Guide Dogs for the Blind Holiday Luncheon: On Dec. 9, the 33rd annual event, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, brought together some 800 supporters who donated nearly $181,000 to the organization. Proceeds go toward training puppies that become guide dogs for blind and visually impaired students who graduate from Guide Dogs for the Blind each year.

Poverty fighters honored

Tipping Point Community Awards Breakfast: At its third annual event Dec. 8, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, the charity dedicated to preventing poverty in the Bay Area announced a $1 million donation from the Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki Foundation. The organization also honored other groups — Homeless Prenatal Program, Canal Alliance and KIPP Bay Area Schools — working toward the same goal.

Rockin’ out at luxury-store launch

True Meaning Launch: Last week at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco,  Stephan Jenkins hosted a private cocktail party to celebrate the establishment  of True Meaning, described as “the first luxury retail store to end poverty.” The event featured a VIP reception and performances by Third Eye Blind and Magik Magik Orchestra.