Chair: Kristen Marsh

Charity Event: San Francisco Ballet ENCORE! 2010 Opening Night Gala, Silver Celebration

Event Description: Silver Celebration begins with an elegant cocktail reception and dinner in the Mezzanine of City Hall followed by a performance in the War Memorial Opera House featuring the Company in a wide range of works selected in honor of Helgi Tomasson’s 25 years as artistic director of San Francisco Ballet.

Date of Event: January 20, 2010

Volunteer Organization: ENCORE!

Charity/Nonprofit Beneficiary: San Francisco Ballet

Event Website: http://www.sfballet.org/support/specialevents/encoregala.asp

Charity/Nonprofit Website: http://www.sfballet.org/

R.S.V.P: Maya Lawrence, Development Office, San Francisco Ballet; 415.865.6632 or e-mail mlawrence@sfballet.org

1. What is it about the organization that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?

The goal of ENCORE! is to create premier social and educational events for young men and women in the Bay Area, allowing our members the opportunity to experience the world class San Francisco Ballet from a behind the scenes perspective. ENCORE! contributes to SF Ballet through performance attendance by hosting a Pas de Trois series each Season, volunteer involvement and financial support with events such as Opening Night Gala. What I love about ENCORE! is that whether you are new to the ballet or a life long attendee, ENCORE! allows you to attend the ballet with a group of friends in a fun and informal setting. I think that anytime you learn more about an art form, you have a higher appreciation for it. The educational events are always a highlight for me and I am continuously impressed by the amazing events that ENCORE!, with the assistance of the wonderful staff at SF Ballet, have been able to produce for its members each year.

2. What will be special about the event? If this is an annual event, what will be new elements added to this year’s event?

Gala is an annual event and this year is particularly special since we will be honoring Helgi Tomasson’s incredible 25 years as artistic director. Helgi has been involved in all aspects of the preparations for the event, including the décor and dinner selection. Helgi is even providing the wine that will be served with dinner from his own vineyard. I also have no doubt that the selection of works that have been chosen in his honor for the Gala performance will be spectacular.

3. What constitutes success for you with regards to the specific event you’re chairing?

In my mind, the evening is a success if we provide our guests with an unforgettable evening of seeing old friends, making new ones and kicking off what is sure to be a wonderful ballet season.

4. How do you balance the quantifiable goal of raising money with the goal of broadening goodwill?

While it is important to meet the monetary goal for the event, I am also focused on subscriber development. I can meet both of these goals by making sure that each guest’s experience at the Gala leaves them wanting more since, after all, this is only the beginning of the season and if a guest has an amazing time at this year’s Gala, they are likely to make it annual event with even more guests the next year.

5. What plans have you made to address problems that may arise?

I am so lucky to have Ashley Stropes returning for a second year as the Operations Chair for Gala. By evaluating problem areas from last year and addressing them early on, we believe that we have already addressed many of the problem areas from last year, which was the first year ENCORE! held its Gala at City Hall. Specifically, we have increased the amount of communication with table hosts about the logistics for the evening and created a “Q & A” sheet for our volunteers to help them answer the basic questions that may arise.

6. Are there any pre-event parties for Benefactors?

ENCORE! hosted its Season Kick-Off event on January 12, 2010 at the Museum of Performance and Design and invited all Gala attendees.

7. What background do you have to take on the role as Chair?

I was the Reservations Chair for the ENCORE! 2009 Gala. In that position, I was involved in many different aspects of planning for Gala, from the invitation to the performance and dinner seating.

8. Have you chaired other charitable events? If so, please name them.

This is my first time chairing such an event.

9. What are you wearing to the event?

I am wearing a Nicole Miller Squareneck Tuck Gown in plum and carrying an antique beaded handbag that was my maternal grandmother’s.

10. What is your fundraising motto?

I believe people like to feel that they have an inside track in the organizations to which they choose to donate. By creating special events for our members where they have the opportunity to meet the dancers, the choreographers and even the Artistic Director, it enhances the experience of supporting the ballet.

12. What qualities make an event Chair successful?

The most important quality is to stay cool under pressure. No matter what, if you keep a calm head, you can pretty much fix any problem. You can’t do the job without help and delegation with clear, precise instructions is essential.

13. What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

I have to say the 2009 ENCORE! Opening Night Gala was particularly spectacular in my mind. It was the first time that ENCORE! held its Gala at City Hall and with the amazing décor and the beauty of that space, it was very special.

14. What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?

Treat each and every person with respect and don’t be afraid to ask. It is amazing what people can do when they are called upon. They may not volunteer but if you know they have a secret talent that can help you out, I have found that most people are honored if you ask them to contribute.

15. What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

Thank you notes. In these days of e-mail, it is very easy to send a quick note of thanks after an event to those that helped you out the most.