Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at GLIDE

Our GLIDE team, driven by dedication and compassion, undertook the cherished tradition of preparing meals for our community on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Over the course of both days, with generous contributions from our supporters, our staff and volunteers successfully prepared and distributed 2,500 meals, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing and caring for those in our community. Additionally, we delivered meals and toys to encampments in remote areas of San Francisco.

This year, as with the past 30 years, the atmosphere was enriched by the enduring generosity of Joe Betz, owner of the House of Prime Rib. Betz's annual donation of prime ribs has become a cornerstone of our festive offerings. His commitment extends beyond mere donation; this year, he volunteered alongside his family, embodying the spirit of hands-on community service.

Further enhancing our efforts were the presence of California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and our founder, Reverend Cecil Williams, each bringing their unique energy and support. Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis participated in serving meals, underscoring the importance of leadership in community engagement.

Reverend Williams, a figure synonymous with compassion and love, graced the occasion with his profound insights. His words, "It's a new feeling, a new energy, it's huge and full of love," resonated deeply, capturing the essence of our collective endeavor.

Watch our Christmas recap here.

Pam Moore interviews Dr. Gina Fromer

Pam Moore, an Emmy Award-winning former KRON 4 evening anchor, engaged in a conversation with Dr. Gina Fromer last month to showcase our CEO's remarkable journey from client to visionary leader. Moore's featurette profiles Dr. Gina Fromer, a 6th generation San Franciscan, and is a spectacular narrative of triumph amidst adversity.

Watch the segment here.

Catching Up With the Rev. Cecil Williams, a San Francisco Legend

Heather Knight of the New York Times published a profile of Rev. Williams on December 21st:

"There is only one place the Rev. Cecil Williams would think to spend Christmas Day: Glide Memorial Church in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.

Williams could be called a founding father of modern-day San Francisco, known for more than half a century as a fighter for racial equality, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and dignity for homeless people and those addicted to drugs.

At 94, he’s mostly out of the spotlight, so I decided to chat with him about his memories over 60 years at Glide and his thoughts on the city in which we both live..."

Read the rest of the story here.

Urge the President to award the Medal of Freedom to Rev. Williams here.

GLIDE Lights Up the City of San Francisco
A trifecta of 2023 end-of-year holiday events showcased GLIDE's presence radiating throughout the city. We joined hands with our brothers and sisters in lighting candles, singing songs of merriment, and spreading holiday joy throughout San Francisco including participation in lighting ceremonies at Golden Gate Park, Boeddeker Park, in the Castro and at Chase Stadium. Present across all the lightings were notable change makers like Mayor London Breed, CA Senator Scott Weiner, Assemblymember Matt Haney, Code Tenderloin, and more.

Read more here. 

Click here to Read More Information About GLIDE's Love and eNews - December 2023