Celebrating 20 Years of Success: A Standout Night at The Disco Ball

Written By Liz Gold

By the end of the night, the room was on its feet and many were in tears. That's what happens when a sold-out ballroom hears Melissa's story — and realizes that the work they're supporting is real, and it's working.

On Saturday, April 18, Dress for Success San Francisco celebrated 20 years at The Disco Ball Gala at Terra Gallery, raising $420,000 to support women's economic mobility across the Bay Area.

From the moment guests arrived, disco ball reflections and light filled the space, creating an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and deeply connected to the mission. The energy in the room reflected what makes this community so strong — a shared commitment to ensuring women across the Bay Area have access to opportunity, support, and a path forward.

The celebration was also recognized by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which presented Dress for Success San Francisco with two Certificates of Honor celebrating the organization's 20 years of service to the city. 

A Powerful Success Story

The room heard from Melissa, a single mother, immigrant, and survivor of domestic violence who came to Dress for Success San Francisco after escaping an abusive relationship with her two children, a small backpack, and, as she described it, "the courage to believe that life could be different."

Originally from Mexico City, Melissa holds a Master's degree in Science, but found herself rebuilding from the ground up after personal hardship — including a period of living in a shelter with her children.

Through Dress for Success, Melissa received career wardrobe support and one-on-one coaching that helped her regain confidence, refine her resume, and prepare for interviews. She credits Shay Burlingame, Program Associate, with helping her see herself again — not as someone broken, but as someone with value, dignity, and potential.

Today, Melissa is the co-founder of Home Support and Companionship, a San Francisco-based worker-owned cooperative that employs 10 people and serves 24 clients — with plans to expand this summer as part of Vivid Life, a worker-owned home care initiative in California. She has also earned two scholarships at City College of San Francisco and is preparing to transfer to San Francisco State University, where she hopes to one day earn a Ph.D. in Public Health.

"Dress for Success didn't just give me clothes — it gave me confidence, dignity, and hope," she said. "Your donations, your time, your compassion — they don't just change appearances. They change lives, restore dreams, and help women like me find our wings again."

Melissa's remarks brought the room to its feet — and many in the audience to tears. Among them was 2026 Beacon Award honoree Hilary Newsom, who called Melissa "her hero.”

20 Years of Impact

Melissa's story is one of thousands. Twenty years ago, Dress for Success San Francisco started in the basement of Old Saint Mary's, serving 21 women with no office, no staff, and a few racks of donated clothing. Today, the organization has supported more than 19,000 women across the Bay Area — including a record 1,345 women served in 2025 alone.

Behind that number: 923 wardrobe appointments, 253 coaching sessions, 71 cohort program graduates, and more than 3,200 individual moments of support. All provided free of charge.

Within 12 months of completing cohort programs, clients increase their income by an average of 191%. That's not a rounding error. That's transformation — for one woman, one household, one community at a time.

"The Disco Ball is more than a celebration," said Erin C. Badillo, Executive Director of Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose. "It's a reflection of what's possible when women are supported and seen."

An Evening to Remember

The Disco Ball welcomed more than 350 guests and a remarkable lineup of leaders who share the organization's belief that opportunity should be available to every woman.

Legendary actress Rita Moreno and her daughter Fernanda Fisher served as Honorary Co-Chairs, bringing two generations of talent, grace, and personal connection to the stage. As a mother herself, Rita spoke movingly about knowing what it means to need someone in your corner — and what Dress for Success offers to women every day.

Three-time Emmy Award-winning NBC Bay Area News anchor Janelle Wang returned as emcee — a full-circle moment, as Janelle emceed the organization's very first fundraiser nearly 20 years ago.

The evening also welcomed:

  • Joanie Bily, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide

  • Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

  • Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman

  • Renee Surcouf, founding Executive Director of Dress for Success San Francisco

"You are leaders within our global network," said Joanie Bily. "This team is not only serving women at a high level — they are helping shape what this work looks like for others. They are piloting new programs, building partnerships with global companies, and creating models that other Dress for Success organizations are learning from and adapting around the world."

Honoring Leadership

The Disco Ball celebrated three extraordinary leaders as its 2026 Success Honorees.

Hilary Newsom, President and Partner of The PlumpJack Group, received the Beacon Award — presented by Anne Cochran Sutton. The Beacon Award honors a leader whose work lights the way for women through business leadership, philanthropy, and sustained commitment to expanding access and opportunity. Since 1992, PlumpJack's philanthropic efforts have contributed more than $6.5 million to Northern California nonprofit organizations.

"Hilary understands that leadership isn't just about what you build — it's about who you bring along with you," said Anne Cochran Sutton.

California Governor Gavin Newsom made a special appearance via video to congratulate his sister on being a Success Honoree and receiving the Beacon Award. "Hilary has always recognized that no one stands taller than when he or she bends down on one knee to lift other people up," he said.

Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President of Delta Dental Community Care Foundation and Delta Dental of California, and Board Chair of the American Red Cross Bay Area, was recognized for her sustained commitment to workforce development and community-based care — including a $35,000 matching gift that doubled donations at the $1,000 level during the paddle raise.

Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, was honored for her leadership in guiding the district's post-pandemic recovery with a vision rooted in safety, revitalization, and belonging for all.

The Surprise of the Night

No one saw it coming. During the live auction, Rita Moreno and Fernanda Fisher spontaneously offered to host a private dinner for six in their homes — and the room erupted. What started as a generous off-the-cuff moment quickly grew into a one-of-a-kind experience, with wine from The PlumpJack Group, overnight accommodations at the Palace Hotel, and Timothy Adams Chocolate added to the package. It was the kind of moment that only happens when the right people are in the right room.

Thank You, Sharon Seto

This year marked the final Disco Ball chaired by Sharon Seto — after eight extraordinary years of leadership.

"Sharon Seto has led this gala with consistency, vision, and care," said Erin Badillo. "She has helped grow this event into what it is today — bringing people together, building relationships, and ensuring that this room reflects the strength of this community."

When Sharon took the helm in 2018, the gala raised approximately $150,000 and brought together around 150 people. This year, a sold out crowd filled the room and the event raised $420,000 — the most successful gala since 2022. Sharon, thank you. Eight beautiful, lucky years.

2026 Pearl Circle Host Committee

A Night Built by Many

Behind every great evening is a village — and this one was extraordinary. This evening would not have been possible without the many partners, vendors, and supporters who contributed their time, talent, and resources.

A special thank you to Nicole Villa Krassner, whose vision and meticulous production brought the entire evening to life — from the immersive lighting and design to every detail guests experienced from arrival to after-party. And to the Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose staff, who bring this mission to life every single day — this night was as much yours as anyone's.

Volunteer Leadership

  • Sharon Seto, Chair

  • Rita Moreno & Fernanda Fisher, Honorary Co-Chairs

  • Angela Zhang, Daniel Hung, Jason Lim, Melanie Seto & Stephanie Block, After Party Co-Chairs

A heartfelt thank you to the Pearl Circle Host Committee, whose leadership and dedication helped make this evening possible:

Pearl Circle Host Committee

  • Anette L. Harris

  • Angela Zhang

  • Anglia Benjamin Yancey

  • Annette & Mansoor Farmanfarmaian

  • Antonio Contreras

  • Autumn O'Keefe

  • Rina Donovan

  • Farah Makras

  • Elizabeth J. Folger

  • Heidi Imbus

  • Jennifer Kurrie

  • Joel Goodrich

  • Kevin Ryan

  • Lillian Tsai

  • Lorna Randlett

  • Mark Rhoades

  • Mary Jung

  • Mary Anne Baysac

  • Marybeth LaMotte

  • Nancy Hoffman

  • Saul Sugarman

  • Susan E. Tom

  • Tina Kwok

  • Vicky Wong

  • Wendy Soone-Broder

In-kind Sponsors:

Vendors:

We were also lucky to have many generous auction donors, who are listed here.

Looking Ahead

With 20 years of service and more than 19,000 women supported across San Francisco and San Jose, this work continues because of a community that shows up — with generosity, commitment, and belief in what's possible.

We are still feeling the energy from Saturday night and are deeply grateful to everyone who made it such a success.

You can continue to support our work with a donation here.

Important Links

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This evening would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. 

Diamond Sponsor

Delta Dental

Platinum Sponsor

Cochran Family Law

Gold Sponsor

Dauray Tannahill

Silver Sponsors

Amazon

Golden State Warriors

Nia Community Foundation

Jennifer Kurrie

Seyfarth Shaw

Seto Family

Timothy Foo

Tina Kwok & Wendy Soone Broder

Bronze Sponsors 

Anglia Benjamin Yancey

Anette Harris & Susan Tom

Angela Zhang & Annette Farmanfarmaian 

Anita Battle

Catherine & Michael Donovan

Diana Liu

Erin & Jonathan Badillo

Farah Makras

Kenzie Ferguson

Mary Anne Baysac

Plumpjack Foundation

San Francisco Assoc of Realtors

Marisa Rodriguez & Stephanie Block

Susannah Howard

Traci Schmitz & Vicky Wong

Duo Sponsors

Evyn Zell

Jeanine Thorpe & David Schellhase

Jennifer Johnston

San Francisco Health Plan


Late Night Snacks

Bank of Marin

Media Sponsors

Nob Hill Gazette

San Francisco Magazine


Liz Gold
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Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week