The 2026 Raphael House Black & White Gala was one for the books—in every sense imaginable. The San Francisco community gathered together in hordes to raise funds for the city’s longest standing shelter for families experiencing homelessness. On Saturday, May 9, the Palace Hotel hosted a record number of attendees for our annual gala (our first ever sold out night!). And the news we’ve all been waiting for… We raised $1,055,000 for Raphael House families! The highest number in the 46-year history of this event!
Our inimitable Gala Co-Chairs Britt Wenzler Ogelsby & Cheryl Sanclemente Zierten gathered a full room of philanthropists in an elegant tribute to Art Deco fashion and architecture. They started off the night with beautiful remarks on the longstanding impact of Raphael House programs—a cause they’ve demonstrated their continuing commitment to furthering, even bringing in their sons to volunteer at the shelter.
Board Chair Tom Poser and Executive Director Tina Burgelman thanked the crowd for their support of Raphael House through a momentous year. This year, for the first time in the shelter’s history, we secured multi-year funding from the City of San Francisco, and are opening up eight more rooms in our Residential Shelter. This year, as we celebrate 50 years at 1065 Sutter Street in Lower Nob Hill, we’re proud to be making much-needed capital improvements on our building.
This feat would not have been possible without our Community Spirit Award Honorees Danielle & Jon Mewes. While graciously accepting their award, Danielle Mewes spoke of how her father, Marvin, first introduced her family to Raphael House when one Christmas, they donated their allowances instead of exchanging gifts. Since then, they have been staunch supporters of our families, and have been invaluable friends to our programming.
Renowned auctioneer Liam Mayclem reprised his role as our master of ceremonies for the 17th year in a row. With his help, the room sparkled with an electric excitement. Our generous attendees bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences (a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui! Lionel Richie in concert!), and our volunteers ran the entire length of the ballroom trying to keep up with all the paddles popping into the air for more and more bids.
And for a moment, the room fell quiet. When former Raphael House resident and current Bridge Program Client Yolanda Quevedo took the stage, all eyes were on her. The audience wiped away tears as she told her moving journey from abuse, to Raphael House, to self-suffiency:
During my stay at Raphael House, I built a great deal of self-confidence, I learned that asking for help was okay.
Most importantly, I learned that there is hope during and after trauma and to believe in yourself— always.
It has been 13 years since we departed Raphael House. Since then we have been stably housed in San Leandro, CA. I currently work for the Housing Authority where I assist low income, elderly and disabled individuals obtain housing, rental assistance and related services towards self-sufficiency. I chose to do this important impactful work because I believe in addressing a fundamental human need and giving people the opportunity to have a better quality of life. I’m invested wholeheartedly in helping individuals and families secure permanent housing which is crucial for stability.
When Yolanda walked off the stage, her daughters presented her with an overflowing bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day. Not a single patron remained seated—the uproar of applause was matched with a standing ovation.
Our Fund-a-Future portion of the night was an amazing show of the crowd’s generosity. Guests raised their paddles to donate, and donors at the $1,000 level and higher took home a toy bear, much like the stuffed animals that Raphael House residents receive upon their arrival at the shelter!
And of course… a dance party to end the night! Thanks to the stylings of DJ Cams, the Gold Room was alight with movement (and a few glow sticks as well).
This night would not have been possible without Julie Briggs Dunn of JBD Events, Drew Altizer Photography, Bill Larsen & Mary Tesluk of actwosf, and the wonderful community of our Gala Committee and our generous sponsors, with a special thank you to the Gilead Foundation for their presenting sponsorship.
We’re still collecting final matching donations for our Gala fund at our website here—and we hope you’ll join us for many Galas to come!
