San Francisco Opera Guild Presents AN EVENING ON THE STAGE Honoring Franklin P. Johnson Jr, 12/5

San Francisco Opera Guild will honor entrepreneur, opera patron and former Chairman of the Board, the incomparable Franklin P. (Pitch) Johnson at this year's An Evening on the Stage, an elegant, black-tie gala dinner set on the stage of the War Memorial Opera House, Monday, December 5. Co-chaired by Kathryn Huber and Teresa Medearis, this perennially sold-out event also celebrates the close of San Francisco Opera's fall repertory season and rings in the December holiday festivities.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with guests enjoying a convivial cocktail reception amidst the splendor of the ornate Opera House foyer. At 7 p.m., gala attendees will be guided onstage by way of a decorated bridge crossing above the orchestra pit to dinner tables set in a festive holiday theme. Reuniting with the San Francisco Opera Guild for this very special occasion will be renowned event stylist and acclaimed Opera Ball designer, J. Riccardo Benavides and San Francisco's premiere catering firm McCalls, who will create a unique and unparalleled dining experience. Following dinner and auction, dance music will be provided by the popular band Notorious.

Co-chairs Huber and Medearis commented: "The Opera Guild is thrilled to honor former Chairman of the San Francisco Opera Board Pitch Johnson at our Dec. 5th signature holiday gala. Pitch exemplifies both business and philanthropic leadership in our greater community and together with his wife, Cathie, their affection for San Francisco Opera is without peer. What better way to say thank you to a great community leader and staunch advocate for the classical arts."

Johnson's association with San Francisco Opera goes back to 1963 when he and his wife first began attending performances and providing financial support. He joined the Opera Association Board of Directors in 1988 and in 1999, was elected chairman, a role he served with great distinction for over nine years. The Johnsons became Company Sponsors in 2002, and have been particularly dedicated to building the Opera's permanent endowment. A longtime and active member of the Company's investment and finance committees, Johnson was highly involved with the appointments of former company general directors Pamela Rosenberg and David Gockley. In private practice, Johnson is known throughout the venture capital industry for his vision, insight and principles and recognized as one of the pioneers of the VC community. He is an active member in alumni affairs at both Stanford University and Harvard Business School.

In previous years, the San Francisco Opera Guild Onstage Dinner has honored community leaders and opera advocates Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, Diane B. Wilsey and Gordon Getty.

An Evening on the Stage is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Neiman Marcus Union Square; Supporting Sponsor Amgen; Dinner Sponsor Jurika, Mills & Keifer, Private Wealth Management; Cocktail Reception Sponsor TriplePoint Capital; Official Airline United Airlines; Décor Sponsor J. Riccardo Benavides Event Styling; Media Sponsor Nob Hill Gazette; White Wine Sponsor Ram's Gate Winery; Red Wine Sponsor Viszlay Vineyards; and Sparkling Wine Sponsor Roederer Estate. Auction Sponsors: Four Seasons; Gleim the Jeweler; LaBelle Day Spas & Salons; Swain Destinations and United Airlines.

Tickets for An Evening on the Stage are priced at $1,250; $2,500; $5,000; and $7,500. Tables are priced at: $12,500 and $25,000. Please note that ticket availability is limited. To purchase tickets visit online at sfoperaguild.com or telephone (415) 565-3204. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit the San Francisco Opera Guild's signature education and community programs reaching more than 50,000 students annually throughout Northern California.