50 Years of Unconditional Love: unconditional love and acceptance were celebrated onstage at the War Memorial Opera House in honor of GLIDE Co-Founders Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani, and their 50-year commitment to changing the world, on December 4, 2013. Their partnership that began in 1963 transformed a church into a social movement of service and spirit for individuals suffering from poverty, drug abuse, violence and despair.
The event honored the 50 year epic love story between Cecil, Janice, the City of San Francisco and the GLIDE community committed to justice and programs and opportunities for marginalized people. GLIDE’s Annual Holiday Festival Mistress of Ceremonies Renel Brooks-Moon introduced a special tribute from one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time, Dr. Maya Angelou. Inspirational messages continued throughout the all-star performance that featured Motown powerhouse Valerie Simpson, vocalist and pianist Judith Hill, Doobie Brothers lead singer and guitarist Tom Johnston with his daughter Lara Johnston, drumming ensemble San Jose Taiko and 100 voices of the Glide Ensemble and the eight-piece Change Band.
Each year, the Glide Annual Holiday Festival and Jam raises funds for Mo’s Kitchen and GLIDE programs. Mo’s kitchen serves three meals a day to San Francisco’s poorest residents — nearly one million meals each year.
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