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Mayor Ed Lee and the Rainbow World Fund Celebrate the 11th Annual Lighting of The Tree of Hope

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the Rainbow World Fund (RWF) come together this holiday season to promote global unity, peace, love, and humanitarianism at the 11th annual RWF Tree of Hope lighting ceremony.

The RWF Tree of Hope is a holiday tree decorated with over 15,000 origami cranes and stars containing handwritten notes of hope and peace from children and adults from around the world. The tree is a gift from members of the LGBT community to the world and this year is dedicated to the victims, survivors, and all those affected by the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting tragedy.  

“Unity is at the core of San Francisco,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “Together we join our global community to share our hopes for a brighter future. This year we dedicate the World Tree of Hope tree to all those affected by the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando. We stand as one to celebrate the power of hope and the strength of unity.”

"We create the tree as a symbol of global unity, peace and hope. This year’s tree lighting is especially poignant. Every year special guests come to light the tree and celebrate the power of hope — how essential it is to our survival, our healing and humanity,” said Jeff Cotter, Executive Director of Rainbow World Fund. “RWF's philosophy is that we are One Human Family. Having Ilka and Amanda’s parents here is a special honor — they are family, and their being here helps us all move forward in healing. It is my hope that our SF community will really turn in a show of support and affection for Ilka Reyes and Amanda’s parent’s Mayra and Daniel Alvear."

The City of San Francisco stands in solidarity with all members of our community and continues to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness that brings us all together. In collaboration with the Grammy winning San Francisco Boys Chorus, the event emcees Cheryl Jennings and Donna Sachet, the Orlando Pulse Nightclub survivor Ilka Reyes and the parents of Mayra Alvear, Consul General of Jun Yamada, the Interfaith Consul Director Michael Pappas, the Rev. Deborah Johnson, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Veronica Klaus, and Tammy Hall, San Francisco welcomes all to join December 7th at City Hall from 5:30PM – 8:00 PM for celebration, healing, and togetherness.