by Cari Lynn Pace *

It’s no secret that many actors, singers, and performers are the “working poor” in our arts culture. Rarely can they sustain their livelihood if they don’t have a backup job, particularly if illness strikes.

In 1994 two mothers lived through the deaths of their struggling actor sons from AIDS.  Barbara Richmond and Peggy Ermet joined in their resolve to help stop similar tragedies and formed the non-profit REAF.

Richmond and Ermet asked actors, singers, dancers and other entertainers to come together for a one-night blowout show to raise funds. They succeeded, and over 30 years REAF has raised in excess of $5 million dollars. Funds have supported more than 32 nonprofit organizations supporting AIDS services, hunger programs, and underserved youth. REAF was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area but has recently expanded to include new programs in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area.

Ms. Richmond and Ms. Ermet, who have passed away, would be proud of their legacy in honor of their sons, still shining today.

REAF’s 36^th Anniversary Concert and Gala is a one-night-only benefit filled with performers who spotlight their talents. These generous stars, with Musical Directors Michael Orland, (American Idol) and Connor Doran (Beauty & the Beast) include:

Leanne Borghesi – Grammy Award-winning vocalist

David Burnham – Broadway (Wicked/Light in the Piazza) star

Davis Gaines – Broadway Star (Phantom of the Opera)

Juan Pablo Di Pace – TV/Film/Recording (Mama Mia/Dancing with the Stars)

Nita Whitacker – Star Search winner/Recording Star

Alliana Lili Yang – 15 year-old opera virtuoso

Stephanie Block – Comedienne, VIP Afterparty Chair

and cast members from the Broadway Touring cast of DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST

(performing non-show songs due to contracts)

This special performance is Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 7:30 pm in the Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St. (at Mason), San Francisco. The  after-party for VIP ticket holders is at the Beacon Grand Hotel (formerly the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) at 450 Powell Street.

For more information and tickets, go to https://Help32.eventbrite.com

Photos courtesy of REAF

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers and a voting member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.