Sam Spade's San Francisco

The San Francisco Foundation is a vehicle for change and a bridge to the future, a network of philanthropists and civic leaders bringing resources together to support and build on the strengths of community and make San Francisco and the entire San Francisco Bay Area the best place it can be.

For more than 58 years, the San Francisco Foundation has been an incubator for community investment, original ideas, and passionate leadership.

The San Francisco Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2007 Community Leadership Awards. They are:

Jane Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of La Clínica de la Raza

Jane’s visionary advocacy reflects the cultures and languages of patients and has advanced the national, state, and regional public health agenda. Under Jane’s dynamic leadership, La Clínica de la Raza grew from a storefront clinic to a national model of multilingual and multicultural access to healthcare. More than 20 sites provide crucial healthcare and empowerment to hundreds of thousands of low-income residents across the Bay Area. (In the spirit of the Robert C. Kirkwood Award, made to an individual in recognition of outstanding community service, commitment, and inspired leadership.)

Alonzo King, Choreographer, Artistic Director, and Founder of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet

Alonzo redefined classical ballet and builds community through his commitment to dance. His racially diverse company transformed the dance scene and our collective perception of dance by combining cultural traditions with classical ballet. His striking and creative performances exhilarate audiences around the world. (In the spirit of the Helen Crocker Russell Award, made to an under-recognized, mature artist who has made a significant and ongoing contribution in the Bay Area.)

Eva Paterson, President of the Equal Justice Society

Eva has empowered thousands of people to make their voices heard in the critical civil rights struggles of our times. Eva’s passionate and longtime commitment to advancing social and racial justice through law and public policy, communications and the arts, and alliance building has had a profound local and national impact. Her vision, coalition building, and tenacity have not only won landmark cases, but have raised the visibility and impact of the justice movement to change the very fabric of our society. (In the spirit of The San Francisco Foundation Award, made to an individual demonstrating exemplary commitment to improving human relations in the Bay Area.)

Arnold Perkins, Retired Director of the Alameda County Public Health Department

Arnold’s broad experiences reflect his passion to build and strengthen community spirit. Through his lifelong commitment to the Bay Area, Arnold has mentored hundreds of African American men and challenged them to be leaders in their own right. His diverse and inspired leadership creates positive change in the health of underserved communities locally and throughout the world. (In the spirit of The San Francisco Foundation Award, made to an individual demonstrating exemplary commitment to improving human relations in the Bay Area.)

Swords to Plowshares

Swords to Plowshares is a critical center of support, advocacy, and services for war veterans. It has successfully transitioned from its origins serving Vietnam War veterans to now accommodating all veterans, including those from the current Iraq War. As a leading advocate for homeless and low-income veterans, it transforms national policy and provides comprehensive services, including counseling, employment programs, housing, and legal assistance. (In the spirit of the John R. May Award, made for organizational initiatives in response to a significant contemporary problem.)

Please join the San Francisco Foundation Board of Trustees, San Francisco civic and community leaders and members of the community for an evening of inspiration, fun, and food at The San Francisco Foundation 2007 Community Leadership Awards Celebration. During the celebration, the Foundation will also present the Koshland Young Leader Awards, which recognize high school juniors who are leaders in their communities.

When: Tuesday, September 25th, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Herbst Theatre in the War Memorial Building, located at

RSVP & More information: Call 415.733.8577