I am delighted to celebrate this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month with you!
People of AANHPI heritage are deeply woven into the historical fabric of San Francisco, and a vital component of our lived experience at GLIDE. From the legacy of our beloved co-founder, Janice Mirikitani, to the many dedicated GLIDE staff, volunteers and clients, the AANHPI community is a cherished and valuable part of our beloved GLIDE family.
I encourage you to reflect on the contributions of people of AANHPI descent to the entire Bay Area, from building the very foundations of San Francisco to the rich cultural diversity that continues to bless us all. I hope you will join me in uplifting their contributions and resilience.
We know that our work towards social justice and radical inclusion at GLIDE is never done. Food insecurity, unaffordable housing, and anti-Asian violence continue to plague us nationwide, especially here at home.
These challenges bring people through our doors every day– from elderly clients who come to GLIDE because they just can’t afford a third meal of the day on their own to young parents whose children attend our preschool while they work to support their families.
All the while, according to a national survey by the group Stop AAPI Hate, nearly half (49%) of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders experienced some form of race-based hate in 2023. We know these acts are the despicable byproducts of systemic history of stereotyping, silencing, and discriminating against the AANHPI community.
At GLIDE, we will never stop fighting for our vulnerable neighbors and friends in the AANHPI community, even as we celebrate their triumphs and elevate their voices and contributions.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta (4th from the right) visits with GLIDE staff in April of 2024.
Last month at GLIDE, we were honored to host California Attorney General Rob Bonta–the first person of Filipino descent and the second Asian-American to occupy his position. Together, we explored the importance of services to help individuals transition back into their communities after incarceration and discussed new ways to collaborate on these critical issues.
We will continue leading initiatives that build pathways to empathy, trust, and reconciliation. Our innovative outreach and work with police, healthcare workers, businesses, and our own diverse community is impacting how people see themselves and each other.
We look forward to embracing and celebrating the AANHPI community together with you–this month and every month as we work together as One GLIDE to bring love and dignity to everyone.
With love,
Dr. Gina Fromer
The Center for Social Justice (CSJ) team (inc. from L to R: Karl Robillard, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Eleana Binder, Policy Manager, President & CEO Dr. Gina Fromer, and Naeemah Charles, Senior Director), visit the nation’s capital to promote GLIDE’s mission
Dr. Gina meets with United States Representative Barbara Lee, representing California’s 12th Congressional District
Dr. Gina’s story is an American story. She is a sixth generation San Franciscan who broke the cycle of poverty in her family and ascended to leadership roles through determination, hard work, and education. She relied on crucial programs like GLIDE to realize her family’s dream of upward economic mobility.
CSJ team navigating the House of Representatives
In a whirlwind tour of DC, our team from GLIDE shared a new strategy we call GLIDE Forward to ensure Dr. Gina’s experience of breaking cycles of poverty will be available for generations to come. This strategy connects gaps in our social safety net in San Francisco with broad and ambitious plans from the federal government (and other funding partners) to ease the impact of poverty and marginalization across the country.
Our plan calls for GLIDE to launch a new behavioral health and wellness hub, deepen our commitment to combat the overdose epidemic, create housing as part of a GLIDE campus model, formalize re-entry services to prevent recidivism in our criminal justice system, and launch a set of integrated mobile services in the Tenderloin and underserved neighborhoods across San Francisco.
GLIDE President & CEO Dr. Gina Fromer meets with Congressman Adam Schiff (L) and with Damon Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary and General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (R)
Dr. Gina and our GLIDE team shared important information about what we are seeing on the ground in San Francisco to inform elected officials’ and federal agencies’ priorities.
We also discussed legislation related to housing, food access, substance use treatment, and mental health to advocate for progress and increased funding to help break down barriers we see our community facing every day.
We are grateful for our government partners who met with us to think big on the best ways to turn this vision into reality. We know that by working together we can close gaps in services that lead to extreme poverty and marginalization in San Francisco and across the country.
Special thanks to the Elected Officials, Staffers, Nonprofit partners, and Federal agencies who took time to meet with us:
Representatives Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee, Andrea Salinas, and Nanette Barragán
Vice President Kamala Harris’s office
The White House Office of Public Engagement
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The National Alliance to End Homelessness
The decisions made in DC affect the lives of GLIDE’s clients, staff, and community. When GLIDE brings our message of unconditional love and radical inclusivity into these conversations, we infuse our values into policy and service delivery that impact millions of poor and marginalized Americans across the country.
Dr. Gina Fromer meeting with Steve Benjamin, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement (L) and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (R)
This is the first of many proactive efforts to engage leaders at the national level.
The line started outside Glide Memorial Church on Taylor Street, reached back up to O’Farrell Street, and amassed well before doors opened at noon for the 1:00 pm Celebration of Life for Reverend Cecil Williams.
For long-time Glide church member Elizabeth Greenfield, it felt like reconnecting with strangers whom she’s always known. “How Cecil was able to bring different types of people together. It was an amazing thing,” said Greenfield. “You would be in the church, and around you, there were people you wouldn’t meet in your everyday life. Cecil would say, ‘Turn around and embrace the person next to you.’ And that’s why I’m here today. To honor a man who loved humanity.”
At GLIDE, we are all guided by the spirit of unconditional love instilled by our Co-Founder, Rev. Cecil Williams. On Sunday, May 12th, we celebrated his remarkable legacy following his recent passing. The atmosphere was electric, blending profound emotions, cherished memories, joy, and gratitude for the iconic Rev. Cecil.
From the early morning hours, when our doors opened, volunteers and staff worked side-by-side in the kitchen, preparing meals while others set up hundreds of tables and chairs along Ellis Street for our guests to overflow from the Sanctuary.
The Glide Ensemble, led by Vernon Bush, sings “Glory” during the tribute to Rev. Cecil Williams.
The sound of our world-famous GLIDE Ensemble and Change Band church members rehearsing their songs filled the air, adding to the anticipation for the outstanding show that was about to occur.
The GLIDE Ensemble began lifting spirits with rousing renditions of Under Our Roof and Glory, songs which were personally chosen by Rev. Cecil himself. Then, in between speakers, music performances by Michael Franti, and folk legend, Joan Baez followed, turning the event into the considerable celebration that he would have wanted.
Michael Franti opened with his personal testimony of how GLIDE helped him as a young father looking for guidance and he debuted a new song, I Hope I Come Back As A Song lifting the entire congregation to its feet.
One of the many attendees who came to honor Rev. Cecil was San Francisco and Tenderloin native, Sakura Martin, who grew up embracing Rev. Cecil as a local community pillar and an exemplar of civic engagement.
“So many different programs, from providing daily meals to providing harm reduction services, have been modeled after what Cecil created,” said Martin. “It’s inspiring to know that there is someone who created such a lasting legacy for SF and created hope for so many people. GLIDE has been a constant presence for struggling people, providing help and resources.”
Among the many special speakers was Chris Gardner, whose journey embodies resilience and hope. Gardner’s life is a testament to overcoming impossible odds. Once a homeless, single father, he famously transformed his challenging circumstances through sheer determination and a relentless pursuit of happiness.
His compelling story was popularized by his autobiography and the subsequent film adaptation, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” where Will Smith portrayed him and his son’s struggle on the streets of San Francisco and Rev. Cecil made a cameo in the movie as himself at GLIDE.
Gardner shared reflections at the celebration, noting, “The work you do at GLIDE impacts people you may never meet.” His words underscored the lasting influence of unconditional love and radical inclusive community — a legacy created by Rev. Cecil Williams’ mission at GLIDE.
Gardner’s life inspires many to believe in the power of hope and the possibility of renewal, even in the most challenging times.
Albert Williams, Jr. (Rev. Cecil’s son), GLIDE President & CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer,Kimberly Williams (Rev. Cecil‘s daughter),and San Francisco Mayor London Breed were front and center at the Celebration of Life.
Alongside his late wife, Janice Mirikitani, Rev. Cecil transformed GLIDE into a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to turn. Under their leadership, GLIDE became more than just a place of worship; it became as a vital community resource offering meals and supportive services to the most vulnerable and marginalized.
Their work laid a foundation of care and support that predates—and, in many ways, presaged—modern public interventions in urban homelessness. This legacy of compassion inspires actions addressing the root causes of poverty and disenfranchisement in the community, underscoring GLIDE’s mission to fight systemic injustices, create pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transform lives.
Tom Johnston, Co-Founder of the Doobie Brothers, led the Glide Ensemble in their hit “Listen to the Music.”
“This is what we need to do. Families get up and sing together,” said Johnston.“I’m in awe of Cecil. What Cecil did for the community continues. And people can count on it, and there’s not a lot of that left.”
Glide Church member Candy Tsang is in line waiting to enter with fellow Glide congregant Rachel Tanner.
Another community voice was Candy Tsang, who recalled when she first met Rev. Cecil. “It was on Easter Sunday, 2012, that I met Cecil and Janice Mirikitani. That was the day my oldest brother passed on. I asked them to pray for me. And then, I met with Cecil this past Easter Sunday, a week before he died. I admired his kindness, generosity, and lifting people with nothing. And how he spread love and joy to everyone he met. It’s why I keep coming back to GLIDE,” said Bay Area native Candy Tsang from her seat in the pews.
“GLIDE is a unique San Francisco experience where we welcome everybody worldwide. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin or your religion. We spread love. We spread peace. We embrace people from all walks of life,” summed up Tsang. “We don’t look down on people with no money or home. We embrace human beings. I learned this from Cecil and Janice.”
GLIDE Board of Director Chair Kaye Foster raises her hands next to Vice Chair Mary Glide
As the sun set on a day filled with emotional tributes, the essence of Rev. Cecil Williams resonated in every handshake, hug, and heartfelt conversation among those who gathered. His vision of a community woven together by compassion and acceptance resonated deeply, echoing through the streets and into the hearts of all present. GLIDE is a symbol of hope and a testament to the transformative power of love and inclusivity.
As the sun set on a day filled with emotional tributes, the essence of Rev. Cecil Williams resonated in every handshake, hug, and heartfelt conversation among those who gathered. His vision of a community woven together by compassion and acceptance resonated deeply, echoing through the streets and into the hearts of all present. GLIDE is a symbol of hope and a testament to the transformative power of love and inclusivity.
Cecil Williams set GLIDE on an enduring path of unconditional love. Every day, we honor his legacy through the three pillars of our mission: the Center for Social Justice, Glide Memorial Church, and our Programs.
We meet our clients where they are, help stabilize their lives, and support individuals and families striving to break the cycle of poverty. This celebration not only commemorates a remarkable life that transformed the world, but also reaffirms our dedication to advancing our values of radical inclusiveness, truth-telling, serving the community, and fostering love and hope.
Eleana Binder, GLIDE’s Policy Manager, after being awarded the Hunger Fighter Award, standing with other members of the California Hunger Action Coalition.
April and May are some of the busiest months for policy advocacy in Sacramento, California’s capital city. State legislators are voting on bills and weighing budget decisions, and, most importantly, GLIDE community advocates are raising their voices and speaking truth to power about what our communities need.
GLIDE advocated alongside community partners for End the Epidemics’ Day of Action and California Hunger Action Coalition’s Hunger Action Day, as well as doctors from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) on three separate days – maximizing our chances to speak with legislators about critical health and hunger issues facing our community.
On April 23, staff and clients from GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice and Harm Reduction teams joined advocates and people struggling with substance use disorder and people living with HIV to advocate for funding for overdose prevention services and services for people at risk of or living with HIV as part of End the Epidemics’ Day of Action.
End the Epidemics is a statewide coalition that advocates for anti-racist policies and funding priorities to eliminate health inequities and end the epidemics of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), viral hepatitis, and overdose in California.
GLIDE participants joined in a powerful rally, during which they paid tribute to GLIDE’s co-founder, the late Reverend Cecil Williams, and lived out Cecil’s legacy, and GLIDE’s values, by engaging in truth telling – sharing stories with legislative offices.
The next week, on April 30, for California Hunger Action Coalition’s Hunger Action Day, staff and Social Justice Academy fellows from GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice, as well as staff from GLIDE’s Family Resource Center, Women’s Center, Volunteer program, and fund development team, joined other community members from San Francisco and across the state to advocate for expanded access to nutritious, affordable food.
During the kick off rally, the California Hunger Action Coalition awarded GLIDE’s Policy Manager, Eleana Binder, with the 2024 Hunger Fighter Award, in recognition of her dedication to addressing hunger in California and her leadership in organizing Hunger Action Week in 2022 and 2023.
GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice led legislative visits with all of San Francisco’s legislators’ offices – with Assemblymember Matt Haney and Phil Ting’s staff and with Senator Scott Wiener himself – as well as with Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Chair of the Human Services Committee, who is a key decision maker for hunger-related legislation.
GLIDE’s staff and Social Justice Academy fellows joined these meetings, as well as meetings with two Marin County legislators organized by the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, to tell their stories about hunger.
GLIDE advocated for the Hunger Action Day Policy Agenda, including increasing the minimum CalFresh benefit from $23 per month to $50 per month, making it easier for people exiting jails/prisons to get enrolled in CalFresh, protecting the Market Match program, and so much more!
GLIDE staff with Senator Scott Wiener, as well as staff from TNDC, the Women’s Building, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, the California Association of Food Banks, and community members after meeting with the Senator on Hunger Action Day.
On May 1, members of our policy team in our Center for Social Justice joined forces with doctors who work at UCSF and SF General Hospital to advocate for funding for health-related issues, including overdose prevention services. GLIDE staff and UCSF residents also advocated for AB 1975 – a piece of legislation that would support “food as medicine,” which are food-based interventions integrated into healthcare to prevent and treat medical conditions.
AB 1975 would make these interventions available to all Medi-Cal patients, which would help address health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and preterm births – all of which have a racially disproportionate impact on Black Californians.
GLIDE staff and UCSF residents met with Assemblymember Haney and Senator Wiener’s offices, as well as staff for the Senate Budget and Senate Appropriations Committees, which are key committees for budget items and bills with financial costs. GLIDE and UCSF doctors have been partnering for years to advocate for essential health services, ranging from greater food access to harm reduction and overdose prevention.
GLIDE Center for Social Justice staff with doctors from UCSF.
GLIDE Center for Social Justice staff and doctors from UCSF with Senator Scott Wiener’s staff.
GLIDE is proud to be lifting up the voices of our staff, clients, and community members in the halls of power and positively influencing decisions that affect millions of Californians.
Please visit our Celebration page in honor of Reverend Cecil Williams, dedicated to his life and memory.
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.”
About the Altar
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
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.”
