Everything You Need to Know About Attending the 2026 Hana Gala
The big day is coming up! We look forward to honoring Chris Suh and Dr. Sewon Kang and seeing you at KACF-SF Hana Gala this Saturday, May 2, at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. Please note that registration for the gala and cocktail reception will begin at 5:30 PM, and our program and dinner will begin at 7:00 PM.
PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE GALA
We encourage all guests to pre-register on the Gala Portal to help streamline your check-in on Saturday evening.
Use this pre-registration link and click "LOG IN" at the top right to create an account or log in.
Enter your name and contact information so we can keep you updated throughout the night.
Select your meal preference for dinner (beef, fish, vegetarian, or special) by April 27, 2026. Need help deciding? Read our blog about the dinner menu.
Add your credit card information to participate in the auction and Fund-a-Need at the gala.
SCHEDULE
5:30 PM - Registration & Cocktail Reception
Photography by Drew Altizer Photography and Nicole Henderson Photography
Photo booth sponsored by Narae Partners
7:00 PM - Dinner & Program
Sponsor Recognition
Live Auction & Fund-a-Need
Award Ceremony
9:30 PM - Official Gala After-Party (이차)
Located next to the Ballroom
LOCATION AND PARKING
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
600 Stockton Street,
San Francisco, California 94108
For guests who enjoy the open bar, we recommend rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Waymo).
Valet parking is available at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco for a special reduced rate of $55 (including tax) for a standard-sized vehicle.
Additionally, parking is available at several nearby garages. Please note that the surrounding streets are steep and may be challenging for guests wearing heels:
ROOM BLOCK
For guests who wish to stay overnight at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, a special room block has been secured.
SPECIAL RATE ($415): Call 800-241-3333 and reference the Korean American Community Foundation or Booking Reference: KAGKAGA
PLAN AHEAD FOR AUCTIONS AND FUND-A-NEED
Our Silent Auction is online only but open to anyone on the Internet. 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 the Fund-A-Need, which is the paddle raise where everyone can donate to the KACF-SF fund.
The Silent Auction closes on the night of the gala on May 2nd at 7:30 PM. If you’re having trouble with your bid link, please reach out to the KACF-SF team at gala@kacfsf.org. Winners can pick up their items after the program concludes at 9:30 PM. Arrangements for delivery can also be made at the Auction Desk.
There are three ways to bid on auction 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 THE 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: By default, guests profiles have a credit card associated with them for any auction purchases or donations. If you prefer to pay via check or donor advised fund (DAF), please inform the registration desk or contact gala@kacfsf.org. 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: Yes! Based on feedback from guests and sponsors, we have changed our policy on younger guests. You are welcome to bring guests under the age of 21; however, be aware that there will be alcohol served. By bringing younger guests, you help them experience the practice of philanthropy.
