GLIDE’s annual Power of One Charity Lunch Auction with Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff raises $1.5 Million. Although the winning bid closed at $200,100.00 and the winning bidder committed $1.5 million to celebrate the new era of the Power of One Charity Lunch Auction to dine with Chair and CEO Marc Benioff, and support the work of the GLIDE Foundation.
CSJ Community Engagement Manager Ian James (L) alongside Social Justice Academy participants, including Claudia Garcia (in the rear wearing glasses behind blue hat), including visiting local leader Oakland Chief of Violence Prevention Holly Joshi to Claudia’s right)
GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) welcomed the first cohort of our Social Justice Academy (SJA) on April 3rd. The cohort, which consists of ten women who have experienced homelessness, incarceration, and other systemic inequities, got to know each other through ice breakers and community building activities, before joining GLIDE staff in Freedom Hall for a celebratory lunch.
Over the course of a 17-week project-based fellowship, the cohort will learn and implement the tools of community-based research, community organizing, and advocacy to positively impact public and government understandings of an issue of their choice.
Through the first three meetings, the cohort have continued to build community while learning about GLIDE and gaining tools to help them succeed as community leaders. CSJ’s policy team joined them to talk about our four issue areas of focus.
Glide Memorial Church welcomed them into the Sanctuary and shared GLIDE’s history. And former CSJ Senior Director, Dr. Holly Joshi, came back to GLIDE to give her signature training on systems change thinking. Each week the cohort’s curiosity, wisdom, and openness to share has made timekeeper the hardest role to fill.
As a mother and woman of color, SJA fellow Raya Rhodes came to Glide’s CSJ after reflecting upon her experience engaged with her peers about systems change and what she could be doing.
“As one of the first ever members in the Social Justice Academy let me first say what an honor it is to be chosen. I am amongst a diverse group of peers who are all passionate and have lived experience in the areas they are passionate about. This opportunity not only allows me to be given a platform to use my voice and put purpose behind my struggles,” summarized Raya.
“It also gives me the chance to listen and to gain understanding of issues I didn’t know existed. This opportunity is the first of its kind, and as a participant I am making history. No surprise here that yet again GLIDE is pioneering historical changes that the community of San Francisco desperately needs. And I am grateful to be a part of that change,” she added.
“I think the academy is very good, it makes me very happy,” according to SJA participant Claudia Garcia. “I am learning a lot. I feel very comfortable with everyone.”
Project Coordinator Faith Sanchez (L) holds CSJ banner with
SJA fellow Margaret Wilson
For Reya, getting the chance to meet with elected leaders at San Francisco City Hall, work with community partners, and practice her nascent public speaking skills, is the chance at making history. “GLIDE is pioneering historical changes that the community of San Francisco desperately needs. And I am grateful to be a part of that change.”
In African diasporic cultures, altars to ancestors are revered as sacred spaces that embody the essence of unconditional love, resilience, and cultural heritage. Each element on the altar plays a crucial role in honoring the ancestors and connecting the past to the present.
The rose quartz, symbolizing unconditional love, is a cornerstone of the altar, representing the enduring love and connection between the living and the ancestors. Ankara cloth represents the roots of African heritage, grounding the altar in the cultural legacy of Cecil Williams and the ancestors.
Water, the essence of life and a symbol of the earth, is placed on the altar to honor the ancestors’ connection to the earth and their role as stewards of the land. It is also offered as a symbol of purity and clarity, inviting the ancestors’ blessings and guidance. Flowers, representing the earth, symbolize growth, renewal, and the cycle of life. Fire/light is used to purify the space and invoke the spirits of the ancestors.
Images of Cecil Williams with the people he served and impacted are displayed prominently on the altar, reminding us of his dedication to community and justice for those who live in the margins and beyond. Wood, representing the earth, symbolizes growth and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Community members may contribute to the altar and a larger communal piece through writing prompts, inspired by our Janice Mirikitani Theologian in Residence, Ramona Laughing Brook Webb and her poetic guidance further encouraging reflection and remembrance of Cecil’s teachings and legacy.
Highlights include the olive branches symbolic of peace. Gold and brass ornaments, symbolizing minerals, honor the ancestors’ wealth of wisdom and the richness of their cultural heritage.
The altar holds Cecil’s writings, which serve as evidence of his philosophy, Liberation ministry, and world contributions. Lights representing fire illuminate the altar and guide the spirits of the ancestors.
We display pride flags on the altar to honor Cecil’s commitment to inclusivity and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. To honor Cecil’s work with the Glide Memorial Church and his dedication to social justice, we incorporate Glide’s Terms of Faith and Resistance.
Playing sound recordings of Cecil’s sermons and the Glide ensemble evokes the spirit of community and celebration. Those who find it hard to grieve in words can engage in a meditative practice using dashiki coloring book images. This offers a creative outlet to honor Cecil’s memory and legacy.
Together, these elements create a sacred space that honors Cecil Williams’ life and legacy, celebrates his contributions to the community, and connects the past to the present, inspiring future generations to continue his work for justice and equality.
ARTIFACTS & COORDINATION:
Writing contributions will be used in poetry by Ramona.
Writings will be tied to the Taylor gate by volunteers (Paula will lead).
Volunteers Needed to keep an eye on the table (Paula will work with the church staff to get this done).
Altar artifacts will be placed out on the Ellis side for community members to visit.
Below is a listing of advanced media/press coverage for the
2024 ‘Power of One’ Charity Lunch Auction with Marc Benioff.
4/15 Observer, “Marc Benioff Replaces Warren Buffett in Glide’s Annual Charity Lunch Auction”
4/12 CNBC Warren Buffett Watch e-newsletter, “Bidding starts next month in first post-Buffett ‘Power Lunch’ auction”
4/12 Magzter, “Warren Buffett Has Left The Table–Homeless Charity Asks Investors To Bid on Meal With Software CEO”
4/11 San Francisco Business Times newsletter and “Is Salesforce’s Marc Benioff the new Warren Buffett? website
4/11 Venture Capital Post, “Lunch With Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff To Be Auctioned! Will You Pay $25k?”
4/10 Fox Business, “An auction to have lunch with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff to launch in early May and Regional Media News
4/10 Non-Profit Times, “Really Expensive Salads As Benioff Replaces Buffett”
4/9 San Francisco Business Times, “Lunch with Salesforce’s Marc Benioff to be auctioned off to benefit Bay Area nonprofit”
4/9 KTVU, “From Buffett To Benioff: 2024 Power of One Lunch Auction Passes the Torch!”
4/9 Associated Press, “Warren Buffett has left the table. Homeless charity asks investors to bid on meal with software CEO”
GLIDE is thrilled to announce the 2024 Power of One Charity Lunch Auction will be hosted by Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff! Since 2000, this event has raised over $50 million to support GLIDE’s transformational programs that lift people out of poverty and advance equity through systems change.
“I’m incredibly humbled to continue Warren’s legacy by supporting the Power of One Charity Lunch Auction, and I’m so grateful for the passion of Susie and the leadership of Warren and Reverend Cecil Williams, ” said Marc Benioff. “We’re thrilled to work with GLIDE, building on their great work to support the amazing city of San Francisco.”
Bidding for this year’s Power of One Charity Lunch Auction will be powered by longtime auction partner eBay and will open on Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 pm PDT and close on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 pm PDT. The winning bidder will enjoy a memorable lunch for eight with Benioff.
Bidding starts at $25,000, and all bidders must be pre-qualified before the start of the event. To pre-qualify, visit eBay.com/GLIDE.
Press and media coverage in advance of the auction can be viewed here.
“We are so grateful that Marc Benioff is continuing Warren Buffett’s legacy of supporting San Francisco’s most vulnerable,” said Dr. Gina M. Fromer, GLIDE President and CEO. “Warren Buffett’s vision, generosity, and friendship over the last two decades has enabled GLIDE to directly improve the lives of thousands daily. This legacy is in excellent hands with Marc, who has long been an outspoken champion for equality and justice in the Bay Area and worldwide.”
Power of One Auction Lunch History
GLIDE’s Power of One Lunch Auction has a storied tradition dating back to 2000, when Warren Buffett auctioned off an annual power lunch experience for the winning bidder and up to seven friends at New York City’s Smith & Wollensky steakhouse, initially raising $25,000 with 100% of the auction proceeds benefit GLIDE.
The auction idea was created by Mr. Buffett’s late wife, Susie Buffett, who was an active member of Glide Memorial Church and volunteered in the meals and holiday programs. She was a dear friend to GLIDE co-founders Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani.
GLIDE co-founders Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani receiving a hug from businessman and philanthropist Warren Buffett
The auction originated as a live auction. Per Mr. Buffett’s suggestion, the auction moved online to eBay in 2003 and the winning bid went from $25,000 to $250,000 on the platform. Highest winning bid is $19,000,100 (2022). Most notable winner is Richard ‘Ted’ Weschler (2010, 2011) who originally asked to remain anonymous, then eventually joined Mr. Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. in 2011 where his participation in the auction was revealed.
In 2003 and at Warren Buffet’s suggestion, the auction moved to eBay and since then has raised more than $34 million to support GLIDE with 100% of proceeds going to support GLIDE’s transformative programs that lift people out of poverty, hunger, and homelessness, and advance equity through systems change.
“The baton is in the right hands with Marc Benioff,” said Warren Buffett. “He’s going to do a wonderful job improving on what I did over the years. With Marc’s enthusiasm and commitment, along with the GLIDE’s leadership and volunteers, GLIDE will be able to continue providing its vital services for San Francisco.”
GLIDE Staff and Volunteers at the Annual Spring Egg Hunt
“We’re using the church as Easter egg grounds,” said GLIDE President & CEO Dr. Gina Fromer who spoke with ABC7 news. “We’ve got eggs and candy secretly hidden everywhere. Kids are having a ball running though the pews.”
Glide Memorial Church’s annual Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30th served 65 families from the Tenderloin.
Tenderloin resident Rebecca with her seven-year-old son, Andy
Dozens of volunteers were on hand to ensure that families, including those from GLIDE housing and the Janice Mirikitani Family Youth and Childcare Center, had a safe space to celebrate. “We come to GLIDE because they have a lot of services that can help us,” said Rebecca, who has been bringing seven-year-old Andy to the Egg Hunt for three years. “We never will miss the Easter Egg Hunt.”
The event was supposed to be held at Boeddeker Park, but rain had left the park too muddy for the event. Volunteers from Glide Memorial Church hid hundreds of eggs and candy around the sanctuary, ensuring that families in the Tenderloin would have a dry place to celebrate. “Glide stepped in as it usually does and saved the day,” Dr. Gina told ABC7.
Additional crafts and activities were held in Freedom Hall. Children also received books and lunches they could take home. One of the highlights of the event was a “Love Train” dance led by Dr. Gina.
Minister Marvin K. White opened the Easter Sunday Celebrations by recognizing the diversity of people, faiths and cultures present at the standing room-only gathering: “Welcome to Glide Memorial Church everybody! Happy Transgender Day of visibility! Happy Maya Angelou’s Birthday! Happy National Poetry Month, coming up in April! And Happy Easter everyone!”
Glide Memorial Church held three Easter services on Sunday, March 31st. The 7 am Sunrise service, which was famously a favorite of Maya Angelou and Oprah, focused on community support, prayers and songs. Camryn Crump, who is an Executive Assistant at Glide Memorial Church office, shared his talents with the congregation and sang his first solo at the early morning Celebration.
Minister Marvin K White’s message focused on storytelling, hope and the lessons he learned about feeding others from his mother and grandmother. In the 9 and 11 am Celebrations, Minister Marvin shared poems by Maya Angelou that were curated to support those journeying through grief, addiction and other struggles. “Because I know if there’s going to be a resurrection. If people are going to come back to life, it’s going to happen here at Glide Memorial Church because that’s all we want to see happen,” said Glide Pastor Marvin K. White told ABC7 news.
Inspiration percolated throughout the church pews. “We’ve seen churches take a big blow since the pandemic,” said church volunteer Blake Riggs. “The community was hurting and as we’ve come back from that, this is a resurrection of the church and the resurrection of Glide.”
Center for Social Justice Policy Associate Shiba Bandeeba participating in a breakout session at the FAACTS 2024 SF Food Action Summit
GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) is a proud member of the Food and Agriculture Action Coalition Towards Sovereignty (FAACTS). FAACTS includes 30 local organizations that are working to ensure access to quality, nutritious and culturally inclusive food here in San Francisco.
GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice and the Meals Program successfully advocated as part of the FAACTS in 2022 and 2023 to preserve and expand funding for food programs in San Francisco.
In 2022, we successfully prevented the cut of $30 million from neighborhood-based food programs, including GLIDE’s Zero Waste Food Pantry, which provided healthy groceries to low-income families.
In 2023, GLIDE and FAACTS successfully advocated for $41 Million in San Francisco’s budget for food programs across the city. We gathered in rallies, delivered postcards, met with City officials, and gave public comment to ensure that this funding was included in the final budget.
On March 3 and 4, 2024, FAACTS hosted the SF Food Action Summit to collectively envision a better food system in San Francisco and mobilize towards making that vision a reality.
GLIDE’s CSJ Policy Associate Shiba Bandeeba and Policy Manager Eleana Binder spent two days alongside other summit participants building relationships, learning together, and strategically planning ways we can uplift federal, state and local resources to create a good food system here in the Bay Area.
Our guest speakers included Victoria Benson (Founder of Justice Alchemy), Aomboon Deasy (K&J Orchards), Raj Patel (award winning author and James Beard Foundation Leadership awardee), and Senator Scott Wiener. Panelists ranged from Black and other farmers of color, chefs, nutritionists, farmer’s market vendors and community advocates.
My favorite part of the summit was probably the amazing, fresh and organic food we were served during this uplifting community gathering. As someone in the Black community, food access is not a norm; many of our neighborhoods are food deserts with many residents facing food insecurity.
The breakout session I enjoyed the most was a conversation about The Right to Food, a national movement recognizing hunger as a market failure and identifying hunger as a political choice. It is pivotal that our communities have a right to define our own food and agriculture systems; food security should be recognized as a public good.
Much appreciation to Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, API Council, Farming Hope, local BIPOC farmers, small business owners and other stakeholders who are on the frontlines of addressing food insecurity and sustainability each day.
GLIDE is honored to serve our community members in the Tenderloin and across San Francisco, and we are energized to continue our advocacy efforts alongside these partners.
Shiba Bandeeba, M.Ed
CSJ Policy Associate
CSJ Senior Director Naeemah Charles (L) with Dr. Lilia Abron, PhD, and first African-American woman in the nation to receive a doctorate in chemical engineering
Earlier this year, I joined the GLIDE community as the new Senior Director of The Center for Social Justice. It has been a transformational experience to begin my work at GLIDE by participating in the Alabama Pilgrimage.
The Alabama Pilgrimage takes us to important sites of the Civil Rights movement, allowing us to learn from history as we work for a more just world.
The Alabama Pilgrimage changed my life. I grew up with a father who instilled in me the teachings of Marcus Garvey, Hewie Newton, and Malcolm X.
However, there is a special energy and understanding that only comes with being physically in the spaces where history was made. One space that shook me to my core was our walk over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. A place where Martin Luther King Jr. and so many other Black civil rights leaders sacrificed their bodies to advance the movement for social justice in America.
When we were walking and singing a Black spiritual along the bridge, a stranger joined us in song and added his own music. In that moment it served as a reminder that the work continues and that we are not alone. That there are people all around fighting for social justice and that our ancestors are always walking with us. A powerful moment that makes me emotional as I continue to reflect and process the trip.
As a Black woman who has dedicated her life to social justice, I know there is a spirit and power greater than all of us that is set on creating a just world. It was this energy that brought me together with one of the pilgrimage’s participants, Dr. Lilia Abron, PhD and first African-American woman in the nation to receive her doctorate in chemical engineering.
Black women have often been the silent and invisible infrastructure of so much of American history. I was moved when I learned about the Mothers of Gynecology: Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey; three Black teenagers who were enslaved and experimented under excruciating conditions and without their consent. So much of what we know about gynecology and women’s health is because of these three Black girls.
As I move forward and begin my journey as the new Senior Director of the Center of Social Justice, I am grounded in the essential nature of our work. To ensure that those most impacted have a voice, to uplift the community to advocate for themselves so a movement cannot die due to a single person.
The work can seem daunting but as Martin Luther King so brilliantly stated, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards Justice.”
Naeemah Charles
GLIDE Senior Director of The Center for Social Justice
