Family House MAGIC Gala 2025

Our 43rd Annual Gala was a spectacular night of magical compassion for our families.

Thank you to all who joined us Saturday, March 8, for the Family House MAGIC Gala! Family House raised $1 million thanks to the incredible generosity of this community. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your compassion and support towards our families. Proceeds from Saturday night’s event enable us to continue our mission—to provide temporary housing, meals, and amenities for families of children with cancer and other serious illnesses, with deep compassion and care, always 100% free of charge for families.

A Special Thank You

Thank you Event Chairs Orly Petri and Randi Saffian for your energy, compassion, and dedication to Family House. We couldn’t have done it without you! View Photo Gallery – Drew Altizer Photography

Press Release

Family House San Francisco held their annual gala fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. The 43rd annual event honored Marcia and George Argyris for their long-time generosity and support of the organization.   Since 1981, Family House San Francisco has provided free housing and basic needs for the families of seriously ill young patients being treated at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Mission Bay.  Located in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, Family House San Francisco is a five-story, 80-bedroom facility that houses up to 350 people per night. Family House San Francisco is a free home away from home and a supportive community dedicated to providing a caring environment for the entire family while their child is undergoing treatment. This year’s Gala honored the philanthropy of Marcia and George Argyris towards Family House San Francisco. Even before the original Family House opened its doors in 1981, their involvement was pivotal in launching the organizations’ founding and first capital campaign. Throughout Family House’s history, they have encouraged and given more than $6.3MM in funding through their family, the Bettye Poetz Ferguson Foundation, the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, the Joyce & William Brantman Foundation and the McKesson Foundation. Their unwavering dedication and generosity have left an indelible mark and has helped Family House continue to provide compassion, refuge and access to families in need. Co-Chaired by Orly Petri and Randi Saffian, “Magic Gala 2025” featured premiere Eco Terrano wines, a special dinner, Catalyst Arts Cirque performers, a curated live auction with once in a lifetime experiences, an electric dance floor fueled by the beats of San Francisco Giants’ resident DJ, DJ Umami, and more. The event also paid tribute to long-time Family House volunteer Matt Castagnola, who has played the role of “Santa” at the annual holiday celebration for many years. All event proceeds fund direct services provided to families, including temporary housing, meals, and amenities for families with a child being treated for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. All services are offered 100% free of charge.