Gala |
We invite you to support BALIF, the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQI+ Bar Association, as a sponsor at our 45th Annual BALIF Gala: Sapphire Soirée: Where Brilliance Takes Center Stage.
Why support BALIF?
As a vital leader in advocacy, justice, community empowerment, and professional development, BALIF has been championing LGBTQI+ legal professionals and allies for decades. By sponsoring BALIF, you directly support the progress of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession through:
- Meaningful Advocacy and Education: BALIF offers robust CLE programming and events on essential topics such as trans issues, diversity, and allyship in the workplace.
- Mentorship and Professional Growth: With over 100 participants, BALIF’s mentorship program strengthens our community by fostering connections, providing guidance, and supporting the next generation of LGBTQI+ legal talent.
- Cross-Community Partnerships: BALIF collaborates with other minority bar associations to drive initiatives, host social events, fund scholarships and fellowships, and offer valuable MCLE courses, uplifting marginalized communities across our shared causes.
This Gala is our major fundraiser of the year, powering all of BALIF’s vital work. In honor of our 45th “sapphire” anniversary, we celebrate the wisdom and brilliance of our community and partners like you. Sapphires are said to represent wisdom, so come take center stage and dazzle us with your brilliance! Blind us with your shine! Join us for an evening that promises inspiration and connection. Your sponsorship will ensure that BALIF continues to offer impactful programs, advocacy, mentorship, and professional development while fostering a supportive and thriving LGBTQI+ legal community.
Let’s make this an unforgettable celebration of progress and possibility! We can’t wait to welcome you to center stage at the Sapphire Soirée!
Virginia Millacci Raisa Dyadkina
2025 BALIF Gala Co-Chair 2025 BALIF Gala Co-Chair
development@balif.org development@balif.org
Sponsorship Levels and Gala Tickets
Join us in making a meaningful impact by sponsoring BALIF’s 45th Annual Gala: Sapphire Soirée: Where Brilliance Takes Center Stage. As a BALIF sponsor, your firm or company will receive exclusive recognition and visibility while supporting LGBTQI+ inclusion, advocacy, and professional development in the legal field. Our sponsorship levels offer unique opportunities to be part of BALIF’s mission and celebrate with us at the largest annual gathering of LGBTQI+ legal professionals in the Bay Area.
BALIF’s Gala, our major fundraising event, draws over 600 prominent attendees, including top lawyers, in-house counsel, judges, lawmakers, law students, and influential figures from across the Bay Area. Set for Friday, March 7, 2025, at the iconic Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, this celebration of progress and unity provides an ideal opportunity to connect with and support BALIF’s impactful work.
Your sponsorship isn’t just a one-night benefit—it’s a year-long partnership that champions BALIF’s mission and amplifies your firm or organization’s commitment to justice and equality. Be a part of a legacy of progress and partnership by joining us for a night of celebration, visibility, and connection at Sapphire Soirée: Where Brilliance Takes Center Stage.
This year’s levels and benefits for sponsorship are as follows:
Partner Level: $7,500
As a Partner-level sponsor, your organization will enjoy high visibility and exclusive benefits throughout the year and at the Gala, including:
- Premier Visibility and Recognition: Banner recognition on the BALIF website, in the BALIF newsletter, and at all BALIF-sponsored functions throughout 2025. Your logo will be prominently displayed at the Gala and across our events, including MCLE sessions, networking receptions, and more.
- VIP Access and Networking: Admission for twenty (20) guests to the Gala, along with exclusive invitations to BALIF’s VIP reception before the Gala. This intimate gathering includes in-house counsel, judges, BALIF’s Board of Directors, National LGBTQI Bar Association Board members, and other key legal figures, offering unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Impactful Advertising: A customized full-page advertisement in the Gala program, placing your firm or company in front of an influential audience committed to driving positive change.
Counsel Level: $5,000
- Key Recognition: Priority branding on the BALIF website, in our newsletter, and across all BALIF events throughout 2025, including your logo prominently displayed at the Gala, MCLE events, monthly networking receptions, and more.
- Premier Access: Admission for ten (10) guests to the Gala, plus exclusive access to the VIP reception, where you’ll network with judges, in-house counsel, the BALIF Board of Directors, National LGBTQI Bar Association Board members, and other legal luminaries.
- Enhanced Visibility: A full-page customized ad in the Gala program, maximizing exposure to an audience passionate about advancing LGBTQI+ rights.
Advocate Level: $3,000
- Recognized Allyship: Recognition on the BALIF website, newsletter, and all printed and online Gala materials through 2025, underscoring your role as an Advocate-level supporter.
- Connect and Celebrate: Admission for ten (10) guests to the Gala
- Dedicated Recognition: Half-page ad in the Gala program, showcasing your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Benefactor Level: $2000
- Key Recognition: Sponsor acknowledgment on the BALIF website, in our newsletter, and in all Gala materials throughout 2025.
- Celebrate with Us: Admission for five (5) guests and a quarter-page ad in the Gala program to showcase your support of LGBTQI+ legal professionals.
Patron Level: $1,250
- Core Sponsorship: Your logo featured on the BALIF website, in the newsletter, and across Gala materials.
- Celebrate at the Gala: Admission for three (3) guests to enjoy the Gala and connect with our diverse community.
Individual Sponsorship: $750
- Personalized Recognition: Recognition as an Individual Sponsor on the BALIF website, newsletter, and Gala materials.
- Join the Celebration: Admission for two (2) guests to the Gala for a night of connection and inspiration.
If you’re interested in making an even greater impact as a sponsor, please reach out to Katie Carlson Cartwright at balif@balif.org.
To be included in the 2025 Gala program, please confirm your sponsorship and complete payment by Friday, February 14, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to align your brand with BALIF’s mission and celebrate 45 years of empowering LGBTQI+ legal professionals in Northern California. We look forward to partnering with you at this unforgettable event!
Also, don’t miss out on honoring our 2025 Awardees! Celebrate with us as we recognize the outstanding achievements of our 2025 honorees:
- Legal Service Award
- Community Service Award
- Trailblazers Award
- Foundation Law Student Association of the Year Award
- Julius Turman Award