SAN FRANCISCO — Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation has announced that Emmy-, Tony- and Golden Globe-nominated song and dance man Matthew Morrison is headlining the “Once Upon a Time” gala, set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Regency Ballroom, 1290 Sutter St., San Francisco.
Gold Sponsor reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., program and show at 8 p.m., dancing to Wonderbread 5 at 9:30 p.m. Cocktail attire.
“This year, we’re thrilled to be launching an exciting new Always Dream Foundation Gala tradition,” said Yamaguchi. “Our first presentation of ‘Once Upon a Time’ will feature the amazing talents of television and Broadway star Matthew Morrison.
“Once again, the main focus of our event will be the kids who need our help the most. Our dynamic, multi-faceted literacy program, Always Reading, is starting to hit its stride. So far this year, the program has been introduced in 12 schools, in five Bay Area counties.
“With the help of our generous, extended family of donors and partners, we’ve made a direct and lasting difference in the lives of more than 900 of the youngest students in underserved communities. We’re making real progress in our efforts to advance the cause of early childhood literacy as we work to close the achievement gap for children in these high-need areas.
“Please join me for an evening of fabulous music and, in the process, help us write a story that’s sure to have a happy ending for thousands of Bay Area kids and their families.”
Though best known for his role on “Glee,” Morrison hails from Broadway with a long list of credits, including “Hairspray,” “Footloose,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The “Kristi’s Favorite Things” live auction for guests only will feature such items as airline tickets and hotel accommodations for two to attend tapings of “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; and dinner for 10 prepared by gold medalist Brian Boitano at your house with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and signed copies of his cookbook, “What Would Brian Boitano Make?”
Event sponsors are Iamarca Prosecco, United Airlines, and William Hill Estate Winery. Honorary co-chairs are Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton; dinner co-chairs are Phyllis Romine and Dorothy Torresi. Dinner Committee members are Jim Adler, Bret Hedican, Reiko Iwanaga, Bonnie Kwong, Joanna Lin, Leanne Troy, Mark Wehrman, Carole and Jim Yamaguchi, and Jan Yanehiro.
Gold ticket holders start the party early at a pre-dinner reception with Yamaguchi and celebrity guests. Tickets for the show and post-party only are also available. For out-of-town guests, a special “Always Dream” rate has been arranged at the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown.
Visit www.alwaysdream.org or call (925) 309-4359 for tickets and more information.