Hand to Hand Gala 2026 – Celebrating Project Open Hand's 30 Million Meals Milestone
Project Open Hand invites the community to celebrate the historic milestone of serving 30 million meals at its annual Hand to Hand Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria.
In July, the organization officially served its 30 millionth meal. The milestone reflects more than four decades of nourishing Bay Area neighbors living with serious illness, food insecurity, isolation, and the challenges of aging through nutritious, medically tailored meals and compassionate care.
The evening will also honor Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who helped deliver Project Open Hand's 30 millionth meal on July 27, 2026, and will receive the Ruth Brinker Visionary Award in recognition of her decades-long commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and her steadfast support of Project Open Hand's mission. The award will be presented by John Goldman of the John & Marcia Goldman Foundation.
Guests will enjoy a memorable evening featuring a champagne reception, passed hors d'oeuvres and chef-curated food stations, a plated three-course dinner, inspiring speakers, wine tastings by Pedroncelli Winery, an exciting live auction featuring exclusive experiences, and live music by Gage & Gold. The evening will be emceed by Terrill Grimes as Project Open Hand celebrates the volunteers, donors, healthcare partners, and community supporters who have helped make 30 million meals possible.
Named for Project Open Hand founder Ruth Brinker, the Ruth Brinker Visionary Award recognizes a philanthropist, volunteer, or community leader whose vision, generosity, and service have touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on the Bay Area and beyond. The award honors individuals who embody Ruth Brinker's extraordinary legacy of compassion and service to those most in need.
Founded in 1985 by Ruth Brinker during the AIDS epidemic, Project Open Hand has grown into one of the nation's leading Food Is Medicine organizations, providing medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to people living with serious illnesses, older adults, and those facing food insecurity throughout San Francisco and Alameda counties. Today, the organization prepares and delivers thousands of meals each day, improving health outcomes, supporting healthy aging, and reducing healthcare costs.
"Serving 30 million meals is an extraordinary milestone, but what it truly represents is 30 million moments of nourishment, compassion, and care," said Katie Jackson, Chief Nutrition Officer, Project Open Hand. "Every meal reflects our belief that food is medicine and that everyone deserves access to the nutrition they need to live healthier lives. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the community that has made it possible while raising vital funds to ensure we can continue serving our neighbors for decades to come."
Project Open Hand believes in the healing power of nutrition. Medically tailored nutrition is essential to improving health, supporting older adults in aging independently, reducing health disparities, and helping people living with serious illnesses thrive. Every meal served is an investment in the health and well-being of the Bay Area community.
