A Night to Dream
On Saturday, June 4, 2022 join 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 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, Kevin envisioned new possibilities for the cross‐border relationship of San Diego County and Mexico. 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 several 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 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.
“A Night to Dream” will take place at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines with a Cocktail Hour and dinner set on the lovely ‘Fairway Garden.’ The al fresco dinner will precede the evening’s program which will include a main stage performance. Tables and single tickets to “A Night to Dream” are available and include complimentary valet parking, the cocktail reception, dinner and live entertainment. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.sdopera.org/gala
