By Donna Sachet –
The Empresses of San Francisco held their holiday Bake Sale in the party room at Lookout the night before Thanksgiving, raising money for their annual awards and sisterhood activities. This charming, old- fashioned fundraiser demonstrates the culinary talents of some Empresses and the creativity of others, while providing some delectable baked goods at great prices. This event was created by Absolute Empress L Khmera Rouge, but was picked up by Absolute Empress LI Emma Peel this year.
One of the most unique annual galas takes place in Golden Gate Park. As the sun slowly sets, candles and other recessed lighting appear in the AIDS Memorial Grove, where attendees linger quietly at the Circle of Friends and then wind their way through picturesque pathways to a huge tent enclosing food, wine, and an inspiring program. This is how the AIDS Memorial Grove marks another year of loss, remembrance, and hope. As the representative for Gilead said when accepting an award for her company, “San Francisco turned grief into activism.” Our response to the rapidly spreading pandemic of AIDS became the national and then international model.
Respected activist Race Bannon accepted the Lifetime of Commitment Award with humility and candor. Surely this year’s record attendance reflected how much the community honors him. And Sister Roma, splendid in white, was a fabulous emcee, guiding us through the program with wisdom and humor. Finally, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi was introduced and the crowd listened in hushed anticipation. This friend of our community and national leader has done more than any other individual to focus attention on AIDS and its many consequences, making this single issue the first she raised in D.C. and never abandoning her commitment. Hearing her speak at this beautiful event was like having a one-on-one conversation over a dinner table … direct, personal, and punctuated with humor. As we all scattered into the night, we took with us the powerful words of all the speakers and a renewed dedication to doing our part, caring for our neighbor, speaking up for those without a voice, and simply exercising kindness.
May that spirit infuse your holiday season and lift you up throughout the new year!
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, December 4
Drag on Ice
Union Square Ice Rink
6:30 pm Free!
https://bit.ly/4ixlqS4
Saturday, December 6
Last Call at Maud’s
Award-winning film Roxie Theater,
3117 16th Street
3:40 pm $15 & up
Followed by reception at Rikki’s
2223 Market Street
https://roxie.com/
Monday, December 8
World Tree of Hope Lighting
Rainbow World Fund
Grace Cathedral, Nob Hill
Hosted by Donna Sachet
SF Boys Choir, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
6:30 pm Free!
www.rainbowfund.org
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 9 & 10
Produced by Brian Kent & Donna Sachet
Holiday cabaret benefiting PRC
Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko
222 Mason Street
7:30 pm
$50 & up
www.prcsf.org/songs
Friday, December 12
Toast to the Season
San Francisco Bay Times & Golden Gate Business Association
Holiday party
Emcees Donna Sachet and Aaron Boot-Haury
With Juan Torres, the SF Pride Band, Kippy Marks,
and DJ Lady Ryan
Bar, food, entertainment, silent auction
SF LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
6–10 pm
$10
https://bit.ly/48f4Umb
Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13
Holiday Spectacular
SF Gay Men’s Chorus concerts
Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor Street
7:30 pm & 1 pm
$35 & up
www.sfgmc.org
Saturday, December 13
Emperor Bill’s José Sarria Birthday Party
Hosted by Donna Sachet & John Weber
The Café
2369 Market Street
5–9 pm
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Saturday, December 13
Naughty or Nice
Annual Holiday Party
The Academy SF
2166 Market Street
7 pm–midnight
$45 or free for members
www.academy-sf.com
Tuesday, December 16
Holiday Happy Hour
Krewe de Kinque
fundraiser & party
Blackbird
2124 Market Street
5–7:30 pm
Saturday, December 20
Imperial Holiday
Drag Show
Beaux
2344 Market Street
4–7 pm
Free!
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Sunday, December 21
Sunday’s a Drag
Holiday spectacular
Donna Sachet & friends return
Starlite
450 Powell Street
5 pm
$15
www.beacongrand.com/starlite
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on December 4, 2025
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