SAN FRANCISCO (March 7, 2014) – Smuin Ballet was joined by longtime supporters, state dignitaries, Bay Area sports royalty, and over 330 guests on Saturday, celebrating its 20th Anniversary with its 2014 XXTRAVAGANZA GALA – the biggest ever gala in Company history. Opening the elegant black tie affair, Senator Mark Leno presented Smuin Artistic and Executive Director Celia Fushille with a special award from the State Senate in honor of Smuin Ballet and its 20 years of creative and artistic excellence. Honorary chairs Elaine and Tony La Russa were joined by Event Co-chairs Patti and Jerry Hume, Athena and John Konstin, and celebrity guest auctioneer, “Voice of the Giants” Renel Brooks-Moon, to create an exhilarating tribute to Smuin Ballet, featuring highlights from the past 20 years as well as glimpses of this season’s brilliant lineup. The gala, held Saturday, March 1 at The Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center, set the record for funds raised at a Smuin Gala, bringing in more than $370,000 in support of Smuin Ballet’s spectacular programming.