Sparkle Sponsor

Joe Cresalia is the third generation of the San Francisco based jewelry dynasty, Cresalia’s. His path to taking over the family business was not direct. He graduated from the University of Denver where he met his wife, Maryanne. Their mutual passion for the great outdoors brought them to Alaska where Joe fished king crab commercially and Maryanne started a preschool and fished salmon. It was after starting a family of their own that Joe and Maryanne decided that Joe would join the family business. Joe attended the Gemological Institute of America and then joined his dad full time in 1979.

The family business occupies a small, old-fashioned niche in jewelry retailing and has specialized in custom engagement rings and family heirloom redesign since 1912. The majority of Cresalia’s business comes through referrals. While Cresalia's merchandise is of high quality, its prices do not include the hefty premiums of some name-brand merchants.

Joe is no stranger to commitment in his community and has a huge heart when it comes to giving back. He has been on the Roots of Peace Board of Directors since December 2014, and he was on the Board of San Francisco Family Enrichment for 15 years. He has also been active with the YMCA Youth Program for 20 years.

Lifehouse is proud to have Cresalia’s as the Sparkle Sponsor for Great Chefs and Wineries for the second year running. Sticking true to the history of the business, Joe has re-designed a stunning bracelet from the 1920’s. It is a yellow gold & diamond open bangle secured by a push clasp & safety. Diamonds are old round & brilliant-faceted, with a G in color & clarity of VS2. A total weight of 1.10 carats of antique diamonds, from the 1900s, is set in white gold leaf and is valued at $7,500. This one-of-a-kind piece can be yours if you purchase a $100 raffle ticket!

Click below if you’re feeling lucky...

Respecting the Bean

At Red Whale Coffee, coffee is serious business.  They seek to create high quality coffee beans for all to enjoy. Relationships with communities from Indonesia, Mexico, South America, and Africa allow them to develop a uniquely diverse cup of coffee. Although their network is vast, their roots originate in California.

Owner and Chief Coffee Geek, Sean Boyd, comes from a long line of Boyds that have been at the forefront of premium and specialty commodities. At a young age, he spent time growing and distributing exceptional produce to restaurants across Southern California. Sean’s relationship with cuisine evolved throughout the multitude of successful bistros and bars that were founded by his father.

Sean has been working with coffee since 2003. After being captivated by his first taste of premium coffee, he has become an expert. From master courses in roasting to honing his palate as a licensed Q Grader, Sean quickly accumulated copious accolades and certifications form the Specialty Coffee Association of America and now shares his expertise here in San Rafael.

At Great Chefs and Wineries you can enjoy, and maybe even learn something new, at Red Whale Coffee’s full espresso and coffee bar.

Click below to enjoy a ‘Cup of Joe.’

CELEBRATE GREAT CHEFS & WINERIES' 28TH YEAR

One of the San Francisco Bay Area's most anticipated events is fast approaching. We'd love to invite you to join us for Lifehouse's 28th Annual Great Chefs and Wineries on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Join us for another unforgettable evening of great food and fine wine, and come together to help us raise critical funds to enable Lifehouse to continue to provide support services for people with developmental disabilities. The support that we receive from the community is what makes this evening a huge success. 

We will be returning to The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, California. Along with Bright Event Rentals, they help us create the perfect place for us to host this fabulous evening.  

Heidi Insalata Krahling, our Culinary Host, will bring together a feast of small plates that have been expertly prepared by twenty-three Bay Area restaurants. Our Wine Committee, led by Sid Sall, handpicked an impressive lineup of elite wineries to be paired with the evening's delectable spread. 

We will also be featuring attractive and exciting auction items through our new mobile bidding system! With the help of Gesture, enjoy all aspects of the auction in the palm of your hand. From check-in to check-out, Gesture is available to help you have a memorable and remarkable experience. 

We cannot wait for you to join us this year! Purchase your tickets now by clicking below.  

For purchasing tables, please email us at mail@lifehouseagency.org
or call the Lifehouse office at 415.586.5300

MEET BETTY YU

Master of Cerimonies 

Great Chefs and Wineries 2018

LIfehouse is proud to introduce, KPIX reporter, Betty Yu, as this year’s Master of Ceremonies for Great Chefs and Wineries. A Bay Area native, Betty graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with degrees in Political Science and Rhetoric. Betty also has a Masters of Science degree in Journalism from Columbia University. After spending two years at WTVJ, the NBC-owned station in Miami, she joined KPIX 5 as a General Assignment Reporter. Betty has expressed her excitement about this year’s event. “Great Chefs & Wineries is a spectacular evening that features exquisite foods and fine wines, but more importantly, it is a reflection of the generous and compassionate spirit of the Lifehouse community.” As a reporter, Betty works with and highlights the lives many people with developmental disabilities. She continues to say, “I've seen them blossom because of the kind of support that Lifehouse offers.”

Click on the button below to join Betty Yu and the Lifehouse community at Great Chefs and Wineries on April 21, 2018.