Meet Our Team

For more than 30 years, the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) has been bringing people together through the power of live performance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

     Founded by two remarkable mothers who believed that compassion, generosity, and the arts could change lives, REAF has remained true to that vision. Through the extraordinary generosity of our performers, audiences, sponsors, and volunteers, we have distributed more than $5 million to over32 nonprofit organizations providing HIV services, hunger and food insecurity programs, and support for homeless youth and underserved seniors. Agencies have included Project Open Hand, Raphael House, Shanti, Meals on Wheels and many more.

     REAF also provides Small Emergency Grants to individuals facing unexpected crises, helping them regain stability during some of life's most difficult moments.

“REAF, for which I have volunteered for several events, is so amazing. I never expected they would help me get the emergency dental treatment I needed. The pain is gone. A huge thanks to REAF for coming up to me one day and offering to help. I hope I have the chance one day to donate back to REAF double in size what was given to me.”

“Almost a year has passed since I received a very generous grant from REAF. When I arrived in SF last year, leaving an abusive, violent situation, I came with a backpack, and the hope of starting over. REAF’s grant gave me the ability to breathe long enough to rebuild my life. REAF was not just financial assistance. It was the first step toward rebuilding confidence, stability, and identity — and I hope to one day to have the ability to not only be someone who was supported, but as someone able to give back”

“I reached out to REAF because I found myself in need of a little help. My mother recently suffered a stroke and is now living with me. I am her full-time caregiver, and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, it has taken a significant toll on my business. REAF means so much to me, and I am grateful to have been able to support the organization by providing food for events over the years. You cannot imagine how much I appreciate what REAF’s grant has done for me This has let me breathe fresh air and helps me to stand up and take the next step in my life after this sudden trauma. Thank you so much REAF for understanding and for your support!”

“Thank you REAF for providing me with funding needed to pay my rent and key expenses after my recent job elimination. REAF’s support has helped me to get on my feet and avoid declaring bankruptcy. I am also pleased to report that I finally found a responsible housemate to share housing costs. And most significantly, this stability permits me to continue my efforts to build my career. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do not know the difference this has made in my life. I am forever grateful to REAF for your generous support.”

None of this would be possible without the artists who have so generously shared their talents with us over the years. We are deeply grateful to the thousands of performers who have donated their time and artistry in support of our mission. Their voices, generosity, and commitment have helped transform entertainment into hope for countless people in need.

REAF raises funds while increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, and youth homelessness. Partner agencies benefit from greater visibility, increased donations, and stronger volunteer support, while collaborative efforts build lasting community partnerships that expand resources and improve lives across the region.

Because every REAF event is created with a specific purpose and artistic vision, we thoughtfully curate each program to reflect the spirit of the evening, the audience experience, and the charitable mission we are asking our community to support. These decisions are never intended to diminish an artist’s voice or personal beliefs. Rather, they reflect our responsibility as presenters to create a cohesive program that serves the event, our beneficiaries, and our community.

     We respect the many ways artists express their individual perspectives, just as REAF has the responsibility to thoughtfully curate the programming presented under its name. We also have an obligation to ensure that our programs reflect our charitable mission, the purpose of each event, and our responsibilities as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

     REAF has always sought to foster an environment of respect, compassion, and collaboration among the artists, volunteers, and supporters who make our mission possible.

     Our focus remains on the people we serve and the community that has sustained REAF for more than three decades.

     At a time when our world can often feel divided, REAF’s purpose has always been to create moments that bring people together. We believe music has the power to heal, inspire, and build community across differences. That spirit of hope, compassion, and generosity has guided our organization for more than three decades, and it is the spirit we look forward to sharing once again at Help Is on the Way.

     We remain profoundly grateful to every artist, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and audience member who has helped make this work possible. Together, we continue to honor our founders’ vision by using the performing arts to uplift lives, strengthen our community, and bring hope to those who need it most.