Saturday, April 25, 2026, 5 pm
The Westin St. Francis Hotel - 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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.
2025 Photo Gallery
Photos by Drew Altizer
EVENT HONOREES
Gilead - Corporate CHampion Award
This prestigious award recognizes companies who have made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQIA+ equality through their extraordinary commitment, leadership, and actions. Gilead has long been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research, treatment, and prevention, transforming what it means to live with HIV and dramatically reducing the impact of this epidemic on LGBTQ+ lives around the globe.
Presented by Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Christopher Verdugo - vISIONARY lEADERSHIP aWARD
Christopher Verdugo is a nonprofit arts leader with over 25 years of experience advancing social change through culture and community. Since 2016, he has served as CEO of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, transforming it into a nationally recognized force for social justice through music. Under his leadership, the Chorus quintupled its budget, launched a major capital campaign, opened the groundbreaking Chan National Queer Arts Center, and led the historic Lavender Pen Tour through the Deep South to build bridges in communities facing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. After a nearly decade-long tenure, this will be his final season with the Chorus.
SPECIAL GUEST HOST - MONÉT X CHANGE
Monét X Change is the definition of star power. She is a classically trained vocalist, powerhouse performer, and the first queen ever to win Miss Congeniality and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. With her signature blend of razor sharp wit, flawless glamour, and opera meets pop brilliance, Monét has become one of the most beloved and versatile entertainers in the Drag Race universe. This year, she is bringing all that sparkle to Crescendo as our host, and she is ready to turn the night into pure magic.
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
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● 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
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● 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
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Seated dinner and show, cocktail reception, and dessert reception for 1 guest
MORE ABOUT CRESCENDO
This prestigious event has previously honored remarkable individuals and organizations, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, 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
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Greg Sarris
CRESCENDO CO-CHAIRS
Bryan Catanzaro
Adrienne Foley
CRESCENDO COMMITTEE
Jack Avery
Rylan Ayers
Tanya Bello
Lana Buchanan
Rev. Miguel Bustos
Aaron Clarke
Kama Fletcher
John Gile
Raymond Gonzale
Andrew Ryan Hall
Neil Harper
Sally Kay
Vinney Lê
Sean Livingston
Butch Merideth
Justin Nool
Alberto Rizo-Serrano
Peter Rodway
Max Rosen
Gary Ryan
Udit Soo
Selina Sun
SPONSORS
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsors receive premium hospitality and recognition benefits. An overview of all possible sponsorship opportunities, as well as a sponsorship order form, can be found below.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
