Love in Action: Giving Thanks on Golden Gate

November 27, 2024

“The great activity of our life is to love. I see God as one act – just loving – like the sun always shining.” – Father Alfred Boeddeker 

The sun may not have been shining, but love was certainly all around at our Giving Thanks on Golden Gate Block Party & Distribution event yesterday afternoon. Prayers were answered and the rain seemed to stop just in time for guests, volunteers, board members, donors, sponsors, elected officials, SFPD Chief Bill Scott, SFFD Chief Sandy Tong, first responders, and SF Giants mascot Lou Seal to gather on the Greenway and celebrate our beautifully diverse Tenderloin community.

A thousand thanks to everyone who joined us to enjoy live music from the De Marillac Children’s Choir and spread holiday cheer by giving out hot chocolate, holiday cookies, hand-knit hats, scarves, blankets, and hygiene care kits to our guests.

Kudos to our amazing Events Team – Erin, Janet, and Peter for their attention to every detail that ensured a joyful day for all. Many thanks to Andre and the outstanding CSS Team for their hard work behind the scenes, keeping our block a welcoming, safe space for special events and for guests all year round.

The festive day would not be complete without a visit from one of our strongest Franciscan advocates, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. She quoted Rev. Amos Brown who had just spoken at the annual Interfaith Council Prayer Breakfast, “We all need to become first responders in the fight that we’re going to be engaged in to make sure that the dignity and worth of every person is respected…He said go out there and fight the fires of disagreement if at any time anyone wants to diminish the importance of anyone in our community.”

Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Thanks to KTVU and KGO for sharing our story.