***NOTE TO REPORTERS/EDITORS: GLIDE Foundation is the correct name for the organization at 330 Ellis Street that organizes and provides the Daily Free Meals and other social services and social justice programs. Glide Memorial Church, a subsidiary of GLIDE Foundation, is the spiritual community housed within the sanctuary at 330 Ellis Street. When referring to GLIDE social services and programs, please use the updated name, GLIDE Foundation, or simply GLIDE. When referring to the church, spiritual or religious services, use GLIDE Memorial Church.
December 22nd, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gabriella Deyi, Media Relations Manager, gdeyi@glide.org, (510) 322-0744
Karl Robillard, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, (415) 722-4512
CELEBRATING “THE LIGHT” OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE HOUSE OF PRIME RIB
A meal to remember and a service to ignite hope, love, and the power of community
WHAT:
GLIDE’s Christmas Eve House of Prime Rib Brunch
It’s that time of the year again! GLIDE will be serving a special holiday meal to our community on December 24th. AND, as it has been for the last 30 years, Joe Betz and his family will donate over 3,000 pounds of his restaurant’s House of Prime Rib, famous prime rib, sides, and desserts to GLIDE Foundation. Joe Betz’s unwavering commitment to serve a special meal to the GLIDE community in light of the challenges of the day shows the true spirit of the holidays.
- GLIDE staff and volunteers will prepare and serve a total of 2,500 meals on Christmas Eve. The meals will be served in the indoor dining room for the first time in three years.
- In addition to the meals served in the dining room, GLIDE will also distribute 250+ of those same prime rib meals to encampments across the city.
- Glide Memorial Church will also host two fun-filled Sing-A-Long Christmas Eve Celebrations at 9am and 11am led by the Minister of Celebration. Marvin K. White. White recently quoted in the SFist says,” [This year] we are going to celebrate light!”.
.
GLIDE’s Christmas Day
Christmas Day at GLIDE will begin with a traditional breakfast served to our clients. Following breakfast service, Glide Memorial Church will hold a service at 10 am which will be love-filled, joy-filled, song-filled and light-filled. The legendary Reverend Cecil Williams, who was recently featured in the New York Times for his 60 years of service, will be in attendance. Minister Marvin K. White’s sermon will bring a Christmas message on the revolutionary power of love, creativity, hope, justice and liberation to transform individuals and communities. The Change Band will amplify love with music and the Glide Ensemble will be singing songs that energize and inspire us to keep going.
In addition to the meals served in the dining room, GLIDE will also distribute 250+ Christmas meals to encampments across the city. Each Christmas meal will consist of ham, turkey, and all of the fixings.
WHEN / DETAILS:
Sunday, December 24
- 7:30 – 9 a.m: Breakfast service
- 9 a.m: GLIDE staff and volunteers prepare meals for brunch service
- 10:45 a.m: GLIDE on the Go van loaded for delivery to encampments and people on the street
- 11 a.m– 1:00 p.m: House of Prime Rib Christmas Eve Brunch served
Monday, December 25
- 6 a.m: GLIDE staff and volunteers carve turkey and ham
- 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m: Breakfast service
- 9am: Turkey and ham carving resumes
- 10am: Glide Memorial Church Service begins (Cecil Williams will be in attendance)
- 10:30 a.m: GLIDE-on-the-Go van loaded for delivery to encampments and people on the street
- 11 a.m – 1:00 p.m: Christmas meal is served
WHO:
- President and CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer (12/24)
- Reverend Cecil Williams (12/25)
- GLIDE’s committed staff and volunteers
- GLIDE guests
WHERE: 330 Ellis Street; San Francisco, CA 94102
*The Bay Area community is invited to support GLIDE’s holiday programs through donations of money and other resources at glide.org/donate.
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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. GLIDE’s integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community empower individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing issues including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice.