The GLIDE Young Professionals Committee is proud to present the 17th Annual GLIDE Summer Gala—an inspiring and unforgettable night of poolside dancing, connection, and purpose—on Friday, August 22, 2025, at San Francisco’s legendary rock and roll hotel, The Phoenix Hotel, where icons like David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and The Killers have stayed. Hosted by and for the next generation of Bay Area philanthropists, changemakers, and creatives, the Summer Gala fuses party energy with progressive action, supporting GLIDE’s mission to break cycles of poverty and advance equity through unconditional love, radical inclusion, and social justice. Guests will enjoy delicious food and refreshments, dance to sets by DJ King Most, experience an uplifting performance by the GLIDE Ensemble under the musical direction of Zoe Ellis, and witness the presentation of the 2025 Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani Legacy Awards.
This year’s Janice Mirikitani Legacy Award will honor youth advocate Teresa Goines, founder and CEO of Old Skool Cafe. The faith-based violence prevention program provides job training, employment, and a second chance at life by way of a 1920s speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth ages 16-22. The Reverend Cecil Williams Legacy Award recipient is SF Carnaval CEO Roberto Hernandez, who has dedicated his life to organizing grassroots movements in San Francisco’s Mission District, championing affordable housing, youth empowerment, and community development.
“The Summer Gala is a celebration of the power of a purpose-driven community. It’s incredibly moving to witness a new generation of young professionals stepping up with passion, generosity, and vision,” said Dr. Gina Fromer, President and CEO of GLIDE. “They’re not only honoring Janice and Cecil’s legacy—they’re ensuring that love, justice, and radical inclusion remain at the heart of San Francisco’s future."
Past Legacy Award honorees include an inspiring roster of changemakers: Amanda Gorman, Michael Franti, Kamala Harris, Van Jones, Alicia Garza, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Lateefah Simon, Kristi Yamaguchi, and many others who exemplify GLIDE’s values of justice, compassion, and transformational leadership.
Proceeds from the Gala support GLIDE’s critical programs, including thousands of free meals each week, health access and housing assistance, behavioral health services, and spiritual community outreach—all dedicated to uplifting individuals and families in San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities.
WHAT:
17th Annual GLIDE Summer Gala: Love. Unite. Inspire. Dance.
A benefit for GLIDE’s programs featuring music, celebration, and recognition of community champions.
WHERE:
Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA
WHEN:
Friday, August 22, 2025, 8 pm – Midnight
WHO:
Hosted by the GLIDE Young Professionals Committee
2025 Janice Mirikitani Legacy Award Honoree: Teresa Goines
2025 Reverend Cecil Williams Legacy Award Honoree: Roberto Hernandez
TICKETS:
Early Bird: $65 (Available through July 14)
General Admission: $85
Double Date Package (4 tickets + 4 drink tickets): $300
Patron & Sponsorship Packages: $500–$25,000 - available here
INFO:
For details and sponsorship inquiries, visit glide.org/summergala, call 415-674-6180, or email events@glide.org
About GLIDE Young Professionals Committee
The GLIDE Young Professionals Committee inspires the next generation of Bay Area change-makers to engage in the life-saving work of GLIDE. GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. While members of the Young Professionals Committee have diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation, spiritual, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds, every member brings a shared commitment and passion for social justice and change.
About GLIDE
GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through our integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, we empower individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.
