Lou Seal cheers on Amy Wender, founder and president of the Wender Weis Foundation for Children, and Nathan Hoch.
Craig Lee
At the awkward age of 13, Amy Wender had a chance encounter with a sports figure that she never forgot. A backup quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys became an instant superstar in her eyes when he gave Wender simple, good advice and a reassuring smile. “This hero-athlete made me feel like I had a little extra support, and that anything in life was possible. I’ve always felt that if he could do that for me, imagine the effect something like that could have on other young kids,” said Wender.
Fast forward to 1994 as Wender, at the age of 23, went on to establish the Wender Weis Foundation for Children with the goal to improve the lives of underserved children by helping to increase their self-esteem, and with a more specific goal of connecting them with their sports heroes, who might also inspire them, the same way they did her.
And that sporting spirit joins the holiday spirit at San Francisco’s Oracle Park once again Tuesday, December 6 with the 13th annual Holiday Heroes event (and 25th overall Heroes event) kicking off the most wonderful time of the year with a special combination of sports and holiday magic including an inspiring moment with San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner, who will be receiving the 2022 Inspiration Award for his work on and off the field. Holiday Heroes draws families from all walks of life, from all over the Bay Area, and tickets are now available for pre-order at holidayheroes.org. The evening and your contributions go on to serve myriad organizations that serve and benefit the underserved and underrepresented communities across the Bay Area.
Lou Seal pals around with (from left) Daniel Davenport-Grosse, Susan Davenport and Scout Davenport-Grosse.
Craig Lee
“Our mission is to create moments of wonder that spark a lifetime of possibilities as we turn the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium into a joyful wonderland,” said Wender, founder and president of the Wender Weis Foundation for Children. “We traditionally join forces with professional sports teams, companies, organizations and philanthropists to connect underrepresented children and their families with professional athletes and activities during our evening event with the hope of bringing happiness, and inspiring moments while raising funds for underserved children and their families in local communities across the Bay Area.”
Holiday Heroes not only makes for a magical family experience, but is also a popular date night, friends’ night out, and even draws singles out in support of a great cause. “We definitely want Gazette readers not only to give but also attend such a unique experiential evening,” said Wender, “to have this unique experience and also to know they’re supporting and giving to others in need. And, after all, there aren’t that many opportunities to be on the field at Oracle Park.”
Holiday Heroes 2022 chairs Elizabeth Johnson (left) and Ed Conlon (right), with Dylan James, have a ball with Lou Seal.
Craig Lee
Guests of Holiday Heroes will enjoy an array of interactive activities including holiday arts and crafts, such as make your own snow-globe and graffiti art, stuff your own toy stuffed bear, cookie decorating, a teen lounge for ages 12 and older, photo trading cards and more. For sports fans, there’s the chance to run the bases at Oracle Park, throw pitches in the bullpen, hit in the batting cages and take golf swings in the Dryvebox Mobile Golf Simulator with golf pros and a social media golf influencer. Over the years, the event has grown and musical performances like “Rent” have taken to the field with live up-close-and-personal performances.
Since its founding, Holiday Heroes has hosted more than 5,500 underserved children, while over 50,000 children have benefited from Wender Weis Foundation for Children’s support to various nonprofits. Over 600 professional athletes and celebrities have donated their time and support over the years.
Holiday Heroes 2022 chairs include Elizabeth Johnson and Ed Conlon and Lindsay and Wyatt Millar, while honorary chairs are Ashley and Morgan Berman, Michelle Gilman Jasen and Rich Jasen and Emilie and Andrew Lynch. The VIP reception for sponsors and donors will kick off at 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and all VIP ticket holders will receive early entry into the ballpark with first access to all holiday activities. Donors at the $2,500 and higher levels will be treated to an exclusive reception in the Giants’ Clubhouse. Sponsors of the event include PG&E, Level Construction Supply, TIBCO, Wildcat Cove Foundation, Hathaway Dinwiddie, with Alaska Airlines serving as our Official Airline Hero. VIP wine generously donated by Marston Family Vineyards.
