Celebrating 20 Years of Compassion at George Mark Children’s House Gala

George Mark Children’s House marked a significant milestone with its 20th Anniversary Gala, held at the iconic Fairmont San Francisco on Friday, October 25th. This special evening brought together over 500 donors, families, staff, and board members to celebrate two decades of unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to seriously ill children and their families.

The event featured inspiring speeches from notable figures including founder Dr. Kathy Hull, CEO Shekinah Eliassen, and award-winning author Amie Lands. Adding a personal touch to the evening was former George Mark patient Charlie Cleeberg, who movingly recounted his experiences and the profound impact the organization has had on his life, alongside his parents Kathy and Joe. The gala was gracefully emceed by Betty Yu of KTVU, infusing the event with warmth and elegance.

“Tonight, we honor not just the past 20 years of compassionate care, but also the countless lives touched by the services provided at George Mark. Our mission remains as vital today as it was when we began.” – Dr. Kathy Hull 

The gala underscored the organization’s legacy of supporting families during challenging times. Shekinah Eliassen noted, “This celebration is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community. Each contribution helps us continue our critical work, ensuring that every child and family receives the care they deserve without ever seeing a bill.”

Fundraising efforts during the gala were met with enthusiasm and generosity, with proceeds contributing to the sustainability and expansion of the services provided by George Mark Children’s House. The evening epitomized the spirit of community and the shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families facing severe health challenges.

Andrew Pitcairn, a father whose daughter experienced the compassionate care at George Mark shared, “In the face of adversity, George Mark Children’s House stands as a beacon of hope and support. The stories shared tonight highlight the resilience and courage of the families they serve, and it’s an honor to be part of this incredible community.”

San Francisco’s esteemed Chief of Protocol, Maryam Muduroglu, honored Dr. Kathy Hull and the George Mark Children’s House with a special City of San Francisco Proclamation. In addition to the City Proclamation, a Congressional Commendation in honor of George Mark and Dr. Kathy Hull from Representative Eric Swalwell was read by Betty Yu. These recognitions highlight the significant impact of their work within the community. 

The prestigious fashion house, House of Azadeh at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, had the honor of dressing CEO Shekinah Eliassen and Dr. Kathy Hull for a spectacular event. Demonstrating their commitment to giving back, House of Azadeh also donated an exquisite couture package, raising thousands of dollars.

Your generosity ensures that every child and young adult at George Mark receives compassionate care—completely free of charge for their families. Ready to make a meaningful difference? Donate directly here.