By Donna Sachet—
Project Open Hand started in 1985 when a grandmother witnessed the devastation of the early AIDS epidemic, saw friends suffering from malnutrition, and decided she could help. Ruth Brinker started preparing healthy meals in her kitchen and delivering them with love. This year, Project Open Hand delivered its 30 millionth meal and we celebrated that remarkable achievement at the Hand to Hand Gala on September 18, 2026, at the SF Design Center Galleria.
Hundreds of supporters attended and included Reigning Empress Queen Cougar, Midas Munro, Cammy Blackstone, Larry Hashbarger, Michael Armentrout, Saikat Chakrabarti, and Ruth Brinker’s daughter Lisa Brinker. We all enjoyed a lively cocktail hour first where we could bid on a number of silent auction items and then dined in the main atrium where the formal program proceeded, skillfully emceed by Terrill Grimes.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ruth Brinker Visionary Award by John Goldman of the John & Marcia Golden Foundation to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi,whose personal involvement with this generous organization dates back to its beginning. A spirited auctioneer, attractive auction items, and a very giving crowd combined to guarantee a very successful live auction, helping to generate nearly $400,000 to continue delivering meals with love.
The Imperial Court has been surprising many with an unexpected variety of events and Saturday, September 19, was no exception. Current Miss Gay Anastasia Di’Nitta, Ms. Gay Chi CHI!,and Mr. Gay Ali Amaya hosted Back to the Future: Return of the Gays, Past, Present, Future at Beaux, presenting a vivid picture of the evolution of this Imperial title. Individuals who had held these titles over the years performed a number and then addressed questions from the emcee, much as they would have in a pageant. The questions were intriguing, often humorous, and the answers revealing. It was a fun way to invigorate this over 50-year-old title and to encourage participation in the upcoming pageant on October 24.
The last weekend of September was not one for the faint of heart! Between Folsom Street Fair and the Ducal Court Coronation, the weekend was packed with events attracting locals and out-of-towners, as well. We caught up with friends from both celebrations at 440 Castro on Saturday, September 26, where Gary Virginia looked back on 30 years since being selected as first Mr. Daddy’s (now 440 Castro) Leather and later Mr. San Francisco Leather. Gary went on from that successful year of fundraising to the Board of Directors and eventually President of AIDS Emergency Fund (later Positive Resource Center) and SF Pride. He also created Krewe de Kinque, a Mardi Gras style social and charitable club, ran for city supervisor, and has become known for his advocacy for underdogs in the community. We have partnered with Gary over the past several decades and have seen his hard-working volunteer spirit and extraordinary integrity, so we were happy to join this celebration of 30 years of giving. San Francisco is fortunate to have such an extraordinary leader working on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
Later that night, we were once again amazed by Magnitude, presented by Brian Kent, who offered us the most exciting laser light show, booming sound system, and awesome set design, attracting a huge crowd of Folsom enthusiasts united in dance. 2 am arrived far too soon!
Bright and early on Sunday, we arrived at a private home to continue our traditional Folsom Leather Brunch. With the help of a small, but hard-working, committee—including Briggs Hawley, Ray Tilton, Gary Virginia, Mark Paladini, and Don “Ho” Tse—we presented a delicious buffet and copious bar in a modern San Francisco home that drew Leather title-holders from across the globe and hundreds of local friends for a joyful gathering. In many ways, it seemed like a reunion, old friends reuniting and new friendships formed.
From there, we joined our visiting friend Drew Cutler at the largest outdoor Leather Street Fair in the world. Block after block of devotees of the various forms of the Leather lifestyle braved cooler than usual weather to parade their latest fashions and to socialize with like-minded individuals. We finished off the weekend back in the Castro at several favorite bars and restaurants, catching up with friends.
We end this column with sad news of the recent death of Lucius Conrad, a beloved member of our community, supporter of many charitable causes, and benefactor to numerous talented individuals. Once again, we are reminded of the importance of close friendships and how short the years of enjoyment are with them. Take the time to appreciate those who make your life richer and more joyful.
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Monday, October 12
Bea Arthur: The Documentary
Premiere in San Francisco
(Prior showings at The Orinda Theatre on October 10–11)
Q&A after with Director
Dan Watt
Balboa Theater,
3630 Balboa Street
7:30 pm
$15
www.balboamovies.com
Saturday, October 17
Reunion: GLBT Historical Society Gala
Dykes on Bikes
History Maker Award
Dinner, program, auction
Westin St. Francis, Union Square
6 pm
$27 & up
www.glbthistory.org
Thursday, October 22
ALRP 43rd Annual Reception
Rights, Resilience, Revelry
Awards to Greg Louganis and Kathleen Hartnett
Varla Jean Merman special guest
The Grand, 520 Fourth Street
5:30 pm
www.alrp.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on October 8, 2026
Recent Comments