Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 5:00pm

The Westin St. Francis Hotel - 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102

All Guests Please Enter at 350 Geary Street

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Crescendo Gala, a celebration of music, community, and the power of coming together. This elegant event will take place on April 5, 2025 at the Westin St. Francis, offering guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in an evening of fine dining and live entertainment as we honor champions who are making a profound impact on the LGBTQIA+ community.

SHERYL LEE RALPH -
NANCY PELOSI ALLY AWARD

Sheryl Lee Ralph: A Legacy of Artistry, Advocacy, and Empowerment

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a celebrated actress, singer, and activist whose remarkable career in entertainment and tireless philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark on both industries. She first gained widespread acclaim for her role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls (1981), earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her commanding stage presence and exceptional talent solidified her status as a Broadway icon. She made history as the first Black actress to play Mrs. Morrible in the Broadway production of Wicked, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to theater and her ability to bring authenticity and depth to her roles. Read more!

ANGELICA ROSS - Trailblazer Award

Actress, Singer Songwriter, Founder of TransTech & Human Rights Advocate

From the board room, to film and TV sets to Capitol Hill to the music studio, Angelica Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for human rights advocacy focused on Transgender and racial equality. A fan favorite on FX’s award-winning hit POSE plus both the ninth season of Ryan Murphy’s FX hit American Horror Story: 1984 and the double feature tenth season as The Chemist in part 1 and Theta in part 2. Angelica also returned to her love for music with her debut music video and single, “ONLY YOU” followed by “Purrr” and fans absolutely love the visual for FIERCE - her club anthem with songstress, Mila Jam, and legendary Ultra Naté. Angelica has also announced her forthcoming untitled book and anticipated return to her original podcast as she continues to blaze a trail, kick open doors, and build her own table with ample open seats. Read More!

WHAT IS CRESCENDO?

SPECIAL GUEST HOST - NINA WEST

Nina West—yes, THAT Nina West, iconic drag queen and Miss Congeniality from RuPaul’s Drag Race—will be gracing us as our host for the night as well as a special performance! With her legendary wit, charm, and outrageous stage presence, you know this evening is going to be nothing short of spectacular.

Michael Tate - Live Auctioneer

A San Francisco resident since 1998, and a proud member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus since 2002, Michael is an inspired and inspiring auctioneer with a demeanor that endears him to diverse audiences. He is unabashedly passionate about his commitment to helping nonprofits achieve their goals. Over the past decade, he has worked with more than 50 local, national, and international nonprofit organizations to maximize their gala fundraising efforts. He can be reached on Facebook at Michael Tate Auctions or [email protected].

TICKET INFORMATION

Contact us for ticket info, [email protected]

fOR DETAILS ON ALL TICKET LEVELS, PLEASE CLICK ON THE TICKET PRICE

● Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for up to 10 guests
● Sponsor recognition in all event materials, including signage and digital program
● Your name/company logo included in continuous sponsor loop and event website
● Premium table location at dinner
● Your name/company logo included on digital invitation, marketing and press materials
● Rights to use SFGMC logo, photos, and video in your corporate/philanthropy materials
● VIP table location at dinner
● Verbal recognition from the stage during the program
● Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for up to 10 guests
● Sponsor recognition in all event materials, including signage and digital program
● Your name/company logo included in continuous sponsor loop and event website
● Premium table location at dinner
● Your name/company logo included on digital invitation, marketing and press materials
● Rights to use SFGMC logo, photos, and video in your corporate/philanthropy materials
● VIP table location at dinner
● Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for up to 10 guests
● Sponsor recognition in all event materials, including signage and digital program
● Your name/company logo included in continuous sponsor loop and event website
● Premium table location at dinner
● Your name/company logo included on digital invitation, marketing and press materials
● Rights to use SFGMC logo, photos, and video in your corporate/philanthropy materials
● Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for up to 10 guests
● Sponsor recognition in all event materials, including signage and digital program
● Your name/company logo included in continuous sponsor loop and event website
● Premium table location at dinner
● Your name/company logo included on digital invitation, marketing and press materials
● Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for up to 10 guests
● Sponsor recognition in all event materials, including signage and digital program
● Your name/company logo included in continuous sponsor loop and event website
Premium seat location for dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for 1 guest
Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for 1 guest

MORE ABOUT CRESCENDEO

This prestigious event has previously honored remarkable individuals and organizations, including Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Mayor London Breed, and Kristin Chenoweth, among others.

The Crescendo Gala supports the artistic and outreach initiatives of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, including our work with the Chan National Queer Arts Center and the Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program. The evening will feature captivating performances by the Chorus, moving testimonials, and exciting auction items, all designed to raise critical funds for our mission to champion equality and spread joy through music.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the SFGMC family, the Crescendo Gala promises to be a night of elegance, empowerment, and connection. Dress in your finest attire and prepare to be inspired as we come together to celebrate.

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis
Greg Sarris

CRESCENDO CO-CHAIRS

Bryan Catanzaro
Sally Kay

HONORARY COMMITTEE

Hon. Rafael Mandelman
LeAnn Rimes
Stephen Schwartz
Dr. Betty Sullivan
Hon. Scott Wiener

Jack Calhoun + Trent Norris
Terrence Chan + Edward Sell
Kristin Chenoweth
Janet Cluff
Thomas E. Horn

CRESCENDO COMMITTEE

Rylan Ayers
Brandon Baranco
Rev. Miguel Bustos
Meghan Cast
Kama Fletcher
Adrienne Foley
Raymond Gonzales
Andrew Ryan Hall
Neil Harper

Vinney Lê
Sean Livingston
Jacqueline Mills
Butch Merideth
Peter Rodway
Max Rosen
Udit Sood
Selina Sun

Live Auction Items

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Bali Bliss: A Seven-Night Escape for Two

Escape to Amed, Bali, for a seven-night stay for two in a private cottage at a serene boutique resort. Enjoy daily breakfast, two full-body massages, a special farewell dinner, and private airport transport. Choose between a cultural excursion to Tirta Gangga Water Palace or Pura Lempuyang Temple with a private driver, or an underwater adventure with a master diver-led dive (certification required) or self-guided snorkeling. With lush gardens, a pool, a spa, and full concierge service, this is the ultimate Bali retreat!

Donors: Sojourn Ventures and SFGMC

Savor the Stars: A Year of Michelin Dining in the Bay Area

Experience the pinnacle of culinary excellence with a year of Michelin-starred dining in the Bay Area. This package includes dinner for two at 12 curated restaurants, each adorned with coveted Michelin stars: Quince, Californios, Commis, Mister Jiu’s, Hilda and Jesse, Angler, 7 Adams, The Progress, Chez Noir, Kin Khao, PRESS, and Gary Danko. Plus a 2-night stay at the Westin St. Francis.

Donors: SFGMC Board of Directors and Westin St. Francis

A Night to Remember: Private Chorus Party for 25

Elevate your next celebration with an unforgettable private party featuring members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus! Whether it’s a birthday, holiday soirée, wedding, work event, or anniversary, your 25 guests will be serenaded in style with a 20-minute set by the soaring voices of SFGMC. Sip on fine wine while soaking in the magic of live music. Host this exclusive event at the stunning Chan National Queer Arts Center or a venue of your choice—either way, it’s guaranteed to be an evening of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

Donors: SFGMC and Rodney Strong Winery. Date and venue to be mutually agreed upon. Set to feature songs from the Chorus songbook.

Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania Safari: Big Game, Gorillas & The Great Migration

Embark on an eight-day adventure for two with Wilderness, the world leader in eco-luxury safaris across Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. For a preview, Click Here.

Begin with two days at Magashi, a stunning tented camp in Akagera National Park, where you’ll encounter lions, leopards, elephants, and black rhinos in a pristine savannah setting. Then, journey to award-winning Bisate Lodge for two days in Volcanoes National Park, staying in luxurious, thatched forest villas with panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains with the opportunity to visit gorillas*.

Conclude your journey with three days at Usawa Serengeti, a luxury mobile camp that follows the Great Migration, offering a front-row seat to hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras, dramatic river crossings, and thrilling predator action. This once-in-a-lifetime safari combines big game encounters, gorilla trekking, and the magic of the Serengeti, all with the finest accommodations. All meals, game rides, and transfers between lodges included.

Donor: Wilderness and SFGMC (Gorilla permit not included.)

Sponsorship list updated as of March 21, 2025

More About Sheryl Lee Ralph

On screen, Ralph has captivated audiences with her versatility, delivering memorable performances in films like Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and To Sleep with Anger, as well as in iconic television series. Her portrayal of the wise and compassionate Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary earned her an Emmy Award in 2022, further cementing her legacy as a beloved and critically acclaimed performer.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Ralph has made a profound impact as a philanthropist and advocate. A fierce champion for HIV/AIDS awareness, she founded the D.I.V.A. Foundation (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware) in 1990, dedicated to eradicating stigma, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by the disease. Her annual benefit event, Divas Simply Singing!, is one of the longest-running AIDS awareness fundraisers in the United States. Ralph is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, frequently lending her voice to promote acceptance, inclusion, and equality. Furthermore, she has worked tirelessly to inspire and empower young people, especially young women of color, by championing education, self-confidence, and resilience.

Ralph’s philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Harvard Black Men’s Forum Woman of the Year Award and recognition from the United Nations for her work in HIV/AIDS advocacy. She was also named OUT Magazine's 2024 Advocate of the Year. Her contributions to the arts and society reflect her commitment to making a difference and uplifting marginalized communities.

With a career spanning over four decades, Sheryl Lee Ralph continues to inspire through her artistry, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to social justice and empowerment, solidifying her legacy as a true trailblazer.

More About Angelica Ross

Angelica’s acting breakthrough came in the form of Ryan Murphy’s Award Winning FX hit series, Pose — which follows NYC’s Black and Latino LGBTQ+ and gender-nonconforming ballroom culture scene in the 80’s and early 90’s. The show features the largest transgender cast ever for a scripted series, making TV history! Vanity Fair raved that, “Angelica Ross steals many of her scenes as ‘Candy’, the brashest member of the ‘House of Abundance.’

Since studying acting at Florida Atlantic University, Angelica has appeared across numerous mediums, including film, television, and theater. One project, the Emmy-nominated (Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama) web series Her Story, received special recognition at the GLAAD Media Awards. Angelica and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah were also honored with a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode for her interview segment. Angelica Ross also appeared in Transparent (Amazon), Claws (TNT), Doubt (CBS), and Danger & Eggs (Amazon) and starred as ‘Georgia’ in the award-winning documentary Framing Agnes, that took home the 2022 Sundance Festival’s coveted Next Innovator and Audience Award..

Miss Ross also works behind the camera! She has executive produced and appeared in the Daytime Emmy-nominated web series King Ester ( 2019), and in the short film, Missed Connections (2017), which went on to be an official selection at the Outfest LGBTQ Film Festival, the La Femme International Film Festival, and the Baltimore International Black Film Festival.

Angelica Ross is the President of Miss Ross, Inc. and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, an award-winning program that helps people lift themselves out of poverty through technical training, digital work creating a social impact, resource-sharing and bringing economic empowerment to marginalized communities with a focus on Black queer and trans.

2024 PHOTO GALLERY - STEP & REPEAT

The Step & Repeat is always a fabulous place to capture the fun and glamour of Crescendo. Relive the excitement from our 2024 event.

All photos by Drew Altizer Photography.

2024 Honorees and Performances

Three awe-inspiring performances by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus beautifully framed an evening of inspiring honorees, fearless speeches, and hilarious banter from Michael Tate.

All photos by Drew Altizer Photography.

2024 Live Auction and After-Party

Michael Tate ensured our live auction and Fund the Future made this a record breaking evening for SFGMC. It was the perfect way to send us all to the after-party with great dance tunes from DJ Kidd, a chance for everyone to leave a note on The Love Wall, and the best night caps to accompany the French fry bar!

A special thanks to the remarkable staff at The Westin St. Francis who made sure everything went perfectly!