By Donna Sachet—
When Barbara Richmond and Peggy Ermet each lost their sons to the AIDS pandemic, they resolved to turn their grief into action, forming the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) with the loving help of friends Ken Henderson and Joe Seiler. With the rolodexes of both sons in hand, full of entertainers’ contact information, the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation began to bring major talent to San Francisco for musical performances to benefit various charitable causes. Thirty-two years later, Help is on the Way continues to attract enthusiastic audiences for crowd-pleasing shows throughout the year, including their most recent one on August 2, 2026, at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre.
Help Is on the Way XXXII: Broadway & Beyond brought together members of the traveling cast of Beauty & the Beast and a number of San Francisco favorites for a delightful evening of music and caring. The night started with some well-deserved praise for long-time Board member Sophie Asaoaou, including from Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom and State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and recognition of other supportive sponsors and board members. Then members of the cast of Beauty & The Beast, on their one night off from regular performances, presented solos, duets, and group production numbers that had the audience roaring. They really threw their hearts and souls into this show! Other favorites, including David Burnham, Davis Gaines, Lilliana Lili Yang, and the dynamic Leanne Borghesi, gave wonderful performances as well, all with the excellent support of a talented instrumental ensemble.
During the brief intermission and a bustling reception with the cast afterwards at the Hotel Beacon Grand, we grabbed our escort Jack Garcia to catch up with so many friends, including Jeff Doney & Adam Thier, Gary Virginia, Brent Marek, Doug Waggener, Ben Wong & Fred Giron, Larry Horowitz, fellow Bay Times columnist Beth Schnitzer, Cameron Stiehl, Gary Thackeray, Joel Goodrich, John Newmeyer, Patrik Gallineaux visiting from Florida, Jim Neuman from Palm Springs, and to our great surprise and delight Daru Kawalkowski, looking as fabulous as ever!
Following intermission, popular auctioneer Lenny Broberg from Palm Springs returned for the night to goad the audience to bid on several items as well as simply offering generous gifts in support of the night. All proceeds benefit the special emergency grants fund of REAF and Project Open Hand. Lenny’s special technique, combining humor and local knowledge, along with a reading of some letters of appreciation from former recipients of REAF assistance, elicited very generous bids all around.
The show ended, as all previous Help Is on the Way shows have ended, with the entire cast joining on stage to sing “Help Is on the Way,” written by David Friedman. The lyrics of the song perfectly reflect the organization that has delivered on that promise of help for those in need for decades. REAF presents other periodic shows during the year and, like so many groups, they are always looking for new supporters, so keep an eye out and don’t miss a single one!
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, August 14
Therapy
Mr. Imperial Leather Matty Zamora’s fundraiser
Benefiting Queer Lifespace
Lonestar Saloon,
1354 Harrison Street
5–8 pm Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, August 15
Annual Empress Tea
Honoring José Sarria,
Empress I, Widow Norton
Empresses, hats, and high tea
Twin Peaks Tavern,
401 Castro Street
3–5 pm Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Friday, August 21
Castro Night Market
Celebration of
Orphan Andy’s founders
starting at 6 pm
on the Main Stage
Donna Sachet performance,
plus DJ,
other performers, vendors,
and more
5–8 pm Free!
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on August 13, 2026
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