SAN FRANCISCO, March 27, 2025 — The American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region is proud to announce its 30th Anniversary Red Cross Gala raised more than $1.3 million to support the organization’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in times of crisis.

This signature fundraising event, themed “A Pillar of Hope and Resilience,” was held on Saturday, March 22, at The Conservatory at One Sansome in downtown San Francisco. More than 350 guests gathered to celebrate this annual event, recognize this year’s humanitarian honorees and contribute to the Red Cross mission.

The evening opened with a moving retrospective video honoring the organization’s 140-year history and celebrating 30 years of the Red Cross Gala in San Francisco. Later, the program highlighted a powerful story of a Red Cross volunteer and a wildfire survivor—both impacted by the 2017 Tubbs Fire—on their Red Cross journeys following the disaster and inspiration to support the organization’s lifesaving programs and services.

“Celebrating 30 years of the Red Cross Gala wasn’t just a moment to reflect on past achievements — it was a call to action for the future. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, honorees, and volunteers whose generosity made this event such a success. Their support ensures the Red Cross can continue to meet moments of crisis with compassion, resources, and resilience.” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation and Co-Chair of the 2025 Red Cross Gala

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Co-chaired by Elizabeth J. Folger and Kenzie Ferguson, the red-tie event offered an evening of philanthropy and celebration featuring:
 

• A cocktail reception with a magazine-styled photo shoot experience by The Vanity Portrait Studio
• Live entertainment by SFJazz and DJ Cole Odin & Friends
• The Red Cross’s award-winning virtual reality scanning simulation used to train lifeguards
• A culinary showcase including: Passed oysters by Oysters XO, a three-course dinner by Componere Fine Catering, whiskey tastings compliments of Hotaling Co., and wine by Gallo Wines and Raymond Vineyards
• Chances to win exclusive jewelry from Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry and a bespoke salon experience at Blake Charles Salon.

Emceed by KPIX 5 sports newscaster, Vern Glenn, the evening’s excitement also featured a chance to win a Bay Area sports package with experiences donated by the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Earthquakes, San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

HONOREES During the event, the Red Cross presented longtime North Bay volunteer Betsy Witthohn with the 2025 Red Cross Humanitarian Volunteer of the Year Award. After witnessing the Tubbs Fire destroy parts of her hometown in 2017, Betsy was moved to help and became a Red Cross volunteer. She has since taken on leadership roles at both regional and national levels, spearheading major disaster response efforts across the country. She was presented with the award by Tubbs Fire survivor and Red Cross donor, Selma Vandermade.

The Red Cross also recognized Linda Dotson, Maja Kristin, The Malott Family Foundation and Wells Fargo with the 2025 Visionary Partner of the Year Award for their transformational support of disaster resiliency efforts. Their generosity is helping the Red Cross advance community preparedness and accelerate recovery in response to the growing climate crisis.

To read more about our honorees, visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS Since its inception, the Gala has been steadfast in its purpose: to celebrate, support and sustain the lifesaving programs and services of the Red Cross. Proceeds support Red Cross work wherever the need is greatest, including disaster relief.

This event was made possible through the generosity of our patron and corporate sponsors and event partners:
 

• Pearl Sponsors: Delta Dental and the extraordinary support of two anonymous benefactors
• Silver Sponsors: AppLovin, The Clorox Company, HP Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Lowe’s, Visa and Wells Fargo
• Bronze Sponsors: Bank of Marin, Deloitte, Google Cloud, KRON 4, Oportun, State Farm, TMG Partners, Waymo, Juan Benitez, Kenzie Ferguson, Carolyn W. Mervau, Lillian Phan Pickering, Rose & Keith White and LeeAnn & Eric Woodward
• Culinary Partners: Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, Oysters XO, Componere Fine Catering and Sugar Bowl Bakery
• Beverage Partners: Hotaling & Co, Gallo Wines, Raymond Vineyards, Junipero Gin, Nikka Whisky, Old Portrero San Francisco
• Event Partners: Jenna Lam Events, JL Imagination, Vanity Portrait Studio, SFJazz, Standard Events, Encore Rentals, Ice Illusions and Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry

GALA COMMITTEE & HONORARY MEMBERS

The 2025 Red Cross Gala Committee was led by Co-Chairs Elizabeth J. Folger and Kenzie Ferguson, alongside Juan Benitez, Kathryn Holmes, Hala Hijazi, Jenna Lam and Ingrid Swenson.

This year’s Honorary Committee, recognizing past Gala Chairs and honorees, was chaired by Lillian Phan Pickering and included distinguished members including Stephanie Block, Hon. Willie L. Brown Jr., Paula Elmore, Tyler Florence, Ezra Garrett, Nancy Greenbach, Kelly Grimes, Lindsey Haswell, Pat Hayes, Sallie Huntting, Linda Jenkinson, Kelly Murphy, Kate Smith, Kirsten Strobel, Briana Taylor, Miriam Tcheng, Diane B. Wilsey, and Rose White.

For more information about the event and to support the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.

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, Instagram, LinkedIn and X