Press Release: 2024 Show of Hope Gala
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Diana Lieu, dlieu@sfcommunityhealth.org
Dr. Anthony Fauci to be honored as 2024 Health Justice Champion by San Francisco Community Health Center at the Show of Hope Gala
Revered San Francisco entertainment venue AsiaSF to receive Community Impact Award
SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2024 — San Francisco Community Health Center (SFCHC), which for 37 years has provided critical health care and social services in the Tenderloin and beyond, will hold its Show of Hope Gala on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco.
Hosted by ABC7 Mornings Anchor Reggie Aqui, the gala will celebrate the center’s mission-critical work and raise funds needed to provide medical care, dental care, mental health care, housing, and critical social services for immigrant and communities of color, queer, trans, unhoused people, and people who are most impacted by oppression. The event will honor Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease with its 2024 Health Justice Champion Award and AsiaSF, the groundbreaking entertainment venue that celebrates, empowers, and has employed members of the transgender community for more than a quarter century with its 2024 Community Impact Award. A special performance by the Ladies of AsiaSF will close out the evening.
“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Anthony Fauci and AsiaSF for their unwavering support and commitment to HIV+ and LGBTQIA communities,” said SFCHC Chief Executive Officer Lance Toma. “Each in their own way has contributed to the health, wellness, and growth of our community and has inspired SFCHC to continue to offer proven, community-based solutions San Francisco and nationally.” San Francisco Community Health Center was founded in 1987 in response to the 1980s AIDS crisis, specifically focusing on the impact of the epidemic on Asian and Pacific Islander communities. While remaining rooted in these communities, the health center welcomes anyone in need of its services with particular attention to LGBTQIA and people of color communities. In 2015, it became recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center enabling it to greatly expand its clinical capacity and outreach.
“For over 37 years, San Francisco Community Health Center has been providing critical life-saving services to our Tenderloin neighbors,” said Toma. “We offer primary medical and behavioral health care as well as dental services to those who would not otherwise have access to health care.”
Each day, the health center provides support to historically oppressed persons who have been marginalized by systemic factors, including poverty and discrimination, and those most impacted by structural violence. Its comprehensive, integrated approach to health care puts clients at the center of an expanding array of medical, mental health, dental, substance use, and community programs. The health center’s work is designed to empower people through a safe, respectful, and culturally affirming approach. SFCHC also conducts training, consultation, and works to advocate for health justice at the local, state, and national levels.
“The Show of Hope gala is our way of thanking all those who support us,” said SFCHC Board Chair Ben Plumley. “Coming together as a community to celebrate our accomplishments and honor those who champion HIV and LGBTQ rights gives us renewed strength and determination to continue the fight for health justice.”
The gala is presented by Gilead Sciences. Tickets for the evening are available at https://sfcommunityhealth.org or by calling 415-646-1012.
About San Francisco Community Health Center: San Francisco Community Health Center celebrates and attends to the health and wellness of the communities that define San Francisco—immigrant and communities of color, queer, trans, unhoused people, and all of us who are most impacted by oppression—through comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services. We believe that health care starts with healing justice and meeting the basic needs of our communities. Our culturally informed services are designed by the very people we serve. Learn more at sfcommunityhealth.org.
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