POPULAR ANNUAL BENEFIT TO HONOR SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR LONDON  BREED AND TRIBAL LEADER GREG SARRIS AND THE FEDERATED INDIANS OF  GRATON RANCHERIA 

EVENT PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT SFGMC’S ARTISTIC, EDUCATIONAL,  AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 

*** SATURDAY, APRIL 22 AT 5:30 P.M. *** 

SAN FRANCISCO (February 16, 2023)—Today, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Chief Executive  Officer Chris Verdugo and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg announced Crescendo, SFGMC’s annual  benefit honoring champions who support the LGBTQ+ community and advance LGBTQ+ equality  through their commitment to change, their leadership, and their actions. Now in its 17th year, Crescendo will take place on Saturday, April 22 at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (757 Market  St.). 

Hailed as one of the most anticipated social events of the season, Crescendo kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a  cocktail reception where guests will enjoy welcome bites, celebratory libations, and mingling. At 7 p.m.,  guests will gather in the beautiful Four Seasons dining room to be treated to a multicourse gourmet  seated dinner. The celebratory evening includes performances from the San Francisco Gay Men’s  Chorus, awards, and a live auction where guests will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind  experiences, packages, and items. The evening will conclude with a champagne and dessert reception  where guests will toast to an unforgettable night. 

Two prestigious awards will be presented that evening—San Francisco Mayor London Breed will be  honored with the Ally Award; and Tribal Leader Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton  Rancheria will be honored with the Visionary Award. The recipient of SFGMC's annual Vanguard  Award will be announced at a later date.

“We have an unforgettable evening in store for our donors and sponsors,” said SFGMC CEO Chris  Verdugo. “Hearing our singing members in such an intimate setting is always an unparalleled  experience. We look forward to celebrating the power of music and honoring Mayor London Breed and  Tribal Leader Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. They both have made  significant contributions that align with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' mission to build  community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and around the world.” 

Marking his first Crescendo as the new Artistic Director, Jacob Stensberg added, “Last year, Crescendo  was the most successful fundraiser ever for SFGMC. I’m excited to be a part of aiming to increase the  impact of the event this year. In addition to the live performances of our singing members, this is our  chance to lift the voices of all those who donate and ensure we continue to sustain SFGMC’s  performances and impactful educational and community programs throughout the year.” 

Single tickets for Crescendo are available for $450 and includes admission to the cocktail reception,  seated dinner, and dessert reception. Sponsorships begin at $4,500 and includes admission for up to 10  guests. To purchase single tickets, visit sfgmc.org/crescendo. To become a sponsor, contact  development@sfgmc.org. 

Crescendo is co-chaired by Sally Kay and Vinney Le. Sponsors include Platinum Sponsors: Chansell Capital  Properties, Inc., and Graton Resort & Casino; Gold Sponsors: Steve Gallagher and Chris Thorne, Joe  Summerill and Wes Bizzell; Wine Partner: Rodney Strong Vineyards; Hotel Partner: Intercontinental Hotel 

About SFGMC 

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance  at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George  Moscone. Since then, SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain,  lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope. 

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Chris Verdugo and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, SFGMC  has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral  industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact  and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground 

breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home  for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as The Chan National Queer Arts Center, the first-ever  community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations. 

For more information on SFGMC, visit www.sfgmc.org 

Visit SFGMC TV: www.sfgmc.org/sfgmctv 

SFGMC Archive contact: archive@sfgmc.org 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgmc