CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF COMPASSION, COMMUNITY & HOPE

For 40 years, St. Francis Center has been a place of hope, healing, and belonging for thousands of individuals and families throughout Redwood City. We invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone with us at our 40th Anniversary Block Party, a free community event filled with music, food, family fun, and the opportunity to connect with neighbors while honoring the impact we’ve made together.

Whether you’ve been part of the St. Francis Center family for decades or are visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you.

EVENT DETAILS

Part 1

Gratitude Ceremony & Special Dedication

WHEN

Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

WHERE

Future site of the Magical Bridge Pocket Park
186 Buckingham Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063

WHAT

A formal program honoring the vital funding partners and local donors making the inclusive park possible. The ceremony bridges 40 years of community care with a future of universal, inclusive play, featuring local dignitaries, a neighborhood youth speaker, and a touching memorial dedication.

Time	Program Details
10:00 AM	Guest and Media Arrival
10:10 AM	Welcome & Gratitude Kate Young, Executive Director, St. Francis Center Michael Pierce, President of the Board, St. Francis Center
10:15 AM	Remarks from Major Funding Sponsors & Partners Ian Bain, President of the Board, Magical Bridge Foundation Lisa Gauthier, San Mateo County Supervisor Ivan Martinez, President of the Board, Sequoia Healthcare District Alma Pulido, Program Officer, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
10:30 AM	Community Youth Perspective A local youth (TBD) from the North Fair Oaks neighborhood will share their excitement for an accessible playground where children of all abilities can soon play side-by-side.
10:35 AM	Closing Sunflower Moment (Tess Weber Memorial) A heartfelt tribute honoring Tess Weber, a beloved, long-time St. Francis Center community member who spent two decades serving local families. A portion of the future park will be officially dedicated to her memory, and attendees will be invited to take a sunflower to honor her legacy.

Part 2

40th Anniversary Community Block Party

WHEN

Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WHERE

151 Buckingham Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063

PLEASE NOTE

Buckingham Avenue will be closed for the block party between Marlborough and Devonshire.

WHAT

Following the ceremony, the celebration expands into a vibrant, family-friendly neighborhood block party. Marking 40 years of local impact, the event will feature live entertainment, children's activities, food, and community fellowship.

Time	Program Details
11:00 AM	Block Party Welcoming Remarks
11:15 AM	Baileterapia
11:45 AM	Reflections & Appreciations
12:10 PM	Raffle #1
12:20 PM	Baile Folklorico
1:00 PM	Raffle #2
1:10 PM	Zumba
1:40 PM	Baile Azteca
2:00 PM	Mariachi
3:00 PM	Raffle #3 & Closing Thanks

Parking & Transportation

Plan Ahead for the Block Party

Parking near St. Francis Center is limited. The block on Buckingham Avenue, between Marlborough and Devonshire, where St. Francis Center is located, will be closed. We encourage guests to consider the following options when planning their visit:

1

Use rideshare services when possible, or consider walking or riding a bike to the event.

2

Carpool with family and friends to help reduce the number of vehicles near the event.

3

Arrive early if you plan to park nearby, as available parking may fill quickly.