Rising From the Ashes, A Neighborhood Unites!
“We appreciate you. We love you. You all matter,” proclaimed GLIDE’s President & CEO Dr. Gina Fromer. With these words, a cheer erupted from the crowds.
The Glide Memorial Church Ensemble rang out with a rousing version of Love is the Answer and Ain’t my God Good as residents of the Tenderloin flocked to the dance floor, moving and swaying to the beat. Under a cerulean San Francisco sky, the culmination of months of planning had finally arrived to kick off the 4th annual Phoenix Day celebration.
People of all ages, races, backgrounds, and beliefs spilled onto the closed blocks of 300 and 400 Ellis Street to enjoy Carnival themed activities, food, and entertainment. A long line, stretching the length of a city block snaked through the crowd as people awaited Corn Dogs, cole slaw, and chips (donated by Meals on Wheels). Head Chef Char Marsden and the Community Meals team at GLIDE served a total of 1,300 meals to the revelers throughout the course of the day.
Up and down the block, people delighted in the company of big fluffy bunnies at the petting zoo; took aim at the chance to submerge a man in a pink suit at the dunk tank; tested their strength at the hammer striker; and, for the toddlers, pushed the pedal to the medal at the mini race car track.
Beyond the beats and the fun, attendees also got the chance to check some practical items off their list. They signed up to vote at a voter registration station, received vaccines from UCSF, and learned about a number of inspiring nonprofit organizations throughout the Tenderloin.
Dating back to ancient Egyptian times, the Phoenix represents new life and resilience. Much like its namesake, the Tenderloin tells the story of the beauty, strength, resilience and diversity of the human spirit. In the words of Dr. Gina Fromer, “We are about unconditional love and radical inclusion, and we’re taking it to the streets to celebrate today.”
Special thanks to our co-sponsors Youth with a Mission, The Healing Well, Mercy Housing, and TNDC. We couldn’t have planned this day without them!