17th Annual GLIDE Summer Gala: Love. Unite. Inspire. Dance.

A benefit for GLIDE’s programs featuring music celebration and recognition of community champions

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.

Host or Publisher Denise Lamott