Flowers and Philanthropy at The Salvation Army’s Annual Gala

On August 2 The Salvation Army welcomed its biggest Bay Area supporters to the annual Flower Power Gala, where the floral designs of Jun Pinon provided the setting for a celebration of the organization’s good works. The 20th annual gala wowed guests with dazzling displays of plants and flowers, and raised funds for The Salvation Army’s innovative homeless initiative, The Way Out.

The Way Out targets addiction among unhoused individuals, providing support with a treatment- on-demand model. “Homelessness is a significant humanitarian crisis facing our city, one that requires a proportionally significant response,” said Major Matthew Madsen, Divisional Secretary for San Francisco. “We aim to restore the dignity and agency of every individual in our continuum of services, so that they may be free from the chains of addiction and pursue the life they once dreamed of pursuing.”

Party attendees enjoyed a lavish dinner, a lively silent auction and an afterparty. This year’s fete also honored Cammy Blackstone as its 2024 Woman of Dedication. Ms. Blackstone, AT&T’s Director of External Affairs in San Francisco, leads the company’s engagement with external stakeholders, media, government and community partners in the city.

A proud SF resident of over 40 years, Blackstone was thrilled by the honor, saying, “The Salvation Army is part of the reason why I believe in San Francisco. From our seniors to the children and families who live in our city and to our unhoused neighbors, they have been busy serving those in need.” Leslie Bauer was surprised with the national Exceptional Service award for her 17 years of serving as chair of the event.