Celebrating Success: Recapping the 2024 Casino Royale Gala

May 14

The 2024 Casino Royale Gala raised over $400,000 to help more Bay Area Women find meaningful employment at a livable wage.

The event kicked off with a special visit from **Mayor London Breed** who presented Certificates of Honor to **Anne Cochran Sutton & Carin Taylor** (Success Honorees), **Sharon Seto** (Gala Chair) and **Erin Badillo** (Executive Director).
Breed shared: “Let me tell you .… I wish there was a Dress for Success program when I was coming up … where people could help me learn what was appropriate to wear and how to interview and develop the skills necessary [for a career].”
The online auction is live until Sunday, May 17th and additional photos are at the bottom of this blog post.

On Friday, May 10th, a sold out crowd partied at the Palace Hotel, to celebrate and raise money for Dress for Success San Francisco! The festivities began with a cocktail reception & special wine auction. Guests mingled and networked, enjoying the elegant ambiance and anticipation of the night ahead. The atmosphere was electric as Chair Sharon Seto began the program with an exciting conga line - revving up the crowd and celebrating the hard work of the volunteers who made the gala possible.

The highlight of the program was the award presentation, where Carin Taylor and Anne Cochran Sutton where presented as the 2024 Success Honorees. Auctioneer Emily Quinn helped raise over $125,000 in the Live Auction and Paddle raise, including a very exciting Paella Party featuring Salsa lessons from San Francisco Ballet Soloist Daniel Davison-Olivera.

The evening reached its emotional peak with a heartfelt speech from a client speaker, whose personal journey served as a poignant reminder of the impact of Dress for Success's work.
*“So, in September 2021, I accessed the Career Wardrobe program for the first time.*
*I loved the amazing women who helped me put together outfits that were so coordinated and flattering. They even gave me some cute accessories.*
*When I left that first day, I felt amazing -- so confident and ready for my interview.*
***Well, not only did I get the job, but they let me know that in this new position, my attire was very important – so, clearly my outfit was spot on!***
*I became a job coach for clients with developmental disabilities and was responsible for modelling appropriate professional attire for the workplace.”*

— Ann-Marie, Client Success Ambassador

As the main program came to a close, the energy shifted gears as guests made their way to the after-party. The excitement was palpable as attendees indulged in the thrill of faux casino games, adding a dash of fun and excitement to the festivities. The after-party provided the perfect opportunity for guests to unwind, celebrate, and reflect on the success of the evening.

As the night came to an end, it was clear that the spirit of celebration and empowerment would continue to inspire long after the last guest had departed.

“In this environment, barriers dissolve and bridges are built, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong friendships. It's a reminder that success isn't a solitary journey but a collective endeavor, fueled by the unwavering support and encouragement of other women,” said Erin Badillo, Executive Director. “Our Success Honorees and Client Ambassador’s stories inspire us to dream bigger, reach higher, and empower others.”

If you would like to get more involved in Dress for Success San Francisco, you can sign up for a volunteer orientation here or email Executive Director, Erin Badillo.