Gala 2026
The Ruby Anniversary Ball
FIERCE & FEARLESS AT FORTY
Saturday, March 28, 2026
5:30 PM - 11 PM
Join us for a dazzling night under the stars! Diversionary, joined by your fabulous host and GLAAD Award Recipient, Alec Mapa, is taking over Park Boulevard for an evening you won’t forget!
Honoring Former California Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and local philanthropists Allison Rossett & Sue Reynolds.
PARK BOULEVARD | 4545 PARK BLVD SAN DIEGO, CA 92116
For more information, call Jesse Marchese, Director of Development & Resident Dramaturg at (619) 220-6830 *209 or jesse@diversionary.org
VIP Table for 10 - $5,000
This contribution gets you a table of ten (prime seating location), access to our VIP reception, wine and champagne table service, and four valet parking vouchers for you and your guests. ($3,000 of each contribution is tax deductible.)
REGULAR TABLE OF 10 - $3,500
This contribution gets you a table of ten to join us for dinner and dancing.
($2,000 of each contribution is tax deductible.)
LUMINOUS CIRCLE VIP TICKET - $650
everything below plus recognition as part of this esteemed group of supporters
($450 of each contribution is tax deductible.)
VIP SINGLE TICKETS - $550
This contribution gets you a prime seating location, access to our VIP reception, wine and champagne table service, and free valet parking.
($350 of each contribution is tax deductible.)
REGULAR TICKET - $400
This contribution allows you to join us for dinner and dancing at our most accessible ticket price and includes one drink ticket.
($200 of each contribution is tax deductible.)
Sponsor an Artist
($100 of each contribution is tax deductible)
General Donation
Make a gift to support the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ theatre in the nation!
All General Donations are completely tax-deductible
Hosted by Award-Winning Actor and Comedian Alec Mapa
Called “smart, hilarious, and funny” by Ellen DeGeneres and “insanely talented” by RuPaul
Alec Mapa is an award-winning actor, comedian, and trailblazer who has entertained the world on stage, screen, and beyond.
From his Broadway debut in M. Butterfly to his unforgettable TV roles on Ugly Betty, Half & Half, Desperate Housewives, and RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alec has become a fan favorite for his fearless comedy and scene-stealing charm. His stand-up specials—including Wisecrack, America’s Gaysian Sweetheart, and Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy (Showtime)—have made him one of the most celebrated comics working today.
An outspoken advocate and GLAAD Award recipient, Alec uses both humor and heart to champion equality and inspire audiences everywhere.
Featuring DJ Kurtyka on the decks to help us dance the night away!
DJ KURTYKA is a powerhouse behind the decks. A former Professional Soccer player, she is known for her high-vibe energy, emotional connection, and ability to ignite any dance floor. With 20+ years of global experience, she’s held residencies at iconic venues, Dj’d for luxury brands and earned a reputation as both a dynamic performer and respected event curator. As the driving energy behind inclusive events that celebrate diversity and self-expression, she continues to create spaces where every crowd feels connected, uplifted, and free to be unapologetically themselves!
Sue Reynolds & Allison Rossett
Local Philanthropists
The Honorable Toni Atkins
Former Senate President Pro Tempore
About Former Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins:
Time in Office:
– San Diego City Council: 2000 – 2008
– California Assembly: 2010 – 2016
– California Senate: 2016 – 2024
Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) was born and raised in rural southwestern Virginia, the daughter of a miner and a seamstress, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Emory & Henry College in Virginia. In 1985, she moved across the country to San Diego, California, and committed herself to providing safe access to healthcare for women, becoming Director of Clinic Services at Womancare Health Center at the age of 27. Before her own run for office, Atkins served as an aide to San Diego City Councilmember and LGBT trailblazer Christine Kehoe. In 2000, she was elected to replace Kehoe as the council’s District 3 representative. During her eight-year tenure, Atkins provided steady leadership as interim Mayor of San Diego amid a challenging and tumultuous time at City Hall. Elected by voters to the state Assembly in 2010, Atkins served there for six years. In 2014, her colleagues selected her to be the Speaker of the Assembly – she became the first San Diegan and the first lesbian to hold the position. Atkins counts a $7.5-billion water bond and creation of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit among her proudest accomplishments in the Assembly. In 2016, Atkins was elected to represent the 39th District in the state Senate. After just one year, she was selected by her colleagues to serve as Senate President pro Tempore. In March 2018, she was sworn in, becoming the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ person to lead the Legislature’s upper house. Atkins is the first person in 150 years, and the third person in California history, to lead both houses of the Legislature. Throughout her career, Atkins has been a champion for affordable housing, the environment, healthcare, veterans, women, the LGBTQ community, and mitigating the increasing impacts of climate change. She has authored landmark legislation on housing, including SB 2, which created a permanent source of funding for affordable housing, a signature piece of legislation she worked on for several years, and SB 9, which streamlined the process for homeowners to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot in single-family zones. Senator Atkins lives in the South Park community of San Diego with her spouse, Jennifer, and their dogs, Joey and Mia.
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Meredith Johnston &
Alex Villafuerte
HONORARY LUMINOUS CIRCLE CO-CHAIRS
Robert Gleason &
Marc Matys
GALA COMMITTEE
Sherri Eden Barber
Jenny Case
Leilani Gobaleza
Jay Henslee
Bob Leyh
Jesse Marchese
Becks Redman
Kerry Silverstone
Featuring Performances by:
COMING SOON!
About Season 40:
LOVE AS REVOLUTION
Decade Sponsor: Joann Clark
Season Sponsors: Randy Clark & Tom Maddox
Corporate Sponsor: Show Imaging, Inc.
Each production in our milestone 40th Anniversary Season is a testament to the transformative and unifying force of love, showcasing the beauty of acceptance, understanding, and empathy. As we come together to experience these powerful stories, we invite our community members to join us on a journey of exploration and connection, celebrating the rich tapestry of human experiences.
