Each year, Institute on Aging brings together community leaders, partners, and supporters for one special evening. It is more than a celebration. It is a reflection of what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Institute on Aging will host its annual “Joining Hearts, Changing Lives” Gala at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.
Now in its third year as an in-person event, the Gala has become Institute on Aging’s signature annual gathering, welcoming guests each year for an evening of connection, storytelling, and impact.
Honoring a Leader in Aging and Health Care
This year, Institute on Aging is proud to honor Dick Levy, whose leadership has helped shape health care and aging services across the region for decades.
His commitment to innovation and compassionate care has had a lasting impact, not only within Institute on Aging, but also across the broader community. Through his early support of the organization’s Acute Care Transition Pilot, care managers are now embedded in San Francisco hospital emergency departments, helping connect older adults to critical services and strengthening the link between clinical care and community support.
The evening will celebrate these contributions while highlighting the values that continue to guide Institute on Aging today.
The Power of Partnership and Community
The Gala is a powerful reminder that no single organization can meet the growing needs of older adults alone. It is through partnership and shared commitment that real progress happens.
Institute on Aging is proud to welcome a new milestone this year: its first exclusive presenting sponsor, Sutter Health. This reflects the strength of the organization’s partnerships and the shared belief in expanding access to care and support.
Year after year, consistent sponsors and community partners make this work possible. Their support allows Institute on Aging to continue growing its programs, reaching more individuals, and deepening its impact not only in the Bay Area but across California.
Supporting Programs That Change Lives
Funds raised through the Gala directly support Institute on Aging’s programs and services, which touch the lives of more than 67,000 individuals each year.
From the Friendship Line, which connects with thousands of individuals experiencing loneliness and isolation, to Compania, a comprehensive dementia support program, Institute on Aging provides services that help people live with dignity, independence, and connection.
Each year, the Gala also highlights one of the organization’s programs, bringing its impact to life through stories, voices, and shared experiences.
This year’s event will also spotlight exciting initiatives such as the Acute Care Transition Pilotm, which strengthens coordination between hospital care and community-based support. These efforts are rooted in partnerships and designed to ensure individuals receive the right care at the right time.
An Evening That Reflects a Shared Mission
The Gala begins with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and program, creating space for meaningful conversations and connection.
It is an opportunity to hear directly from those impacted by Institute on Aging’s work, connect with others who care deeply about aging services, and be part of a growing movement to support older adults and their families.
More than anything, the evening reflects a shared mission: to join hearts and change lives.
Join Us
Tickets for the 2026 Gala are now available.
Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to Institute on Aging, this event offers a meaningful way to engage, give back, and be part of a community that is shaping the future of aging.
Grab your ticket now → https://www.ioaging.org/gala/
