Spectrum 2026 Gala & Art Auction

Spectrum 2026, Access Institute’s annual Gala & Art Auction, will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Pier 27 in San Francisco. This signature fundraising event will bring together more than 300 community leaders, artists, philanthropists, and mental health professionals for an evening dedicated to advancing accessible, trauma-informed mental health care for all. For over two decades, Access Institute has served as a lifeline for individuals and families across San Francisco, ensuring that high-quality mental health care remains accessible regardless of income or circumstance. Spectrum represents both a celebration of that legacy and a call to action—an opportunity for the community to come together in support of care that restores dignity, stability, and hope. The evening will feature a Silent Art Auction, Dinner & Program, and recognition of Founding Executive Director Dr. Bart Magee, Ph.D., who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his visionary leadership and more than 25 years of transformative impact on community-based mental health care. The event also marks a meaningful moment of transition as Access Institute welcomes Laura Mason as its new Executive Director, reflecting renewal, continuity, and a shared commitment to compassionate care. We are especially honored to welcome Annabelle Gurwitch as the Guest Speaker for Spectrum 2026. A New York Times bestselling author, actress, and activist, Annabelle is one of today’s most compelling voices at the intersection of storytelling, humor, and mental health. Known for her work on Dinner & a Movie, NPR, The New Yorker, and The New York Times, she brings both professional insight and deeply personal lived experience to her advocacy. A lung cancer survivor and nationally recognized patient advocate, Annabelle speaks with rare honesty about illness, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of navigating an imperfect healthcare system. Her newest memoir, The End of My Life Is Killing Me, offers a bold and deeply human reflection on survival and finding meaning amid uncertainty. Through her work with The Campfire Project, she also leads therapeutic writing workshops for young migrants seeking asylum, using storytelling as a pathway to healing, connection, and belonging. Annabelle’s voice embodies the very mission of Access Institute: that mental health care is not a privilege, but a fundamental human need. Her presence will remind us that behind every statistic is a story—and that healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and supported. Spectrum 2026 is more than a gala. It is a gathering rooted in purpose, community, and the belief that together, we can build a healthier, more compassionate San Francisco.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3498852-1

YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/3498852-3

Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3498852-6

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