Just when we thought we couldn’t top last year’s Hand to Hand, we did it again. Thanks to the tireless work of our team, and a large group of dedicated and amazing supporters, this year’s Hand to Hand raised a record amount for Project Open Hand.
For the second year at SF Design Center Galleria, the Hand to Hand Gala welcomed over 325 guests, supporters, and friends of Project Open Hand. This year we celebrated not only another year of providing nutritious, healthy food and meals to our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS, but the delivery of our 30 millionth meal.
Deep magenta lights, tables draped in dark blue fabrics, and rows and rows of lights gave the space a bustling, celebratory feel. Guests were greeted into the venue by DJ King Most from the third floor balcony. Cocktail hour featured a Wine Pull, a photo wall, and passed hors d’oeuvres. Notably, this year, items such as ice skates autographed by Gold Metal Olympians and Bay Area locals, Alysa Liu and Brian Boitano, were up for grabs at the silent auction table.
The raffle winner was announced early in the evening by Emcee Terrill Grimes. Emperor John Brett and Empress Queen Cougar, reigning monarchs of the San Francisco Imperial Court, greeted guests and spoke, as well.
At the start of the program, Dr. Claire Horton, Vice Chair of Project Open Hand’s Board of Directors, welcomed guests for the evening and acknowledged winners of two awards that were presented earlier in the evening at a closed, pre-event reception. The HIV/AIDS Preparedness Network (also known as HAPN) received the Community Advocate Award, and Gary Langbehn, long-time Project Open Hand volunteer, received the Jon Borset Award for Service. (Read Gary Langbhen’s full story from our National Volunteer Month spotlight.)
Later in the program, John Goldman, Master Chef Sponsor of the event and long-time Project Open Hand supporter, introduced this year’s Ruth Brinker Visionary Awardee: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The Speaker Emerita was awarded Project Open Hand’s highest honor for her dedication to our community and work with Project Open Hand. She was treated to three rounds of standing ovation and applause throughout her speech. During the dinner hour, guests were treated to music by the band Gage & Gold while enjoying a three-course meal.
Final estimates for money raised at this year’s Hand to Hand Gala was nearly $500,000 by the evening. By the next day, online bids and counts continued to tick up. Currently, we are looking at over $525,000 raised at this year’s event – shattering fundraising records for the first time in many years.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and made this one of the most memorable Hand to Hands of recent memory. We are excited to see you all at next year’s event!
Event Coverage:
The event was covered by the San Francisco Bay Times. Take a look at their recap of the event.
Event Photos:
Check out photos of the event on Project Open Hand’s Facebook page.
Thank you!
These celebrations happen because of the immense work of a community of people. A massive thank you to the many sponsors, in-kind donors, committee and honorary committee members who made the Hand to Hand 2026 gala such a success.
