Glide Celebrates 50 Years at Annual Holiday Festival

Glide Memorial Church celebrated 50 years with a spirited year-end holiday celebration at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House.

One of the most liberal churches in the country, Glide is famous for its numerous social service programs that have helped to break the cycles of poverty in the Bay Area. Its contributions to the community have been recognized by Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and Warren Buffet, who continues to contribute the value of an auctioned lunch on eBay. 

Valerie Simpson of the Motown songwriting/production team Ashford and Simpson, vocalist and pianist Judith Hill and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers led the evening filled with music and storytelling that honored the 50-year anniversary of co-founders Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani at Glide. Radio personality Renel Brooks-Moon served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening that featured a special tribute message by Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time.

Honorary co-chairs included Dr. Maya Angelou, Pam and Larry Baer, Richard Blum, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Robin Williams.