As we know, adopting healthy habits, being social and helping others can contribute to a healthier life.
With this in mind, on Thursday January 26, 2012, Conard House held its annual fundraising gala: The Bridge to Mental Health.
The meaningful event took place at the Bently Reserve, (a LEED-certified green building).The beautifull ambience was masterfully created by event specialist du jour Sam Leftwhich.
With the support of Honorary Hosts such as Noma and Craig Adelman, The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr., Marilyn and Michael Cabak, Chris Cunnie, The Honorable Dianne Feinstein, Senator Mark Leno and Betty Louie to name a few, the night drew an elite crowd dedicated to making a difference.
Co-chaired by powerful duo Peter Crane and Donna Ames-Heldfond, the Gala was focused on raising funds to provide vital services to many of San Francisco's most vulnerable citizens.
Executive Director Richard Heasley, has been the force behind Conard House for 16 years. He candidly shared that he enjoys coming to work each and every day and is blessed with a team fully committed to helping others.
“While Conard House has helped thousands of vulnerable adults with mental disorders live successfully in our community for over 50 years, the health disparities among our clients are significant. The proceeds from the event tonight will help us with our five-year initiative to help improve the health of 2500 people in the City,” announced Richard Heasley.
Marilyn Cabak, a philanthropist who is involved with the cause was proud to share:” Conard House changes lives. I love this cause because of the hope and new independence it has provided for many people."
The night began with a cocktail party and silent auction where guests enjoyed tasty treats prepared by Melons Catering.
The Gala Auction Committee was hard at work all year in order to secure one-of-a-kind auction items such as a four-night, five-day stay at a luxurious 3b/2b cabin in Montana, personalized rejuvenation treatment program from the Epi Center MedSpa and VIP sail for two guests aboard the Americas Cup Yacht USA 76.
Following the cocktail party, guests were treated to a delectable meal while welcomed by Cheryl Jennings, co-anchor for ABC7/KGO TV. Soon after, Richard Heasly introduced key note speaker Alex Kutik, (a former Conard House’s board of directors) who delivered a poignant speech. Kutik shared she had been living with a bipolar disorder. She explained how Conard House not only helped her self-manage her condition, it also allowed her to lead a normal life and help others at the same time!
“ We need the support of the people in the community to let the city know that taking care of people with mental illnesses is part of what San Francisco is all about,” she concluded.
After her moving story, the motivated and enthusiastic crowd engaged in the bidding and Conard House was able to exceed its goal and raised over $95,000.
“With funds raised from the Gala, we plan to help a generous community underwrite the development of innovative services via supportive housing, mental health treatment, life-skills training, employment training,” mentions Angie Brown, director of sponsorship development.
“Services are also provided to help people exit the system of care and join the San Francisco community as contributing members of society,” adds Executive Director Richard Heasley.
The event was a huge successful. Heasley left with a sweet grin on his face and guests exited happy to have contributed to such a good cause.
For more about Conard house or to help.
The event was beautifully coordinated by Claudia Ross Founder of Cross Marketing PR.
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