On our 175th anniversary, our beloved sanctuary, witness and host to so much of our life together, our joyful celebrations, reunions, weddings, farewell send-offs, hardest goodbyes, and so much else in our life of witness, ritual, delight, and meaning-making—this space deserves a first-class spa treatment and glam-up. To that end, we will raise money to replace the 96 cushions in the sanctuary and change out the carpet for something more worthy of all those red carpet moments. The cost is not small: Carpet estimates are somewhere around $35,000, and there are some places of “wondering” where the floor gives, and we hope there are no surprise repairs needed… But we will soon see. We will replace the carpet down the center aisle and in the back of the sanctuary with an equally gorgeous deep red.  

​

Our 96 cushions in the Sanctuary will get replaced with firm stuffing that can hold us with care for long services and sturdy and attractive upholstery that can look elegant in all seasons. Our initial estimate is that this will cost, on average, $1000 a cushion. We will get additional estimates, but we expect a total cost of about $100,000.

​

This brings our 2025 Fund-A-Need goal to $135,000. Any additional funds will go towards future energy improvements

​

And now for the big and exciting news: Stephen Gerard, husband of longtime and beloved member Trudy Lionel and a member of Congregation Sherith Israel (who have their high Holy Day services at UUSF), has given a gift toward this effort in honor of Trudy of $75,000!  

​

So, let’s make this important investment in the comfort and beauty of our worship space possible, and if we are wildly successful, let’s make our way toward the goal of a more environmentally friendly and future-oriented climate control system also possible. Happy 175th, UUSF!

​

Thank you, in advance, for your gifts.

In celebration, Vanessa