He was one of the first clergy to preside over same sex marriages - 40 years before Maine hit the newspapers. He’s a national leader for civil and human rights. He’s a proponent of real help to real people in need. And when he throws a party, everyone from Rita Moreno to Dr. Maya Angelou to Senator Dianne Feinstein show up.

Celebrating his 45th anniversary at Glide, Reverend Cecil Williams is the honored guest at a truly stellar fete held at the War Memorial Opera House on November 12. Raising funds for Mo’s Kitchen and Glide programs, this celebratory shindig features music from Ms. Moreno and the San Francisco Opera as well as the world-renowned Glide Ensemble Choir, spoken word from the sublime Dr. Angelou, and clean, powerful dance from Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet. After comes the part where everyone eats and drinks and participates in blatant ballyhoo - all for a good cause. And as causes go, few are better than supporting Glide and the energetic reverend who’s been helping and inspiring San Francisco and the nation since 1963.

Tickets for Glide’s Annual Holiday Festival, “From the ‘Hood to the House” range from $75 - $500 and are available through the San Francisco Opera Box Office, located at 301 Van Ness Ave, or by calling (415) 864-3330. Sponsorships start at $5,000. Please go to www.Glide.org or call (415) 674-6117.