SF Bay PSR’s Annual GALA: Gathering for Action, Leadership, and Advocacy
Democracy in Crisis and the Courage to Act
With Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward: a national nonprofit using litigation to protect our constitutional rights
Wednesday, September 30, 6:30—8pm PT, online!
Buy TICKETS HERE — only $25.
Students, trainees, and community members are FREE!
With the rise of authoritarianism in the US and globally, how do we protect our democratic rights that make it possible to defend against the greatest threats to human and planetary health?
SF Bay PSR’s 2026 Gala will feature Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, a national leader using the law to build collective power and advance equity, justice, and democracy. She will share one of the most important tools we have in this moment, the ability to litigate against — to sue —our government, and win!
- Among Democracy Forward’s recent victories was a successful challenge of a federal policy that would have restricted loan access for students in nursing, public health, and other health professions—helping to protect our future healthcare workforce.
- Democracy Forward also led the coalition that blocked an unprecedented effort to impose ideological control over the University of California system—protecting academic freedom, scientific research, and free speech.
Join us to learn how we as citizens and health professionals can save and strengthen the health of our democracy!
Featuring keynote speaker Skye Perryman!
President & CEO, Democracy Forward
Former Chief Legal Officer, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
TIME 100 Honoree | 2026 Woman Lawyer of the Year (WBA-DC)
Author of the forthcoming book Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times
Read Democracy Forward’s NEW REPORT: The Second Front: The Escalating Right-Wing Legal Threats Beyond the White House
THANK YOU to our generous, first-wave of Gala Sponsors!
Democracy Defenders
Barbara C. Erny, MD
Robert M. Gould, MD & Patrice Sutton, MPH
Janice L. Kirsch, MD, MPH
Nancy J. Newman & Mark Walstrom
Tom Newman, MD, MPH & Johannah Newman, PharmD
Justice Champions
Michael J. Martin, MD, MPH & Jeannee P. Martin, RN, MPH
Community Builders
Rohini Haar, MD, MPH & Jacob Haar, MA
Mary L. Williams, MD & Peter M. Elias, MD
Civic Advocates
Bret Andrews, DO
Betty Doerr
Michael Geschwind, MD, PhD
Camilla McCalmont, MD, and Timothy McCalmont, MD
Marj Plumb, DrPH, MNA & Tracy Weitz, PhD
Jeff Ritterman, MD & Vivien Feyer, EdM, CAS
Grassroots Supporters
Robin Cooper, MD & Bob Harrison, MD
Tova Fuller, MD, PhD
Steve Heilig, MD, MPH
Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, MPH
Friends of Democracy
Caren Gould, MD
Cynthia Mahoney, MD
BECOME A SPONSOR!
We are looking for both financial sponsors ($200 to $10,000) and outreach sponsors.
Your sponsorship is an investment in SF Bay PSR’s work. It allows us to educate, organize, and mobilize health professionals and advocates to protect public health, defend science, advance climate and environmental justice, and advocate for policies that create healthier communities.
FINANCIAL SPONSORS
We are looking for financial sponsors from $200 to $10,000 or more. By sponsoring the 2026 SF Bay PSR GALA, you or your organization will demonstrate a commitment to protecting democracy, advancing science, and improving public health. Find sponsorship levels and submit your donation using our secure Zeffy service here or at the button below. (Zeffy will not charge fees on your sponsorship giving.) Please contact our Executive Director Marj Plumb at director@sfbaypsr.org for assistance.
BECOME A SPONSOR HERE
FIND downloadable sponsorship levels and details here.
OUTREACH SPONSORS
Organizations may also participate as Outreach Sponsors by sharing the event with your networks. This is a meaningful way to support the event, expand reach, and engage your community in this important conversation. Outreach Sponsors will receive recognition on the event slideshow, promotional materials, and event webpage. Please email Associate Director Julie Lindow at Julie@sfbaypsr.org.