
SAN FRANCISCO (January 13, 2025) — The American Red Cross of the Bay Area is thrilled to announce the honorees for its 30th Anniversary Red Cross Gala on March 22, 2025, at The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco. Climate crisis visionary partners Wells Fargo, the Malott Family Foundation, Maja Kristin, and Linda Dotson and longtime North Bay volunteer Betsy Witthohn will be honored during the Bay Area Chapter’s signature fundraising event. Co-chaired by Kenzie Ferguson and Elizabeth J. Folger, the event, themed “A Pillar of Hope and Resilience,” celebrates and supports the organization’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
"It's a privilege to Co-chair the Red Cross Gala for the third time, especially during this milestone anniversary year," said Elizabeth J. Folger, who serves alongside Co-chair Kenzie Ferguson. "I vividly recall using a flashlight to help my neighbors back to their homes after the Loma Prieta earthquake 35 years ago. The earthquake's devastation was immense. The Red Cross provided essential relief then, which is why I remain committed to supporting them now, as the need for their services grows ever more urgent."
THE HONOREES
The Red Cross of the Bay Area is pleased to announce its 2025 Red Cross Gala Honorees:
Wells Fargo, The Malott Family Foundation, Maja Kristin and Linda Dotson will receive the 2025 Visionary Partner of the Year Award for their transformational contributions to lifesaving resiliency efforts in response to the climate crisis. Their generosity empowers the Red Cross to deliver impactful programs that prepare communities for climate-driven disasters and accelerate recovery for those most affected.
- Wells Fargo: We honor a strong 100-year partnership and over $73 million in support of disaster preparedness, relief and community resilience. This long-standing collaboration, fueled by foundation, employee and customer generosity, and employee volunteerism, highlights a shared commitment to address community needs.
- The Malott Family Foundation’s commitment to supporting urgent humanitarian needs driven by the worsening climate crisis has provided crucial funding that will help the Red Cross adapt its disaster response and recovery services to better support families, as well as growing its capacity to help frontline communities. Their investment reflects a dedication to building resilience and alleviating suffering.
- Maja Kristin is a committed philanthropist who is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Her love for humanity is evident in her contributions to her community. She has been a loyal supporter of the Red Cross since 2017 and as a North Bay resident, she knows first-hand the importance of disaster preparedness due to the repeated wildfires she’s experienced. Maja’s lifework underscores a passion for bridging differences and inspiring philanthropy to support worthwhile causes.
- Linda Dotson’s lifelong journey with the Red Cross has spanned from childhood memories to informed philanthropy. Linda adopted a new way of thinking about her philanthropy during the pandemic and shifted to a “giving while living” philosophy. Since then, Linda has approached her giving with a love of learning and is dedicated to addressing prevention and relief efforts to support vulnerable populations and communities.
- The Red Cross will also recognize dedicated Red Cross volunteer, Betsy Witthohn, with the 2025 Red Cross Humanitarian Volunteer of the Year.
After a distinguished 30-year career as a marketing executive, Betsy Witthohn embraced her calling to serve others by joining the Red Cross in 2017 following the devastating Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa. Her Red Cross journey is notable for her roles in disaster response, leadership development and client care. She has deployed to more than 20 major disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires and typhoons, often serving as job director or similar leadership role. As a member of the Red Cross National Incident Command Team, she has brought her expertise to bear in crisis management, ensuring mission success through a data-driven, collaborative approach. Betsy has received numerous Red Cross accolades, including Volunteer of the Year in 2019 and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
“Betsy’s contributions extend far beyond disaster operations, fostering leadership and building lasting community connections,” said John Ruiz, regional disaster services officer for the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region, a territory that includes both the Bay Area and North Bay. “Her passion for inspiring the next generation, mentoring Red Cross Clubs and connecting communities—even internationally—exemplifies the spirit of service that uplifts communities and embodies the heart of the Red Cross mission.”
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The 2025 Red Cross Gala co-chairs are joined by an Honorary Committee chaired by Lillian Phan Pickering. The 30th anniversary event will be emceed by renowned KPIX 5 sportscaster Vern Glenn, and will include a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner curated by Componere Fine Catering, live entertainment and much more.
The Gala is made possible through the generosity of patron and corporate sponsors, including:
Pearl Sponsors: Delta Dental of California & the extraordinary support of two anonymous benefactors
Silver Sponsors: AppLovin, Clorox, Lowe’s, HP Foundation
Bronze Sponsors: Bank of Marin, Deloitte, Google Cloud, KRON 4, Oportun, State Farm, Waymo, Juan Benitez, Katie Colendich, Kenzie Ferguson, Hala Hijazi, Nichole Starr Jordan, the Marks Family Foundation, Carolyn Mervau, Lillian Phan Pickering, Rose & Keith White, LeeAnn & Eric Woodward
To view our full list of Gala committee members and additional event details, please visit redcross.org/redcrossgalasf.
About the Red Cross San Francisco Gala
The 30th annual Red Cross Gala will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at The Conservatory at One Sansome, one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues. The evening promises to celebrate the Red Cross’ legacy while looking to the future, raising vital funds to support local preparedness, response, and recovery programs. Since the event’s inception 30 years ago, the Gala has raised over $15 million to support the American Red Cross mission, becoming the region’s premier volunteer-led fundraiser and signature San Francisco event.
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 X.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.