Each year, San Diego Opera identifies honorees who exhibit leadership, positively affect people’s lives, and demonstrate a deep commitment to fulfilling our mission - to deliver exceptional vocal performances and exciting, accessible programs to diverse audiences, focusing on community engagement and the transformative power of live performance. We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and dedication of Sherry and Kevin Ahern.

With a lifelong love of poetry, arts and music, Sherry and Kevin have been champions of San Diego Opera for over ten years. As dedicated philanthropists and respected leaders, they have invested their time into giving back to the community they love. As Chairman and CEO of the company he founded, Ahern Agribusiness, Inc., Kevin envisioned new possibilities for the cross-border relationship of San Diego County and Mexico, with special focus on accelerating the growth of agri-business. While serving on the SDO Board of Directors, Kevin played an important role in influencing many of the Hispanic initiatives that have created a lasting change in our community. By forming unique partnerships, Kevin propelled SDO’s commitment to accessing diverse audiences and providing a lasting cultural service.

In addition to her support of SD Opera, Sherry is an advocate for many organizations in San Diego, graciously giving her time and talents to raise financial support and awareness. Twenty three years ago Sherry successfully founded the La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market that takes place every Sunday. All monies are donated to La Jolla Elementary School. And fourteen years ago she founded The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival that takes place every October. All monies are donated to the five public schools. Sherry is involved with and has been the recipient of The Women of Dedication award as well as women of the year for City of Hope, volunteer of the year for the La Jolla Kiwanis, Town Council Hometown Heroes and Volunteer of the year 2021 for Diabetes Research Connection to name a few.

Sherry and Kevin have stood by San Diego Opera every step of the way, especially during the two years when our stages fell silent. We thank Sherry and Kevin for their unmatched service and generosity.

Reginald Smith, Jr. made a memorable San Diego Opera debut in February 2022 as Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte, with critics lauding his “smooth,” “powerful,” and “rich” baritone voice. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he has appeared with opera companies and symphony orchestras throughout the United States and abroad. Reginald made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Jim in Porgy and Bess in 2019. He is a Grand Finals winner of the 2015 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and a graduate of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, and was chosen to represent the United States in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 Competition.

Wendy Charines (music teacher, San Ysidro High School)
Wendy is a professional vocalist and music teacher at San Ysidro High School.

 

Shayla James (Teaching Artist, arts administrator, researcher)
Shayla is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, arts administrator and researcher who has studied Music through undergraduate and graduate studies.

 

Edward Moller (art teacher, Lincoln High School)
Edward is the head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department and Art teacher/Artist at Lincoln High School. Mr. Moller is passionate about the work he does with his students by creating a space to have their voices heard without censorship or judgement.

 

Serafin Paredes (music teacher, Logan Memorial Educational Complex)
Serafin is a music teacher at Logan Memorial Educational Campus, and a Lecturer and Director of Mariachi at University of San Diego.

 

Gene Yee (teacher, Hedenkamp Elementary)
Eugene has taught for the Chula Vista Elementary School District and brought his students to Student Night at the Opera for over 25 years. He has also been a San Diego Opera subscriber since 1981.

BENEFACTORS

$50,000

• Complimentary two-night stay in the Champion Suite overlooking Golf Course with Ocean View reserved for the event date or future date, based on availability.
• If Champion Suite is not available on event date, one standard guest room will be provided. Champion Suite may then be reserved for a later date.
• Table for ten guests with preferred seating placement.
• Invitation for four to an exclusive Honorary Committee Party scheduled on a date just prior to the Gala.
• Recognition on prominent signage throughout the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.
• Verbal recognition from General Director David Bennett during the evening.
• Dedicated recognition of your contribution in SDO performance programs, website, e-mail blasts, and social media posts.
• Up to six complimentary tickets for an upcoming Main Stage opera.
• Discounted opera tickets for all company employees for 2021-22 Season (25% off Tues-Fri performances).
• Recognition in the event program as an Honorary Committee Member. *

$25,000

• Complimentary two-night stay at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines overlooking Golf Terrace or Ocean View.
• Table for ten guests with preferred seating placement.
• Invitation for four to an exclusive Honorary Committee Party held prior to the gala.
• Recognition on prominent signage throughout the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.
• Verbal recognition from General Director David Bennett during the evening.
• Dedicated recognition of your contribution in SDO performance programs, website, e-mail blasts, and social media posts.
• Up to six complimentary tickets for an upcoming Main Stage opera.
• Recognition in the event program as an Honorary Committee Member.

$15,000

• Complimentary one-night stay at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines on the day of the event.
• Table for ten guests with preferred seating placement.
• Invitation for four to an exclusive Honorary Committee Party held prior to the gala.
• Recognition on prominent signage throughout the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.
• Dedicated recognition of your contribution in SDO performance programs, website, e-mail blasts, and social media posts.
• Up to six complimentary tickets for an upcoming Main Stage opera.
• Recognition in the event program as an Honorary Committee Member. *

TABLE HOST

$10,000

• Table for ten guests with preferred seating placement.
• Invitation for four to an exclusive Honorary Committee Party held prior to the gala.
• Recognition in the event program as an Honorary Committee Member & Table Host. *

$5,000

• Table for ten guests on the gala lawn.
• Invitation for two to an exclusive Honorary Committee Party held prior to the gala.
• Recognition in the event program as an Honorary Committee Member & Table Host. *

CORPORATE SPONSOR BENEFITS:

• Logo recognition on Donor Wall signage at Main Stage operas, including the season-opening World Premiere of El último sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego).
• Logo included in all performance programs on the Corporate Sponsors page.
• Logo and link on the Corporate Sponsors webpage of SDOpera.org.
• 25% corporate discount on tickets for San Diego Opera productions extended exclusively to company employees.

*Pledges must be received no later than May 18, 2022. For recognition in the event program.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

FMV = $250 per ticket

$1,000 gala ticket per person offers preferred seating in the dining area.

$500 gala ticket offers perimeter seating in the dining area.

All gala tickets include three-course dinner, champagne upon arrival, wine service with dinner and complimentary valet service.

To learn more or to arrange for sponsorship or tickets, contact Darin Dietz at darin.dietz@sdopera.org or (619) 533-7033. Please make checks payable to San Diego Opera. Mailing address: SD Opera, 233 A Street, Suite 500, SD CA 92101.

Gala underwriters are an essential piece of the fundraising efforts for the annual Gala. All underwriting gifts are fully deductible and include recognition in the Gala Event Program, Event Signage, Video Loop during event, SDO Website and all eBlasts related to the 2022 Gala.

In addition to recognition in the Gala program and on other printed materials, Underwriters of at least $5,000 will receive an invitation to our annual Honorary Committee thank you party scheduled on a date just prior to the Gala. This event is held in appreciation of our Honorary Committee members and scheduled just prior to the Gala.

UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES

$25,000

Gala Venue, Dinner and Wine

$15,000

Custom Gala Paddle Raise Video Presentation Production Costs

$10,000

Gala Entertainment, Travel and Hospitality

$5,000

Wine & Champagne and Honorary Committee Thank You Party

$2,500

Event Photography

$1,000

Valet Service

*Pledges must be received no later than May 18, 2022 for recognition in the event program.

To learn more or to arrange for sponsorship or tickets, contact Darin Dietz at darin.dietz@sdopera.org or (619) 533-7033. Please make checks payable to San Diego Opera. Mailing address: SD Opera, 233 A Street, Suite 500, SD CA 92101.

We will bring out tremendous local talent to the stage; featuring soprano, Tasha Koontz and bass-baritone, Ted Pickell.

Hotel La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla. Specially priced guest rooms are offered at $209.00 per night. Reservations for rooms must be received by May 5, 2022. For guest room reservations please call 1-800-445-8667 and reference Group Code SDO622.

Or use the link below

Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/go/SDO622

Gala begins at 6:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. The event is outside on the Fairway Gardens

FAQ’s

• Valet Service Provided
• Golf Cart service provided to the event space as needed
• Black Tie Optional