HANA GALA SPONSORS GUIDE

a.k.a Things You Always Wanted to Ask But Were Afraid To

On behalf of all of us at KACF-SF, thank you for sponsoring our annual HANA Gala! Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been a longtime supporter, we’ve created this Gala Guide to answer your questions and keep you informed about KACF-SF’s largest social event and fundraiser.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at HANA Gala!

What is Hana Gala?

The Hana Gala is the flagship event of the Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF), held annually to celebrate the local Korean community, gather Korean philanthropists, and fundraise to support the most critical needs of Koreans. It is the largest event of its kind on the West Coast.


This event is not just a festivity but also an opportunity to make a difference and address some of the pressing issues affecting our community, such as mental health, senior care, gender-based violence, economic security, and hate crimes. Your presence at the Hana Gala signifies a commitment to creating a positive change. Let's come together to reflect on the achievements of the past and contribute towards a future of an impactful, empowered, and generous Korean American community.

Event Logistics and Key Dates

The Hana Gala will take place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel San Francisco (600 Stockton Street, San Francisco) on May 3, 2025 at 5:30 pm. With about 500 guests in attendance, the evening will include cocktails, a seated dinner, live Auction, and our important Fund-a-Need campaign. Prepare for an inspiring evening full of entertainment and meaningful connection.

  • Gala Date & Time: May 3, 2025

    • 5:30 pm Registration and Cocktail Reception

    • 7:00 pm Dinner & Program

    • 9:30 pm Program Ends

  • Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco (600 Stockton Street, San Francisco)

    • Hotel Room Block: Superior Room $415/nt plus tax

      • Call 1-800-474-6503, reference code: M-TQPQKOU

      • Limited rooms available, Must book before 04/04

    • Valet Parking: $88 incl. tax

  • Sponsor Deadlines:

    • Last Day to be included for Program Ads: April 17

    • Last Day to Donate Tickets: April 23 

    • Guest List Submission: April 23

Gala Dinner Menu

Cocktail Reception

  • Premium Bar

  • Hors d’oeuvre

    • Poached Pear & Goat Cheese Tart Fennel Pollen D, G, V

    • Organic Beet Hummus, Jalapeno Relish, Pumpernickel Toast G, V

    • Crispy Pork Belly Lotus Buns, Spiced Asian Pear, Hoisin G

    • Indonesian Chicken Satay, Peanut Sauce G, N

 

Dinner & Program

  • SALAD

    • Bloomsdale Spinach, Persimmon, Pomegranate Arils, Feta Cheese, Spiced Pecans, Aged Sherry Vinaigrette D, N, V

  • ENTREE

    • Braised Short Rib of Beef, Potato & Feta Gratin, Buttered Savoy Cabbage, Confit Shallot, Red Wine Jus D 

    • White Miso Cod, Togarashi Dusted Brassicas, Kimchi Emulsion, Tempura Green Onion D, G

    • (V) Rose Harissa, Parsnip & Paneer Puff Pastry Parcel, Saffron Basmati Rice, Citrus Yogurt D, G, V

    • (VG) Cauliflower Steak

  • DESSERT

    • Yuzu Mousse, Black Sesame Cake, Infused Strawberries, White Chocolate Tuile D, G, N, V

Inviting Guests For Your Table

Inviting guests to join your table at the 2025 KACF-SF Annual Gala is a meaningful opportunity to engage friends, colleagues, and potential supporters in an inspiring evening. As you consider your invitations, we encourage you to think strategically about guests who will not only enjoy the experience but also actively participate—whether through donations, future engagement, or support for our mission.

If you need help filling your sponsored table, we’re happy to assist by connecting you with special guests from our community—such as Korean American first responders, educators, scholars, artists, or former honorees—who embody the values of KACF-SF. Thoughtfully curating your table can help strengthen connections and expand the impact of our collective efforts. If you’d like assistance, simply reach out to the KACF-SF team, and we’ll be glad to coordinate. 

What to Wear

For the 2025 KACF-SF Annual Gala, we encourage all guests to dress in elegant formal attire to fully enjoy this special evening. A professional photographer will be capturing the event, and photos will be shared with various publications, making this a wonderful opportunity to look and feel your best. We highly recommend dressing up to match the gala’s celebratory atmosphere—black-tie or cocktail attire is ideal. If you own a hanbok, we warmly invite you to wear it and showcase the beauty of Korean heritage. Your presence and style will contribute to the elegance and significance of the night!

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Bidding – Strategize Ahead of Time

Our Silent Auction is online only. Start your bidding strategy when you receive an email and/or text with your personal bid link, which allows you to bid on Silent Auction items and Count Me In party tickets. Don’t forget to save some of your budget for Fund-A-Neeed. Silent Auction closes on the night of the gala on May 3rd at midnight. If you’re having trouble with your bid link, please reach out to the KACF-SF team at gala@kacfsf.org.

There are three ways to bid on silent items. 

  • A traditional bid: place a fixed-amount bid on an item, and you will be notified through the bidding app on your phone if your bid has been exceeded by another bidder.

  • Buy It Now: allows you to purchase an item right away for a fixed price, rather than bid on it. Once you Buy It Now, that item is no longer up for auction, and is yours.  Many of the silent items will have Buy It Now pricing.

For live items, there will be bid paddles at your table for you to hold up during the Live Auction portion of the Gala.

Bidding with Friends

Often groups of friends decide to bid on an item together; this happens often with live auction items. If you want to purchase an item with friends, reach out to your friends before the Gala to form a syndicate. Prior to bidding, agree on who is in the group and the maximum you are all willing to pay for the item. The “lead bidder” does the bidding, but we can easily split the cost of the item on everyone’s final invoice, just ask! 

What is Fund-A-Need?

The Fund-A-Need campaign is a special opportunity for you to make a direct and meaningful impact on the Korean and Asian American communities in the Bay Area. During the HANA Gala, you can pledge a gift at various levels to support KACF-SF’s grantmaking and community programs, which provide critical resources to our nonprofit partners that serve low-income and under-resourced individuals and families. Through Fund-A-Need, you can see the direct impact of your support, often highlighted through powerful stories shared during the Gala. We hope you will support this vital and cherished part of the evening. If you are unable to attend the Gala but still want to participate in Fund-A-Need, please contact the KACF-SF team at gala@kacfsf.org.

FAQs

  • Q: I was invited to attend. Am I obligated to donate money?

    A: No, you are not obligated to donate money. The Hana Gala is an opportunity to learn more about KACF-SF’s mission, celebrate our community, and connect with others who support our work. While we do encourage giving to support our programs, any contribution is entirely voluntary.

  • Q: How can I get involved or learn more about KACF-SF?

    A: There are many ways to get involved with KACF-SF! You can attend our events, volunteer, or support our grantmaking efforts. To learn more, visit our website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media. You can also reach out to our team at info@kacfsf.org for more information.

  • Q: What are some other ways to donate?

    A: KACF-SF offers several ways to support its mission beyond traditional donations, such as Employee Matching Gifts, Stocks & Appreciated Securities, Legacy Gifts, and Cryptocurrency Donations. For more information on these giving options, please visit www.kacfsf.org/ways-to-give.

  • Q: Are children allowed to attend?
    A: While we love children, The HANA Gala is a formal fundraising event, and attendance is generally intended for adults 21 and older. If you have specific questions about bringing a child, please contact the KACF-SF team for guidance at gala@kacfsf.org