FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 10th, 2024
Contact: Hayden Anderson, hayden@gfpublicaffairs.com, 480.848.2946
***PRESS RELEASE***
‘I LOVE TENDERLOIN WEEK’ RETURNS: MORE THAN A FESTIVAL, A SECOND-YEAR PHENOMENON
San Francisco’s Tenderloin district will host a week-long celebration with over two dozen events embodying culture, community, and collaboration in a growing annual tradition.
San Francisco, CA – The Tenderloin district of San Francisco proudly announces the return of ‘I Love Tenderloin Week,’ scheduled from Sunday, April 21st through Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Now in its second year, the event has rapidly become a tradition, reflecting Tenderloin Neighborhood Pride, the area’s resilience, cultural diversity, and strong community engagement. Through collaborative efforts among local organizations, small businesses, and other citywide institutions, this week-long celebration consists of over two dozen events that invite both residents and visitors to connect with the neighborhood’s rich cultural, culinary, and artistic offerings.
The celebration is funded by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (SFOEWD) and coordinated with support from the Tenderloin Community Benefit District (TLCBD). This partnership underscores the Mayor’s investment in the Tenderloin’s development and its recognition of the area as an essential part of San Francisco’s cultural and economic fabric.
“The Tenderloin is an incredible neighborhood that we are working to lift up and support. In addition to our important and ongoing commitment to making the Tenderloin safer, we also continue to celebrate the vibrancy and spirit of the neighborhood,” said Mayor London Breed. “I Love the Tenderloin embodies the power of collaboration among residents, businesses, and organizations, all while showcasing the resilience that defines both the Tenderloin and San Francisco at large.”
The celebration kicks off with ‘Tenderloin Beautification Day,’ led by the Tenderloin Community Benefit District. This neighborhood cleanup event highlights the community’s united efforts and desire to clean streets and sidewalks, remove graffiti, and more greenery in the area. Leveraging the expertise of their ‘Clean Team,’ which routinely undertakes the tasks involved during the Beautification Day, is a testament to the neighborhood’s proactive engagement in its transformation and maintenance.
The ILTW festival features various events that emphasize the Tenderloin’s historical and cultural contributions. For instance, the Tenderloin Museum, under the direction of its Executive Director, Alex Spoto, hosts events such as ‘Concerts at the Cadillac with James Washington’ and ‘Trans Temporal Resistances,’ which delve into the area’s musical heritage and social movements that left a lasting impact on San Francisco’s cultural scene.
Melissa Ann Reyes, San Francisco Public Library’s (SFPL) Tenderloin Outreach Librarian, bridges the gap between citywide investment, cultural appreciation, and community empowerment, stating, “The Main Library is a very special community hub for the Tenderloin. We have multilingual storytimes, small business resources and workshops, and tech and language learning programs all within our walls. This year’s celebration focuses on connecting the Tenderloin community with what we have to offer, and allows us to directly generate positive change in our neighborhood.”
‘I Love Tenderloin Week’ is equally dedicated to embracing and collaborating with the small business community, underlining their critical contribution to the neighborhood’s vibrancy. Among the array of events, the ‘Tenderloin Small Business Boogie’, co-hosted by SFPL, will focus on celebrating local entrepreneurs and the dynamic economic life they bring to the Tenderloin. In anticipation of the event, Teddy Kramer, CEO and Founder of Neon, a drop-in workspace and neighborhood event space in San Francisco, expressed his enthusiasm:
“It’s exciting to celebrate five amazing small businesses in the heart of the Tenderloin during this special week,” said Kramer. We’ll have a lot of fun telling each business’s story and sharing these places with San Franciscans who might be visiting for the first time.”
As ‘I Love Tenderloin Week’ enters its second year, it’s solidifying itself as a testament to the neighborhood’s spirit, cultural depth, and community collaboration. The expanded roster of events invites broad participation while aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for the Tenderloin’s unique place within San Francisco. This growing tradition promises a more inclusive and varied celebration of the neighborhood’s heritage and prospects for the future.
Supervisor Dean Preston, representing San Francisco’s Tenderloin district on the Board of Supervisors and the force behind last spring’s citywide resolution declaring ‘I Love Tenderloin Week in the City and County of San Francisco,’ expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, “We love the Tenderloin, and we love I Love Tenderloin Week. I appreciate all the organizers of the festivities, look forward to attending as many of the events as possible, and urge everyone to come support and celebrate this amazing neighborhood!”
Reflecting on last year’s success and plans for future ILTW programming, Mike Vuong, lead organizer of ‘I Love Tenderloin Week’ and Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Tenderloin Clubhouse, highlighted the festival’s significance in fostering community unity and showcasing the Tenderloin’s vibrant spirit to a broader audience. He pointed out the inclusion of family-friendly and predominantly free programming designed to welcome participants from all walks of life, further uniting the community.
“Our kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Tenderloin Clubhouse have family members who own, run, and work in the restaurants and stores in this neighborhood,” said Vuong. “When these businesses thrive, our kids can thrive. Plus, we know that positive activation leads to greater safety.”
For additional details on ‘I Love Tenderloin Week’ and schedule of events, please visit VisitTenderloin.com.
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