Glide, Buffett, and Me

Although I do not believe in organized religion, I had to find out first-hand the reason Warren Buffett, one of the richest philanthropists in the world, chooses to contribute to San Francisco's Glide Memorial Church.

Upon my arrival several Sundays ago, I was struck by the diverse group of attendees from SF residents, to tourists, students, and people with various disabilities, such as the French Paralyzed Association. "It is always full of tears, smiles and happiness," whispered a woman sitting next to me at the Glide Memorial Church's Sunday Celebration. "It is a very special experience in SF. You see people from different cultures, ethnicities, countries and classes. It reminds you that we are part of a big family." Catherine, 59, is a regular volunteer who enjoys sharing the spiritual messages and music.

After half an hour of uplifting music and singing by the interracial Glide Choir, Janice Mirikitani, Founding President of the Glide Foundation and wife of church founder Reverend Cecil Williams, opened the sermon by welcoming everyone and encouraging the audience to volunteer and contribute to the church: "No matter what your immigration status is, where you are coming from, and what your belief system's are, you are all welcomed -- it doesn't matter what your sex, religion, race, sexual orientation or 'H' group is, it doesn't matter what your stance is in politics..."

However, it is not the all-encompassing message of love and kindness, which is spread with engaging lighting, photographs and live music, that seems to attract people of all backgrounds and classes; it is the action they put behind their words and the services they provide for the poor and homeless.

Glide's services include providing meals, housing, training, employment and family and health care services. What began as an all-volunteer Monday-night potluck for 50 street people in 1969, how now turned into a program that serves more than a million meals a year, making Glide one of the largest and cheapest restaurants in SF.

This is why Warren Buffett contributes to Glide and has agreed to a luncheon with two wealthy businessman and their families, who donated over six hundred thousands dollars at Glide's Charity Auction in May. Finding it slightly challenging to convince someone to donate that much to Glide to dine with me, I think instead, I will sign up to volunteer and serve meals to the homeless this holiday season.

Comments

[Meah]

I wonder if the idea of caring for the poor and homeless came from Janice Mirikitani's learning that her artist cousin Jimmy Mirikitani, was alive in New York, and had been homeless for years. Jimmy was interned in California during WW11. His mother's family was wiped out in Hiroshima. He was separated from his family at the time and did not know anyone in his family was still alive. He thought he lost his citizenship, and recently with the help of the filmmaker who took him in after 9-11, he was able to find out he had family in San Francisco. He is a prolific artist and his story was seen on PBS on Independent Lens.

[nomoredead]

Great story. I would like to visit there next trip and I understand your final comment on voluntering. It is a shame Jerusaleum can't be like this.........

[nickyboy1]

Thank you for sharing this uplifing story.We very much need to know places like this exist and thrive in our country today especially now while the cruel winds continue to blow.

[FogBelter]

Few places characterize the Spirit of San Francisco like Glide Memorial Church. It is a magical place, and Cecil Williams and his wife, Janice Mirikitani are a true gift to the City.

[schwinnrider]

This holiday season?? Why not care about the poor every day? So many people give the poor a hand near the holidays and the back of their hand the rest of the year.

[larry278]

If you offer to volunteer your services to places which feed the poor 2 days before Thanksgiving or Xmas don't be surprised if they reject your offer. It takes time to train people to be food service workers in hygiene & sanitary serving techniques. There is also the small matter of 40 people volunteering for each job 2 days before the holiday. If you are determined to help-volunteer for a day other than Thanksgiving or Xmas. Give money if you don't have any days free except Thanksgiving or Xmas. It takes money to feed the poor 365 days a year, not just on Thanksgiving & Xmas.