Holiday Block Party and Benefit

2008 marks the 19th year of the Hayes Street merchants’ Block Party, to be held Friday, December 5th. This year, a major aspect of the event will be a silent auction of artists’ wreaths (not traditional wreaths, but rather art pieces). There will be 24 made by artists and 6 by the kids at Opportunity Impact, the organization which will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the event. The auction will start at 11 am Friday, November 28th and will end at 9 pm the evening of the block party.

Opportunity Impact is located in the Western Addition, and has as its mission the providing of opportunities and skills youth need to reach their potential. More information is available at www.opportunityimpact.org

Wreaths will be in store windows throughout the neighborhood, along Hayes, Laguna, Octavia and Gough Streets, providing even more reasons for people to walk the area. Many stores will also be having live music and/ or events. And, merchants have developed a “Hayes Valley Money” program. More information on activities is available on the this site.

Complementing the Block Party will be the 4th Annual Community Social and Sing Along at Patricia’s Green, featuring a strolling Dicken’s quartet from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and other local talent. Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be served as well. The Fire Department will also have a toy collection effort at Patricia’s Green, so please bring a new, unwrapped toy.