The LGBTQ+ social club The Academy SF was packed on August 30, 2024, for “The Sainting of Leslie Sbrocco” by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who honored the popular host of the long-running KQED series Check, Please! Bay Area, which will soon be entering its 19th season.
Sbrocco was honored for promoting small businesses, for her LGBTQ+ community allyship, and for her many charitable endeavors. She was transported to The Academy SF via a motorcade led by the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes.
Donna Sachet, the event emcee, kicked things off with guests Sister Roma and Sister Merry Peter. The duo thanked Sbrocco for her tireless fundraising for multiple nonprofits including efforts supporting cancer research. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2021 and is now a cancer “thriver,” driven to help others all the more.
To cap off the ceremony, the two Sisters proclaimed Sbrocco to be “Saint Leslie of the Bounteous Table and Joyful Sip!” in homage to her food-focused television series and work as an acclaimed wine consultant.
Attendees enjoyed performances from powerhouse singer and former Beach Blanket Babylon star Renée Lubin, Mike Wong and members of the San Francisco Pride Band, and DJ Rockaway and DJ Olga T presented by Olivia Travel. The event, co-presented by the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy SF, was part of the monthly Divas & Drinks @ The Academy series.
Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography)
Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography