Raphael House’s 2025 Gala Supports Bay Area Families

Founded in 1971 as San Francisco’s first shelter designed specifically for families, Raphael House has set a new standard of service for families experiencing homelessness. The shelter provides a home-like environment and wraparound service to help ensure that homelessness is a temporary condition. Each year, Raphael House’s Black & White Gala is the organization’s largest fundraising event, and this year it featured a jam-packed program filled with celebration, speeches, a live auction and a Fund-a-Future paddle raise.

The gala was held in its usual spot at the Palace Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, which was festooned with huge garlands of cherry blossoms in homage to the season. Master of ceremonies Liam Mayclem guided the buzzy crowd through a gourmet meal, an exciting live auction and heartfelt testimonials about the importance of the organization’s work. Together, guests celebrated the people Raphael House serves through its Residential and Bridge programs. In the past decade, 87% of families in their shelter transitioned to stable housing. All told, the 2025 gala raised over $880,000 to support families navigating homelessness in the Bay Area.