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:

• A paparazzi photoshoot experience by Snap Fiesta.
• Live entertainment by The Fast Times Band.
• A culinary showcase including: Passed oysters by Oysters XO, a three-course dinner by Componere Culinary & Events and wines by Atwood Ranch & Vineyards and Gallo Winery.
• Auction items included a courtside Golden State Warriors suite for 12 donated by Google Cloud; a 7-night stay in an oceanfront villa in Maui donated by Connie Ellerbach with first-class airline tickets courtesy of United Airlines; and two tickets for two nights in the legendary Snake Pit for Metallica’s “No Repeat Weekend” sold-out show in Frankfurt, Germany.
• A chance to win a 1986 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Methuselah by Robert Mondavi Winery and a Bay Area sports package with experiences donated by Bay FC, Oakland Roots, San Jose Earthquakes, San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
• Event photos taken by Drew Altizer Photography; Red Carpet and Photobooth photos by Snap Fiesta
• Video tributes to our honorees: Diane St. Denis and Metallica and their foundation, All Within My Hands
   

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS The Gala is made possible by the following sponsors: 

• Pearl Sponsor: Delta Dental
• Gold Sponsors: Carolyn W. Mervau and the extraordinary support of two anonymous donors
• Silver Sponsors: Clorox, Google Cloud, HP, Kaiser Permanente, Lowe’s, TMG Partners Visa, and the extraordinary support of one anonymous donor
• Bronze Sponsors: Deloitte, JL Imagination, Oportun, Members of the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region Tiffany Circle, Waymo, Lisa & Joe Allanson, Juan Benitez, Katie Colendich, Kenzie Ferguson, Ingrid Swenson, Diane B. Wilsey, Michelle Woods and LeeAnn & Eric Woodward.
• Culinary Partners: Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, Oysters XO, Componere Culinary & Events and Sugar Bowl Bakery
• Event Partners: Desiree Flower & Design Studio, JL Imagination, Snap Fiesta, Standard Event Rentals, Sanford Auctions
   

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