By Donna Sachet—
PRC has a new official name … Ascend! As loyal readers well know, we have been a supporter of and advocate for PRC (formerly Positive Resource Center, previously AIDS Benefits Counselors, having merged with AIDS Emergency Fund) for decades and at their Mighty Real annual gala, they announced this new name and recommitted to the important work they have always done. We joined Ralph Hibbs at the elegant and iconic Bimbo’s Supper Club and guests streamed into the venue dressed for the occasion, including Gary Virginia, Castro Country Club’s Billy Lemon, AIDS Memorial Grove’s John Cunningham, and many others.New Senior Major Gifts Officer Lucas Cooper guided us through a carefully crafted program with respectful acknowledgment of the past, clear recognition of the present, and a bold vision for the future. In a moving presentation, Louis Dunn received the Sylvester Community Pillar Award, received by his partner Frank Leykamm. Outstanding volunteers and staff were recognized and the spirit of Sylvester was in the room as the program and full dinner transitioned to a dessert buffet and dancing. Over $250,000 was raised that night and we are confident that Ascend will continue to do just that!
The very next night, the flurry of annual galas in October continued with Horizons Foundation’s A Night of Pride at the Westin St. Francis, where long-time President Roger Doughty was appropriately celebrated as he announced his retirement. Full disclosure: this was one event we missed due to sheer exhaustion, but all reports are that it was a wonderfully elegant evening with elected officials and other leaders within the LGBTQ+ Community recognizing Roger’s long leadership and vision for the future. Incoming President Vincent Jones was introduced to the crowd and received a warm welcome. This organization touches so many corners of our community and deserves our enthusiastic support.
The weekend ended with the Castro Street Fair, created so long ago by City Supervisor Harvey Milk as a way to encourage local businesses and build neighborhood awareness. From all indications, his vision has been realized! Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of celebrants filled Castro Street and the surrounding area as the sun beat down, music played, and smiles beamed everywhere. Happy volunteers from a number of local organizations collected donations at the gates, thus returning money to pockets of the community. It seemed that no one wanted it to end, but as the streets emptied, the local bars and restaurants filled up and the promise of a renewed Castro neighborhood seemed closer than ever.
After nearly a week of lesser obligations and long delayed rest, we emerged on Monday night, October 12, and headed to the Balboa Theater to enjoy the new film documentary about Bea Arthur.Perhaps you read our recent interview with Dan Watt, who assembled this film from his years in Bea’s company, hearing amazing stories over the kitchen table and becoming her trusted friend. That friendship was clearly on display throughout the movie as he traced her varied successful career, sharing interviews with the likes of Chita Rivera, Rosie O’Donnell, Coco Peru, Bruce Vilanch, and others. The Q&A afterwards with Frameline’s Kate Bove provided additional insight and humor. This was the San Francisco premiere of the film, part of an eight-city tour, but watch for a broader release and make it a point to see Bea Arthur: The Documentary, “I’ve Done Everything Except Porn.” If you loved her as Maude or Dorothy Zbornak or in her one-woman show that came to San Francisco in 2001, you don’t want to miss this intimate glimpse into the life of a fiercely independent and generously giving actress.
After our foray into the Outer Richmond area, we felt it only proper to show Dan Watt a bit of our Castro, so we returned to more familiar turf, popping into several bars, sparsely populated on a Monday night, but friendly and perfect for warm conversation. We hope to see Dan back in San Francisco soon and will keep our eyes on all his future projects.
As October winds down, we hope to see you at any of the remaining annual galas, including for the GLBT Historical Society and AIDS Legal Referral Panel. And with Halloween just around the corner and on a Saturday for the first time in a while, we know that mischief and mayhem are definitely in your future. As always, thank you for reading.
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
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
Saturday, October 24
54th Annual
Mr./Miss/Ms./Mx.
Gay Pageant
All Stars: Imperial Court event
The Café,
2369 Market Street
6 pm
$39 & up
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Friday, October 30
Richard Skipper
with Matthew Martin
Delightful cabaret
Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko,
222 Mason Street
8 pm
$34 & up
www.ticketweb.com
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on October 22, 2026
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