BLUFSF

BLUF San Francisco (BLUFSF) hosted our 16th Annual IN GEAR Dinner on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 at the Dumpling Kitchen in Noe Valley. The change in venue resulted in a more intimate atmosphere augmented by a menu of appetizers, dumplings, and a selection of mains. Traditionally, the IN GEAR has been held at Mexican food restaurants like Don Ramon’s and the Cadillac Bar & Grill; this year, a different venue with different cuisine was selected. The change was a welcome departure from tradition.

Dinner and raffle ticket sales went on to benefit the San Francisco Leathermen’s Discussion Group (SFLDG) which has been a longtime support of BLUFSF. We hosted a 16-item raffle auction consisting of Tom of Finland books, boots, motocross jackets, Leather vests, and posters. All prizes went to great homes; congratulations to all the winners!

Dinner was followed by a special edition of BLUFSF HARD at the SF Eagle; folx with IN GEAR Dinner badges were allowed cover-free access to this portion of the evening. The event was well-attended and a great way to cap off the night.

BLUFSF would like to thank the following for their efforts in making a memorable and evening of IN GEAR fun:

• Shari Dominici and all the Staff at the Dumpling Kitchen – Noe Valley: Your excellent service and remarkable hospitality made all attendees feel welcome and well-fed.
• Management and Staff of the SF Eagle: Thank you for accommodating BLUFSF for a special edition of BLUFSF HARD; your continued support is so appreciated!
• San Francisco Leathermen’s Discussion Group (SFLDG): Thank you for helping BLUFSF facilitate the dinner. Special thanks to Treasurer David Ahle for working behind the scenes to make the dinner happen.
• Dave Fong and Keith Garrison for donating the boots, vests, and motocross jackets.
• Volunteers Dave Fong and David Ahle; special thanks to Eric See for stepping up to set the raffle auction area up. It looked great!
• The BLUFSF Team: Organizer SIR Aaron Woll; Ambassadors John Kouletsis and Calder Storm; Organizer Emeritus Master Ghee Phua; and Photographer Jonathan Villanueva.
• Everyone who bought tickets and attended: THANK YOU for gearing up for another successful IN GEAR Dinner! Your attendance and support means a great deal. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 22nd, 2027.