Media Contact: Pooja Klebig
(669) 209-5266 | NCCRPublicAffairs@redcross.org
SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2026 — The American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region is proud to announce that its 31st Anniversary Red Cross Gala raised $1.4 million to support the organization’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in times of crisis.
Held Saturday, March 21, at The Conservatory at One Sansome in downtown San Francisco, the event brought together more than 300 guests to celebrate humanitarian leadership and support critical Red Cross services. Co-chaired by Kenzie Ferguson and Michelle Woods, this signature gala recognized Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands as Visionary Partner of the Year; Diane St. Denis, a 31 year Red Cross volunteer as Humanitarian Volunteer of the Year; and 18-year-old Malik Osman, a newly trained Red Cross lifeguard whose quick action saved a young child from drowning, with a Lifesaving Award.
“This beautiful event was a celebration of what the Red Cross has achieved and a point of inspiration to continue building resilience for the future,” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation and Co‑Chair of the 2026 Gala. “We are grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, donors, honorees and volunteers to ensure the Red Cross can meet moments of crisis with compassion, resources and readiness.”
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS The red-tie event offered an evening of philanthropy and celebration featuring:
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS The Gala is made possible by the following sponsors:
GALA COMMITTEE
Thank you to this year’s Gala Committee, Co-chaired by Michelle Woods and Kenzie Ferguson: Vinita Anantava, Liz Archibald, Juan Benitez, Tessa Burns, Grant Casner, Katie Colendich, Liz Dietz, Connie Ellerbach, Hala Hijazi, Kathryn W. Holmes, Vanessa Kirkpatrick, Eric Knapp, Ingrid Swenson, Lilian Tsai 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/norcalcoastal or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X
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