By Donna Sachet–
Broadway & Beyond, the 30th annual Help Is on the Way musical benefit of the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF), was a smashing success on Sunday, July 14, at Marines’ Memorial Theater. This is a benefit that we have attended every year since it began, after learning the story of its origin. Barbara Richmond and Peggy Ermet both lost their only sons to the AIDS epidemic and even in their grief wanted to find a way to fight this ravaging health crisis in memory of their beloved sons. Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, friends of both families, answered the call and began to contact many of their mutual talented friends to get together to launch the very first Help Is on the Way. Although we didn’t know Ken & Joe, much less the two mothers or any of the performers, we were drawn to the amazing talent and the heartfelt cause. The star who stood out most clearly to us was Nancy LaMott, a beautiful and gentle singer who sang the theme song, “Help Is on the Way,” written by David Friedman.
Over the course of the next 30 years, we befriended Joe & Ken, both mothers, many of the rotating cast of star performers, and even David, the composer. Somehow, REAF resonated in a very personal way, bringing incredible talent to San Francisco from television, theatre, film, and music, offering us the opportunity to engage personally with many of the talented performers, and raising significant funds to fight the AIDS epidemic, and more recently, additional important causes. We attended with various escorts, but never more wonderfully than with Richard Sablatura with whom we became sponsors of the event. We were happy to introduce Help Is on the Way and REAF’s various other special events to many friends who became loyal attendees. Having known both Barbara and Peggy, we were particularly honored to receive the inaugural Peggy Ermet & Barbara Richmond Memorial Community Hero Award.
This most recent Help Is on the Way was emceed by the star of Mrs. Doubtfire, Rob McClure, in complete costume and character, adding delightfully to the evening. Members of the touring cast of that show offered their singing, dancing, and comic talents to the show. Other featured performers included Debby Boone, Bruce Vilanch, Leo Roberts, Faith Prince, Jason Brock, Lisa Roman, and Sam Harris. A silent auction in the lobby and a brisk live auction after intermission raised additional money with three packages, two of which were doubled by generous donors. After the show, VIP guests and many of the stars from the show walked to the nearby Beacon Hotel for a reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The animated conversations there echoed our own rave review of the show and our admiration for all that REAF has accomplished and will continue to do.
The Reigning Empress of San Francisco, Linda Summers, hosted the Imperial Council’s monthly fundraiser Pique at Beaux last Saturday and the Imperial Family showed up, money in hand. A variety of performers and titleholders showcased their best musical numbers, as Her Most Imperial Majesty emceed, called raffle numbers, and generally welcomed all attendees. Emperor XLV Nic Hunter led a brisk live auction, adding to the event total. As the event drew to a close, several voices, most notably Absolute Empress XXXIII Alexis Miranda, made a moving plea for more contributions, and as the total grew near a thousand dollars, more and more individuals stepped forward, contributing ten, twenty, and a hundred dollars. Pushing the final total past $1000 was amazing to watch, especially in support of our current Empress, the only modern Empress of San Francisco to reign without an Emperor.
Sunday’s a Drag at Club Fugazi’s Summer Series is off to a fantastic start with enthusiastic audiences for this showcase of drag talent. Don’t miss this unique show that takes you on a journey through San Francisco’s drag history. There are multimedia elements, special effects, and the best drag in town—all in this iconic theatrical space every Sunday in July, August, and September. Brunch is available at 11 am and the show starts at noon. We’ll see you there!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Friday, July 26
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times event at
The Academy SF
Join Mayor Breed
and others to honor
SF Pride leadership
Featuring the SF Pride Band,
CHEER SF,
DJ Christie James
Emcee Donna Sachet
2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$15
www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, July 27
House of M’s Empress Show
Alexis Miranda hosts
Donna Sachet, Ehra Amaya,
Galilea Avila, Pollo del Mar
1 pm show
Midnight Sun,
4067 18th Street
Free!
Saturday, July 27
All the Tea
Gary Virginia’s classic tea
dance disco party
DJ Sergio Fedasz
Go-go dancers Emerson & Coco
2 for 1 cocktails, balloon drop
5–9 pm
Midnight Sun,
4067 18th Street
Free!
Sunday, July 28
Sunday’s a Drag at Club Fugazi
Featuring SF’s most fabulous
drag performers
Hosted by Donna Sachet
Club Fugazi, 678 Green Street
July–September, every Sunday
Brunch at 11 am, show at noon
$76 & up
www.clubfugazi.com
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on July 25, 2024
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