415-777-0333
Dear Friends,
Twenty-five years ago, we started Pride Brunch with the late Chef Rusty Gaspard at Stars restaurant as an opportunity for our community to gather during Pride weekend and raise funds for PRC (formerly Positive Resource Center). It quickly grew to an immensely popular official Pride event and significant fundraiser for PRC, honoring the Grand Marshals of the Pride Parade and offering them a rare opportunity to share some remarks with the public.
2023 set new records with 350 guests, net proceeds of $78,000, and passionate remarks from every SF Pride Community Grand Marshal. The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square came alive with colorful decor, lively entertainment, hosted bars from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel, a delicious seated brunch, and a meaningful program augmented by comments from Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Assemblymember Matt Haney. In addition, we recognized 12 Legacy Partners, friends who contributed to the success of Pride Brunch over many years.
After careful consideration, we have decided to end this 25-year run with that successful 2023 event. As event expenses continue to climb, we find it increasingly difficult to keep ticket prices at a reasonable level for everyone. We want all our friends to be able to attend, regardless of their personal financial situation. In addition, the tremendous time, energy, and volunteer assistance needed for such a large event has eclipsed our resources.
We are so grateful to our generous financial sponsors, donors to the raffle and auction, those who bought raffle tickets and bid enthusiastically, and every single person who chose to support Pride Brunch with their attendance, donations, and volunteer hours. It is only with your help that Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s Pride Brunch has raised more than $645,000 in net proceeds since 1999 to support the life-changing work of PRC. We know how many
events and causes vie for your attention and we deeply appreciate your choice to include our event in your SF Pride plans.
To be clear, we will continue to serve on the Advisory Board of PRC and support PRC as before and we encourage you to do the same. If this decision leaves you wondering how to show your support for PRC, please consider the annual Mighty Real Fundraiser, Bare Chest Calendar, and Songs of the Season, among many other opportunities.
Thank you again for 25 years of generosity, community, and celebration. We consider ourselves very fortunate to live in San Francisco and to have your support.
Sincerely,
Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet
Co-Founders, Pride Brunch
Tag: San Francisco
Join Charles and Gary in spreading support and joy.
We recently had the honor of meeting Charles and Gary, a remarkable couple who hope to amplify the profound impact that PRC has within our community. Charles came to PRC many years ago seeking assistance and shared his story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of support.
Charles moved to San Francisco in 1979 on a quest for liberation, self-discovery, and to live freely as his true Self. He volunteered as a gay advocate with Citizens United Against Violence and as a street monitor during the Halloween festivals on Castro Street which he found to be fun and rewarding. Discovering his HIV-positive status in 1985 came as quite a shock and he discovered the daunting challenges he faced without adequate insurance coverage for HIV medications in those uncertain times.
While successful in a corporate day job, learning of his HIV status combined with feeling burnt out made Charles rethink what he truly wanted out of life. In his search for a change, he was guided to PRC. Charles credits PRC for providing the tools to help him process the trauma of contracting HIV, helping him reinvent himself and approach a new job market, and how to navigate the changes. He also credits the buying clubs for providing a lifeline to access vital HIV medications at affordable prices.
Charles’s search eventually led him to do voiceovers for the Network for Good’s call-in line and the National Radio Project. While working for the Network for Good he provided nearly free online fundraising services for nonprofits and remained in the field until after the passing of his longtime sweetheart Russel and then his retirement.
“The sessions I attended at PRC were very useful for helping me to really figure out my direction and to just survive. I continued working a corporate for a few years and then I moved over to the Network for Good where I spent the rest of my career. At the outset, I was working with a company called Ground Spring which was part of the Tides Foundation and then later merged with Network for Good. Now that I’ve retired, I want to give back. And I’m really excited about the ability to do stuff for PRC.”
Fast forward a few years, Charles and Gary met through a social meet-up group and are enjoying their life together here in San Francisco. Sharing a desire to bring positivity into the world, they’ve embarked on a mission to support PRC and encourage others to do the same. They understand firsthand the vital role PRC plays in providing resources and support to individuals like Charles.
Their commitment to our cause extends beyond their own experiences. Through their podcast, BayLyts, they share short episodes of their experiences in San Francisco that seek to foster community and laughter, bridging divides and spreading joy. They even talk about a recent visit to PRC’s Integrated Services Center in episode #2. We highly recommend giving them a listen.
We invite you to join Charles and Gary in supporting PRC. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in helping PRC to continue offering life-changing services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use, through providing hope, resources, residential treatment, and a path to a brighter future.
Every success story at PRC reinforces our belief that compassion should prevail over judgment and that individuals facing prolonged hardship should not be stigmatized or denied help over temporary emotional displays.
We recently witnessed the powerful transformation of a client referred to Robertson Place, who, despite a history of strong emotions and behaviors, thrived there.
Our dedicated and supportive residential counselors know the importance of looking past emotion and leading with compassion. They understand the metaphorical armor our clients acquire from being chronically unhoused and the compounded effects of substance use disorder. Whereas some may see a lost cause, our staff see a person deserving of help, and they know how to guide them on the right track.
By more positively communicating his emotions and embracing the process, our client not only successfully completed the 90-day treatment, but he also secured housing, enrolled in school, and established strong community connections for ongoing support. His words resonate deeply:
“I feel like I’m starting a new life.”
At PRC, we believe in providing individuals with the support they need to flourish and we’re asking you to join us.
Be a part of Hope, Grow, Thrive, PRC’s Spring fundraising appeal.
Through April 3 all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 thanks to our board match, doubling your impact.
Individuals with mental health and substance use disorders can and do recover.
PRC helps people re-discover hope, and reimagine life and provides programs to help transform their dreams into reality.
This is why we invite you to be part of Hope, Grow, Thrive, PRC’s board match fundraising appeal focused on turning moments of crisis into opportunities for growth and recovery.
Recently, we helped a particular client who was experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder at our Hummingbird Center. His struggles with impulse control and frustration often led to outbursts towards others. Through dedicated one-on-one support, our counselors helped him reshape his reactions, identify and vocalize his emotions, and use therapeutic techniques for regulation. He learned to shift his fight-or-flight reactions to healthy coping mechanisms and this time he chose not to leave.
While receiving care at Hummingbird Place, he cultivated supportive relationships and independent living skills and progressed to one of our specialized residential care programs. His journey showcases the profound impact of harm-reduction strategies combined with patience and the desire to change.
PRC Baker Places empowers individuals to break free from cycles of despair and build hopeful futures.
Please join us in making stories like this possible. Through April 3, your donation will have twice the impact thanks to our board match. Together, we can provide hope, healing, and the chance for a brighter tomorrow.
UMOJA Health Access Point – Join Us for Sexual Health Screenings and More!
February 28, 11 am – 6 pm
Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness
601 Cesar Chavez Street
We are excited to share an upcoming community partnership with Rafiki Coalition for Health Wellness, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 3rd Steet Youth Center & Clinic, and UCSF Alliance Health Project, to put on the UMOJA Health Access Point (HAP). The HAP is a one-stop hub providing sexual health services along with other supports for the African American community of San Francisco. The goal is to provide a holistic wellness experience empowering attendees with the tools needed to make lasting changes on their health journey through wrap-around services that meet their specific needs.
These free services include:
- holistic sexual health services
- cancer screenings
- grocery boxes
- healthy hot lunch
- massages
- self-care services
- community healing circles
- workforce supportive services
- wellness classes
- and more!
Join us in our mission to empower the African American community of San Francisco with the tools and resources needed to thrive. Spread the word, share the love, and let’s make health equity a reality for all!
PRC’s Board of Directors visit Baker Street House
Last month, PRC Board members and leadership staff had an opportunity to step into the shoes of those we serve on a visit to Baker Street House, our original and oldest transitional residential treatment program. This 16-bed facility caters to individuals with serious acute mental illness and offers a vital lifeline for their journey towards recovery.
Board members gained an intimate understanding of the client experience within our residential care homes and witnessed firsthand the compassionate care and support our clients receive. Board members engaged in meaningful conversations with the dedicated staff who make it all possible.
Baker Street House staff shared that the residential site operates on five fundamental social rehabilitation principles that underscore its commitment to fostering holistic well-being:
- Normalizing the environment: Creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that mirrors everyday life.
- Multidisciplinary staffing: Ensuring a diverse team of professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Client involvement in decision-making: Empowering individuals in their recovery journey by actively involving them in the decision-making process.
- Program flexibility and individualized treatment: Tailoring care plans to meet the unique needs of each client.
- Willingness to take risks: Encouraging a proactive approach in navigating challenges and facilitating growth.
Board members had the following things to share:
“Thank you for hosting us today at Baker Street House. This was a great opportunity to learn a lot more about how one of PRC’s programs operates. I found this extremely helpful and hope to do more of it.”
“It was a great opportunity for us to come together to see firsthand all the great work being done to provide essential services to those in need. Looking forward to our next site visit!”
“I enjoyed learning about the facility. The staff is doing an amazing job.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Baker Street House program staff for graciously hosting us. Their insights provided invaluable context to the impactful work taking place within Baker Street House. Special appreciation goes to Jessica Winterrowd, our new Chief Clinical Officer, for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership skills by effectively motivating team members and fostering a collaborative work environment.
This visit was not just a tour. It was an immersive experience that deepened our connection to the heart of PRC. As we continue our mission, we carry with us the shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
In community,
PRC
PRC’s Open House was an Incredible Success
PRC’s Open House on Wednesday, September 13th, was an incredible and interactive display of our life-changing services. The energy in the building was electric thanks to our community of fellow change-makers.
Our goal was to show guests the breadth of our services, our dedicated program staff, and the spaces where these life-changing experiences take place. We shared client profiles to reflect many of the real-life situations our clients face, and curated experiences displayed the dedication and empathy our clients receive through our Workforce Development, Legal Advocacy, Emergency Financial Assistance, Black Transgender Initiative, Residential treatment, and Co-Op programs, as well as our policy work through the Black Leadership Council and resources and trainings though the San Francisco HIV Frontline Organizing Group.
One highlight of the evening was the unveiling of an art piece (pictured above) recognizing longtime PRC volunteers Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet. For more than 25 years, this duo has worked tirelessly to produce their namesake Pride Brunch event benefiting PRC and raised more than $650,000 in net proceeds since its inception in 1999. The aforementioned art piece will be permanently and prominently displayed at PRC’s Integrated Service Center.
We’ve gotten such positive feedback from our guests about this unique opportunity to experience PRC’s transformational programs and the incredible individuals providing them. We hope this isn’t our last open house and you’ll join us for this or a tour of our facilities.
Other ways you can get involved: Donate if you can. Come to our November 9 Mighty Real Gala. Tickets go on sale later this week! Have your employer match your donation or sponsor our gala or recommend us for a grant.
Also, spread the word! The more people who know about PRC, the greater impact we can have on transforming the lives of San Franciscans in need. Introduce your friends to PRC by forwarding this email or sharing via our social channels. They’re linked below. Urge your policymakers to expand support for behavioral health services so that we can help even more people.
It’s our city. Each one of us plays a part in making it the beautifully diverse and inclusive place we call home. When we work together, anything is possible.
In community,
PRC
Online – End of Life Planning Presentation
PRC has teamed up with ALRP once again to present an important topic for many residents in San Francisco: End of Life Planning Presentation
Come learn more details about:
- Advance Healthcare Directives, Simple Wills, and Power of Attorney
- Learn the basics about estate planning, including will preparation
- Get questions answered by an attorney
RSVP is required for this presentation. To RVSP, click on the link: http://tiny.cc/Life-Planning-2023
Funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Ryan White Care Act
An update from PRC CEO Chuan Teng
Dear Friend,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. For PRC, the past ten months have been a dynamic time of transformation, one in which we have become a stronger, more resilient, and more effective organization. As we embark upon the new fiscal year, I am pleased to report on the progress we have achieved and share exciting opportunities in the year ahead.
Strengthened Financial Condition
Since last fall, PRC has undergone an ambitious endeavor to strengthen the organization’s financial condition. In this pursuit, we have scrutinized expenses, renegotiated leases and vendor contracts, and reduced costs wherever possible. In January 2023, we completed the successful transfers of two under-utilized and under-funded residential programs to another provider. These transfers completed the organization’s planned restructuring and also significantly simplified operations and reduced overall expenses.
Importantly, the savings we achieved were realized without reducing staff salaries. In fact, last March, we implemented a 4% salary increase for all staff except for select executive leaders. The organization will continue to make critical investments that prioritize staff compensation to address sector-wide staffing shortages and uphold its commitment to fair and competitive wages.
Completed Financial Analysis and Sustainability Plan
With help from the City Controller’s Office, PRC completed a detailed financial analysis of the organization and its programs. Based on this analysis, we partnered with our largest funder, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), to correct long-standing, underfunded contracts. We also developed a financial sustainability plan to establish a sustainable, cost-neutral organizational model to deliver the most critical behavioral health and social services programs for people affected by HIV, substance use, or mental health issues in San Francisco.
Grew Capacity for Finance, Operations, and Compliance
Over the past several months, PRC received several capacity-building grants to enhance functions within its finance and operations departments. Important investments were made to hire a new Real Estate Asset Manager, Director of Contract Compliance and Data Systems, and a seasoned Consulting Chief Financial Officer with over two decades of experience working for the City and County of San Francisco. As a result of these investments, the organization has developed and implemented a new contract management database, initiated the upgrade of its financial management system to Sage Intacct, and completed capital needs assessments for the majority of its properties.
Transformed Lives
Amidst all of this progress, PRC continues to empower 5,000 people annually to create positive transformation in their lives through housing, mental health, and substance use treatment, legal advocacy, workforce development, and emergency financial assistance. Additionally, PRC through the Black Leadership Council, continues to advance health equity policies and is co-sponsoring their first bill AB 85 (Weber), which will require health plans to include coverage for social determinants of health screenings, as well as other policies that advance health, wealth, housing, and education for Black and low-income communities of color.
We recently released our 2021/22 annual impact report, which not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our programs but also captures beautiful client stories and reflects our collective effort.
Opportunities Ahead
In the year ahead, PRC is undertaking several new initiatives, including growing its housing navigation services and diversifying funding streams through new revenues from the state and private institutions. We believe these changes are necessary to respond to the humanitarian crisis of homelessness, adapt to state-wide behavioral health policy reforms, as well as ensure long-term organizational sustainability. As always, we will guide strategic decision-making with the goal of improving client experience and creating greater community impact.
We are in a much better, stronger, and more effective place than we were last fall, all due to the hard work of our dedicated staff and board members – we’re thrilled to announce a new appointment with Tamarah Prevost, Partner at Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP – as well as the commitment of our partners and the generous support of our community. We cannot say thank you enough.
In gratitude,
Chuan Teng
PRC CEO
A note from Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet
Dear Friend,
Our 25th annual Pride Brunch on Saturday, June 24, was a huge success! A record-breaking 350 guests attended, net proceeds of $78,000 exceeded all previous years, and every SF Pride Community Grand Marshal spoke passionately to our attendees. The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square came alive with colorful decor, lively entertainment, hosted bars from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel, a delicious seated brunch, and a meaningful program augmented by comments from Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Assemblymember Matt Haney. If you missed it, our photo gallery and other photos on social media reveal why so many people call this their favorite SF Pride event.
We are so proud that what began as a grassroots opportunity for our community to gather during Pride weekend and raise funds for PRC, has developed into a highly anticipated, must-attend event. While still preserving the fun and surprises for which we are known, this year’s benefit also recognized 12 Legacy Partners, friends who contributed to the success of Pride Brunch over many years.
We appreciate our generous financial sponsors, the donors to the raffle and auction, those who bought raffle tickets and bid enthusiastically, and every single person who chose to support Pride Brunch with their attendance or donations. Our team of volunteers and PRC staff juggled many responsibilities
and dedicated hours to this year’s success. We are still floating on air from the many compliments we’ve received and accept them on behalf of everyone who made this a record year.
We thank all who participated for helping us raise more than $645,000 in net proceeds since 1999 to support the life-changing work of PRC.
Sincerely,
Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet
Co-Founders, Pride Brunch
The full gallery of photos taken by the talented Sonya Abrams and Vita Hewitt can be viewed here.
