A NIGHT TO DREAM
San Diego Opera Gala 2022
On Saturday , June 4 , 2022 join us to celebrate opera , art , friendship , and San Diego Opera ’ s education programs in the community during “ A Night to Dream ,” the Company ’ s annual gala . Chaired this year by Rebecca and Eugene “ Mitch ” Mitchell , this evening will celebrate the leadership and contributions to San Diego Opera and the greater San Diego community by Kevin and Sherry Ahern . The elegant and festive affair will be inspired by the colors of the new opera by acclaimed composer Gabriela Lena Frank , El último sueño de Frida y Diego ( The Last Dream of Frida and Diego ), which will receive its world premiere at San Diego Opera in October of 2022 .
With a lifelong love of poetry , arts and music , Sherry and Kevin Ahern 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 . Kevin also served on the Metropolitan Advisory Board of the Salvation Army for a number of years . 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 . As a trustee on the La Jolla Town Council , Sherry successfully founded the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival that attracts over 45,000 visitors every fall . In 1998 she established the La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market which benefits local La Jolla schools . Sherry is the recipient of service awards
Gala Honorees Kevin and Sherry Ahern from City of Hope , Salvation Army Women ’ s Auxiliary and La Jolla Kiwanis Club and was recently named Diabetes Research Connection 2021 Volunteer of the Year . Sherry and Kevin have stood by San Diego Opera every step of the way , especially during the two years when our stages fell silent . San Diego Opera is grateful to Sherry and Kevin for their unmatched service and generosity .
The gala is being chaired by Rebecca and Eugene “ Mitch ” Mitchell . Over the last decade , Mitch has focused on his greatest passion : leading a collective effort toward diversity and inclusion . As senior vice president of diversity and community partnerships for Sempra Energy , Mitch encourages a high-performance culture with diverse perspectives and inclusive environments . His expertise has been pivotal while serving on San Diego Opera ’ s Board of Directors to advance SDO initiatives in expanding access to diverse audiences and promoting diversity on stage . Rebecca ’ s passion for helping local children has provided vulnerable youth with the tools , resources and support they need to transform their lives . Rebecca currently assists Youth Assistance Coalition during their daytime education program for homeless youth .
Gala Chairs Eugene “ Mitch ” and Rebecca Mitchell
“ A Night to Dream ” begins at 6:00PM at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines with a Cocktail Hour and dinner set on t he lovely ‘ Fairway Garden ’. The al fresco dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Josh Richardi and will commence at 7:00PM . The evening ’ s program will include a Live Auction and Paddle Raise followed by a Main Stage performance . Suggested attire is black tie optional . Single tickets to “ A Night to Dream ” are $ 1,000 and $ 500 per person and include complimentary valet parking , the cocktail reception , dinner and live entertainment . Visit sdopera . org / gala for more information and to purchase tickets .
Our Gala invitation is being designed by talented students from our Arts Residency programs , inspired by our upcoming world premiere opera El último sueño de Frida y Diego ( The Last Dream of Frida and Diego ).
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