TNDC celebrated its 26th Anniversary on May 22nd in fine form and in the spirit of community. Over 650 guests attended the event at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton San Francisco, including corporate and community partners, civic and community leaders, and supporters like you. With special thanks to title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsors Citibank and MacFarlane Partners, the event grossed over $300,000 to further TNDC’s work.

Part of the evening’s success was due to Event Co-Chairs and mother/daughter team Jean and Cameron Phleger. They rallied support for TNDC from their friends and assembled a host committee of other mothers and daughters. They also produced a montage promoting TNDC’s message of “Building Homes and Hope for Generations.” Among the pictures shown at the event were of a child embraced by her mother, teen boys at the youth center, and seniors playing an exciting game of mahjong. People of all ages, backgrounds, and interests were represented.

New TNDC Advocates
Onstage, Jean shared the experience of the photo shoot. “I was asked to photograph TNDC’s residents and the neighborhood,” she said. But looking through the lens of her camera, she became captivated. “The Tenderloin has so much to offer. It is vibrant and there is such diversity,” she added. “I just fell in love with the neighborhood. It must be preserved.” Jean took 450 photographs on the day of her visit, and has since proclaimed herself as a “TNDC advocate.”

Additional advocates for TNDC are its residents, many of whom can offer the perspective as beneficiaries of our housing and services. At the event, TNDC debuted a video by Erin Crysdale Productions entitled, “TNDC: Building Homes and Hope.” It featured Troy Brunet, who was formerly homeless, Imelda Penate, who is raising six children on her own, and Connie Moy, an active senior who is also on TNDC’s Board of Directors. They candidly shared their stories and appreciation for their homes. Equally touching was Xiomara Blanco who spoke onstage with her husband and two children. “We have a three-bedroom apartment that gives us a roof over our heads,” she said. “We were homeless for three years before finding TNDC.” They slept in shelters and in a van. Now, they have a decent place to live.

The Evening’s Highlights
Other highlights of the evening were KGO-TV’s Cheryl Jennings, who joined us as Mistress of Ceremonies. Rev. Glenda Hope was honored with the second annual Bro. Kelly Cullen Community Service Award for 30+ years of service in the Tenderloin. She received it from last year’s recipient, Joie de Vivre Hospitality’s Chip Conley. Event goers were treated as well to a Designer Dollhouse Silent Auction thanks to David Baker & Partners, Swatt Architects, Gelfand Partners Architects, Barcelon & Jang, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.

The evening concluded in traditional TNDC fashion with raised glasses, lit birthday cakes, and the singing of “Happy Birthday.” The event was festive, heartwarming, and it demonstrated what TNDC, in conjunction with community support, can achieve. With over 26 years of service, we are truly building homes and hope for generations to come.

TNDC Celebrates 26 Years!

"Happy Birthday Dear TNDC," sings Christa Noel Hunter
of Beach Blanket Babylon.

Event Co-Chairs Cameron Phleger and Jean Phleger made the event extra special as a daughter and mother team.

Live music from Dick Bright and His Orchestra spurs on spontaneous dancing!

Fine Line Construction's Doree Friedman and
TNDC Executive Director Don Falk share a moment.

Joie de Vivre CEO Chip Conley with Ken Sommer,
TNDC Director of Fund Development.

Guests...carefully...inspecting designer dollhouse
Terrace House by Barcelon & Jang Architecture.

TNDC resident Xiomara Blanco with her family
after speaking about overcoming homeless.

Jean Phleger with Alana Chen Young and Dr. Margaret Chen,
a dashing daughter and mother pair.

Angela Grove and Victoria Richardson enjoying a great time.