Booker T. Washington Center Celebrates Inaugural Bloom Ball

On September 19 the Booker Washington Community Center welcomed nearly 400 guests and supporters to the inaugural Bloom Ball fundraising gala. Hosted at San Francisco’s stylish Hotel Nikko, the event raised needed funds for the Center’s many community support and outreach programs. 

The festivities kicked off with cocktails and a set from SF Giants’ DJ Umami, followed by a three-course sit-down dinner, with a menu created by Chef Fernay McPherson of San Francisco’s beloved Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement. The specially curated selection of dishes featured produce from local, Black-stewarded farms. 

A host of local luminaries were on hand to honor Booker T.’s 105-year history of serving San Franciscans in need and the broader community. VIP guests like Willie Brown, State Senator and event honoree John Burton, State Controller Malia Cohen and State Treasurer Fiona Ma honored the Booker T. Washington Center’s legacy of service with a lively program and awards ceremony. ABC7 KGO anchor Kumasi Aaron acted as mistress of ceremonies. 

As one of the Bay Area’s oldest Black-led and serving nonprofits, Booker T. has nurtured over five generations of Black San Franciscans in the Fillmore/Western Addition. The funds raised at the first annual Bloom Ball will help the Center continue to expand their programs, provide affordable housing, and strengthen their commitment to helping more than 6,000 vulnerable San Franciscans thrive.