Many thanks to all who supported Felton Institute’s 130th Anniversary celebration at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center on October 30, 2019! The engaging and informative evening featured award recipients and client testimonials as Felton commemorated 130 years of innovation in social services.
The program featured a warm welcome from Mistress of Ceremonies Janice Edwards, heartfelt greetings from Felton President and CEO Al Gilbert and dynamic opening remarks by San Francisco Mayor London Breed. Mayor Breed celebrated the many service collaborations of Felton and San Francisco and proclaimed October 30, 2019, Felton Institute Day in the City and County of San Francisco.
Felton Institute 130th Anniversary, Mayor London Breed
VIDEO: Mayor Breed Proclaims Felton Institute Day
Felton Board President Amy Solliday brought genial greetings from the board and Felton COO of Children , Youth and Family and Transitional Age Youth Division Yohana Quiroz provided an inspiring testimonial before introducing charismatic keynote speaker Jenée Johnson.
VIDEO: Felton Board President Amy Solliday and COO of CYF and TAY Yohana Quiroz
Keynote speaker Jenée Johnson presented a moving and thought- provoking presentation on mindfulness. Ms. Johnson is the Program Innovation Leader of the Mindfulness, Trauma and Racial Equity Trauma Informed Systems Initiative and has been called the Chief Mindfulness Officer of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Ashley Cheng, Operations Manager of Infrastructure Design & Construction for San Francisco Public Works introduced Felton Early Autism Program (FEAP) clients Tammi Abad and her son Josh, who provided a charming testimonial.
VIDEO: Ashley Cheng of SF Public Works, Tammi and Josh
SCSEP participant Roger Treskunoff and former SCSEP participants, now Felton staff members, Donna Legenza and Effie Cockrell inspired all attendees with their stories of resilience.
The festive evening included a cocktail reception and dinner catered by The Red Door. The World Famous Rick and Russ Show featuring CJ Flash provided great music and the Someday Sweethearts wowed the guests with a classic performance and an interactive Charleston dance lesson.
Felton 130 Awards Ceremony
Felton Institute 130th Anniversary, Eve Meyer
The Kitty Felton Maverick Award was privately presented to media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey for her internationally acclaimed work that has transformed the conversations about mental health. Oprah is the recipient of countless awards in her lifetime for achievement in the arts and humanitarian efforts. One of her recent projects is a multi-part documentary on mental health in collaboration with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
President and CEO Al Gilbert presented the Felton Institute Legacy of Love Award to the former Executive Director of San Francisco Suicide Prevention Foundation (SFSP) Eve R. Meyer for her dedication to suicide prevention. Eve has been frequently featured in print and broadcast media. During her thirty years of leading the organization, financial contributions to SFSP tripled, despite annual cutbacks in public funding.
VIDEO: Al Gilbert’s Welcoming Remarks and Eve Meyer’s Acceptance Speech
The Felton Institute Inclusivity in Action Award was awarded to Coach Snoop Dogg in recognition of Snoop’s Special Stars division of the Snoop Youth Football League. Will Bryant, Felton’s Facilities Manager and President of the Northern California Snoop Youth Football League, presented the award to Snoop Youth Football League Commissioner Khalil Wadood, who flew in to accept when Snoop Dogg had a last minute scheduling conflict.
The Felton Institute Community Bridge Builder Award was presented by Felton CFO and COO Marvin Davis to Bridge Bank for investing in communities and providing opportunities for growth and development. Bridge Bank EVP and Regional President Fred Voss accepted the award.
VIDEO: Fred Voss Accepts Felton’s Community Bridgebuilder Award
Photo Highlights
Felton’s 130 Years of Innovation has been sponsored in part by:
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About Felton Institute: Founded in 1889, Felton Institute responds to human needs by providing cutting edge, evidence-based mental health and social services that transform lives. Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.
Offering more than 50 acclaimed and honored programs that address homelessness, mental health, prenatal, adolescent, adult and senior needs, Felton Institute provides services in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, and Monterey counties.
Felton is named for its social services pioneer and executive director Dr. Katharine “Kitty” Felton who was called the ”conscience of San Francisco” and was committed to ensuring that children and families in crisis have access to social services and resources in order to help them build upon their inherent strengths and develop self-sufficiency. www.felton.org