CEO & President. A corporate donor since 2010 and a Disaster Responder Member since 2019, Rodan + Fields has supported the Red Cross in helping to fulfill its mission and ensure people suffering from emergencies large and small receive the care, comfort and resources they deserve.
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Since its inception, this fundraiser’s purpose has remained steadfast: to celebrate, support and sustain the lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross. The Gala was made possible by Gold Sponsors Diane B. Wilsey, Kathryn W. Holmes and TMG Partner, Silver Sponsor Delta Dental, and Bronze Sponsors Deloitte, Kaiser Permanente, Nichole S. Jordan and Oportun. Cocktail hour partners included Bently Heritage Estate Distillery, Char.cuterie San Francisco, Lagunitas Brewing Company, SEPPI Craft Sparkling Wines, The Caviar Company and Tyge William Cellars. United Airlines was the exclusive airline sponsor and media partners for the event included Haute Living San Francisco Magazine and Nob Hill Gazette.
The 2022 Red Cross Gala committee included Co-Chairs Gwyneth Borden and Kirsten Strobel; and committee members Alexander Cook, Alexandra Pastor, Haylie Garrie, Jessica Thompson, Jim Kreissman, Kathryn Holmes, Kenzie Ferguson, Lillian Phan Pickering, Nichole Jordan, Nisha Baxi, Papia Gambelin, Patrick Hayes and V'Anne Singleton.
For additional details, please visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.
Event photos are available from Drew Altizer Photography.
A video spotlighting 2021 Red Cross Humanitarian Act of Kindness Award recipient Brandi Pico is available here.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
###