Event Significance and History

Every year for the past 11 years the San Francisco Historical Society holds an award ceremony and luncheon to honor people who have made significant contributions to San Francisco’s history or culture. Past recipients have included Willie Brown, Father Paul Fitzgerald, President of USF, Alonzo King (Lines Ballet), Joanne Hayes-White, San Francisco’s Fabulous Female Fire Chief, as well as numerous historians. This year’s 2024 honorees are Clint and Janet Reilly, who are remarkable civic leaders.

Known for being a very elegant affair, the awards luncheon takes place at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Last year more than 300 people attended. This is also the largest fundraiser of the year for the San Francisco Historical Society.

The event starts at 11:00 and goes until 2:30. There is a reception to start off the event (people mingling) followed by the luncheon. The award ceremony and speeches occur over the course of the lunch. There is also a live auction during the lunch.

The event’s success is made possible from our generous sponsors and from individuals who purchase tables and tickets. 

All proceeds from the event benefit the San Francisco Historical Society which is a registered nonprofit organization with tax ID #68-0104888. Your generosity supports our publications, education programs, and our museum exhibits at 608 Commercial Street in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District.

More information about sponsorships opportunities and table/ticket packages are available below:

Buy Tickets & Tables Here:

Sponsor Opportunities and Benefits

Gold Rush Sponsor – $10,000

  • Two tables of ten (20 seats in total), with preferred seating
  • Sponsor listing in printed Annual Awards Luncheon printed materials*
  • Featured recognition (with logo) in the January–March 2025** issue of Panorama, the
    quarterly newsletter of the San Francisco Historical Society
  • An institutional advertisement in the Winter 2024 issue of The Argonaut***
  • One-year membership in the San Francisco Historical Society
  • Tax deductible amount $8,500

Yerba Buena Sponsor – $7,500

  • Same benefits as the Gold Rush Sponsor, but with one table of ten (10 seats in total)
  • Tax deductible amount $6,750

Phoenix Sponsor – $5,000

  • One table of ten (10 seats total)
  • Sponsor listing in Annual Awards Luncheon printed materials*
  • Featured recognition (with logo) in the January–March 2025** issue of Panorama, the
    quarterly newsletter of the San Francisco Historical Society
  • One-year membership in the San Francisco Historical Society
  • Tax deductible amount $4,250

Limited Quantity: First-come, First-serve!

Table and Ticket Packages

Table for Ten – $4,100

  • Includes a table of ten seats with lunch included
  • Tax deductible amount $3,350

Table for Ten, Member Discount – 20% OFF using member discount code

  • This discount applies only to current San Francisco Historical Society members
  • Same perks as above
  • Tax deductible amount $2,530

Half Table (Five Seats) – $2,100

  • Includes a half table of five total seats
  • Tax deductible amount $1,725

Single Ticket -$450

  • Single general admission ticket that includes lunch
  • Tax deductible amount $375

Single Ticket, Member Discount – 20% OFF using member discount code

  • Single general admission ticket that includes lunch.
  • This discount only applies to current San Francisco Historical Society members
  • Tax deductible amount $285

Limited Quantity: First-come, First-serve!

Event: Annual Awards Luncheon 2024
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 11am – 2:30pm
Location: The Mark Hopkins Hotel
William C. Ralston Award Honorees: Clint and Janet Reilly