Photo Credit: Drew Altizer
Saturday night, San Francisco’s social set will gather at City Hall for the 2018 Red Cross Gala. The event promises to be a memorable night with a star-studded cast. Co-chair siblings, Devon and Steve Aoki will be in attendance, as well as honoree Tyler Florence, special guest host, James Van Der Beek, and auctioneer Franco Finn. For many, this year’s Gala is especially significant because of the Red Cross’ support of the Napa and Sonoma wildfire relief. In fact, this is why the Aokis were moved to join the cause.
Photo Credit: Drew Altizer
Tatum Getty, a committee member, convinced actress Devon, to come on board. “My dear friend Devon Aoki, who often hosts us at their family vineyard, lost a lot of sleep as her family watched the fires burn their land,” Getty told Haute Living by email. “I knew she’d be an incredible asset based on her huge heart, network, and drive. She has exceeded my expectations, securing countless sponsorships and one-of-a-kind live auction experiences, and of course bringing her brother Steve on as headliner DJ of the after party!”
Photo Credit: Drew Altizer
Devon’s father-in-law, Jim Bailey, is one of the owners of Knights Bridge Winery, a property that came dangerously close to the Calistoga wildfires. “He was evacuated from his home in Knights Valley and saw first-hand the incredible work of the Red Cross during the Tubbs Lane Fire,” Devon says. “At one point he housed the entire fire department! My father in law has made me especially proud by sponsoring the Gala. He has come through for us in an amazing way.”
Photo Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography
Devon convinced Van Der Beek and her brother to join her at the gala. “I’ve always known about the Red Cross and the important work that they do, so when my sister Devon asked me to co-chair this year’s gala I was happy to support both her and the organization,” Steve says. “Through my own charity, the Aoki Foundation, I’ve been able to support disaster relief organizations and local charities, so getting involved with the Red Cross seemed like a logical way to make an even greater impact. If I can help raise money, provide resources to those in need and bring awareness to issues that require our attention, then I am happy to dedicate my time to do so, and I hope my sister and I can continue to work together to support the Red Cross in the future.”
Photo Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography
The event begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. and follows with a seated dinner catered by Paula LeDuc with a program that honors Wells Fargo, Florence, Patrick Foley, and Jackson Phillips. The live auction features lots with luxe experiences with the Gettys and Aokis. “I knew that there’d be an eagerness to pitch in from our multiple friends and family who’d seen the fires firsthand,” Getty explains. “Their generosity has been overwhelming: From Rosetta Getty donating an incredible experience during New York Fashion Week and the Getty Museum offering a one-of-a-kind private tour, to patron sponsorships from the Gordon and Ann Getty and the Ariadne Getty Foundations, I’m proud of our family’s contribution to this year’s gala.”
The coolest lot though is a chance to party with Steve. Four people will be whisked from the gala to a private Gulfstream IV jet and fly to Las Vegas where they will sit beside Steve’s DJ booth as he performs late night at the Jewel Nightclub at the Aria Resort and Casino. It promises to be a thrilling and not-to-be-missed evening.
