Where is the event?

The 48th Holiday Fundraising Luncheon will be held at iconic The Westin St. Francis Union Square, San Francisco located at 335 Powell Street (between Geary and Post).

What time is the event?

Registration and reception begin at 11:00 am.  Our luncheon and program will begin at 12:00 noon.

What can I expect at the luncheon?

When you arrive, you will have a chance to mix and mingle with other guests and plenty of dogs. There will be music, photo opportunities and you can start your holiday shopping while enjoying complimentary wine and beverages. At about 11:45 am, you’ll be asked to have a seat at your lunch table and the program will begin.

While you enjoy lunch, Christine Benninger, President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, will guide us through an inspirational program, puppy delivery and puppy parade. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to raise your paddle and support the dogs and the clients we help.

What should I wear?

Festive holiday attire.

How do I get to the venue?

Click here for directions

Where can I park?

Valet parking will be included for sponsors at the $10,000 and above levels. For all others hotel garage parking is available on-site: $12 an hour with a two-hour minimum, $12 every hour thereafter. Please note, we have requested extra valet attendants, but expect the lot to be very busy and potentially full. Ride share pick up is located at 320 Geary / Drop off is located at 350 Geary.

Additional public parking structures near the hotel:

• Mason/O’Farrell Garage: Cost for First hour $8; Every 30 Mins After: $4 an hour

• Union Square Garage: Cost each hour 9am-12pm - $3; Each hour 12pm–3pm - $6; Each hour 3pm-6pm - $4

• Sutter/Stockton Street Garage: Cost each hour $5

What is the closest airport?

SFO is approximately 14 miles and OAK is approximately 20 miles from The Westin St. Francis Union Square.

What are the menu options? 

The menu options are Grilled Chicken Breast with Mirin Scallion Glaze or Porcini & Truffle Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce. Duo Dessert plate with Chocolate Cake & St. Francis Cheesecake.

What if I have a food allergy?

When you buy your ticket, please indicate if you have dietary restrictions, need a vegetarian option, or have any seating preferences.

Please remember to let your server know of any dietary restrictions that were previously communicated with GDB when you get to your lunch table (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).

Stike Information:

We feel it is important to inform you of an ongoing strike at some San Francisco hotels, including the Westin St. Francis. GDB respects the right to protest peacefully, and you can rest assured that the hotel management has taken many proactive measures to make sure your visit is safe and seamless. We are confident that this holiday event -- our largest fundraiser of the year -- will be an enjoyable experience for everyone. If the media approaches you by chance to discuss the strike, please direct them to our GDB spokesperson, who will be at the hotel entrance.

Here’s what to know before you arrive:

Hotel Entrances:
We recommend using the garage/valet entrance at 350 Geary Street for convenience, even if parking elsewhere. The valet area will remain open, and though demonstrators will be close, they will not block this entrance.

Hotel security will be stationed in the garage/valet area on Geary Street to help you navigate around “Do Not Walk” zones that have been posted due to the strike.

Rideshare and Taxi Services:
For rideshare and taxis, we recommend drop-offs and pick-ups using the garage/valet entrance or just north of it on Geary Street.

Hotel Services:
If you are staying at the hotel, the staff at the St. Francis is working to minimize disruptions and enhance your comfort, including allocating rooms away from street noise. Please note the following updates:

• Room Service: Currently unavailable.

• Café Rito: Open daily from 6:30 AM–10 PM with a limited menu for both dine-in and take-out.

• Breakfast Buffet: Available daily from 6:30 AM–11 AM in the Westin Club Lounge. Breakfast is $40 per person but is complimentary if you booked your reservation through the GDB group room block.

How can I donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind at the event?

You will be asked for your credit card during the registration process when you arrive. You will then be provided with a personal bid paddle to make any donations or purchases. The credit card on file will be charged at the end of the luncheon for all your purchases except those made at the gift shop. You will only be charged for what you spend. You will be emailed your receipt, or we can print one for you that day. You can also bring a check or cash to pay for purchases at check-out.

You can also donate online here right now.

Is my ticket purchase tax-deductible?
The value of the meal and other benefits provided to you is $100 per ticket and any amount above that which you have contributed may be taken as a tax-deductible donation.

Our Tax ID# is 94-1196195.