Family House Timeline
Family House Timeline
Campaign to purchase 50 Irving Street begins
When 50 Irving Street came up for sale, Dr. Art Ablin put down just $1,000. With crucial gifts from the Koret and McKesson Foundations and support from founding board members, Family House San Francisco launched its first capital campaign, turning a single building into a home for families in need.
1980
Family House Opens on Irving Street in San Francisco
When 50 Irving Street came up for sale, Dr. Art Ablin put down just $1,000. With crucial gifts from the Koret and McKesson Foundations and support from founding board members, Family House San Francisco launched its first capital campaign, turning a single building into a home for families in need.
1981
Family House is Officially Incorporated
Thanks to Jesse Grove and Mike Alvarez, some of the members of the Family House board, officially incorporated Family House.
1981
Inaugural Annual Fundraising Event Pays for 50 Irving Street
In 1982, Family House’s annual dinner-dance fundraiser paid off the mortgage for 50 Irving Street. Co-founder Dr. Art Ablin served as auctioneer, with items donated by early supporter Joan Finton and community members—including one of Dr. Ablin’s classic cars—turning creativity and generosity into a home for families in need.
1981
George Lucas Premieres “Return of the Jedi” Movie to Family House Fundraiser
Family House board member, Dan Toney was able to get American film director, George Lucas, to use the Return of the Jedi premiere as a Family House fundraiser. This paved the way for another premiere fundraiser in 2005 for Revenge of the Sith.
1983
Pam Baer Chairs Family House Events
Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Mike Edwards encouraged Pam Baer to join the Family House board, where she and Larry Baer helped organize successful fundraisers. Pam served on the board for ten years and has been a Lifetime Director on the San Francisco General Hospital board for 17 years.
1992
Inaugural Cabernet for Connoisseurs Fundraiser Held Near Union Square
The first Cabernet for Connoisseurs event took place at Rumpus Restaurant near Union Square. It was launched by Dick Grace, Emma Hechler, Jim Koop, Bill Shea and Faith Wheeler.
1994
New Staff at Family House
In 1995, the first Executive Director, Cliff Berg, was hired at Family House, along with the first paid Resident Manager, Meg Alexander. In 1997, Family House hired Jessica (Presson) Creager as Assistant Administrator. As of 2021, Jessica serves as CFO of Family House.
1995
Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs Moved
On the evening of the annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs event, Rumpus Restaurant caught on fire, and the fundraiser had to be moved to Oliveto’s.
1998
Jordan & Kyra Golf Tournament
The Jordan & Kyra Memorial Foundation was created in memory of Jordan Stuart and Kyra Pillsbury. Their annual event celebrates their memories and playful spirits while raising funds for pediatric cancer research, bringing hope, dignity, and comfort to families currently undergoing treatment.
1998
Second Family House Location Purchased
Family House purchased property at 1234 10th Avenue from Holocaust survivors Linda and Freirich Breder. With the generosity of their daughter and son-in-law, Dasha and David Grafil, who lowered the price so “The Breders Villa” could go to a good place, the home became part of Family House’s story.
2000
Alexandra E. Morgan hired on as CEO
The Family House board hired Alexandra E. Morgan as CEO to lead a $5M capital campaign for the new Koret Family House. With deep experience in San Francisco nonprofits, global consulting, and major events, Alexandra brought invaluable expertise.
1998
New Koret Family House Opened
The new Koret Family House opened at 1234 10th Avenue on Thanksgiving Day. This second Family House served an additional 24 families per night.
2002
Star Wars Revenge of the Sith Premiere Held as a Benefit for Family House
In 2005, a special premiere of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith raised $500,000 for Family House. Guests included George Lucas and actor Jake Lloyd, with then–San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and actor Jason Lewis serving as auctioneers for the memorable benefit event.
2005
Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) Established
Family House’s Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC) was formed to unite passionate young leaders in fundraising and volunteering. In its first three years, YPAC built awareness of Family House as a place of hope and raised more than $15,000 through happy hours and holiday events.
2009
YPAC Organizes First Fundraising Event in Support of Family House
Family House’s Young Professionals Advisory Council holds their first event. They organized a happy hour Valentine’s Day fundraiser which raised $1,370 through sales of a special drink and auction.
2010
Train Adopts Family House As Hometown Charity
Pat Monahan and the San Francisco band Train first visited Family House and soon adopted it as their hometown charity. Through concerts and creative partnerships—including donating proceeds from their Save Me San Francisco Wine Co. and Ghirardelli chocolate sales—Train has become one of Family House’s biggest supporters.
2012
Family House Begins Expansion Plans To New Mission Bay Location
When UCSF announced plans to move the children’s hospital to Mission Bay, Family House launched a $42M capital campaign to remain nearby. Early grants funded the purchase of land and the design, construction, and furnishing of what would become the new Mission Bay Family House.
2012
Grands Make Pledge for New Family House at Mission Bay
Nancy and Stephen Grand make the naming pledge to build the Nancy & Stephen Grand Family House at Mission Bay.
2013
Lamborghini
Fundraiser
Lamborghini, Italian brand and manufacturer of luxury cars, holds an event at 10th Avenue location, to fundraise for Family House.
2013
18th Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs Reaches New Record
The 18th annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs event raised one million dollars for Family House San Francisco, which was the first fundraiser to ever break the million dollar mark for Family House.
2014
Guinness World Record Broken at Family House Event
At Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach, Family House joined Tony, his crew, local kids, and families to set a Guinness World Record: 263 people tossing pizza dough at the same time during a lively fundraising event.
2014
Mission Bay Construction
Kick off
A groundbreaking event celebrating the start of construction organized for the new Family House at Mission Bay. Watch a timelapse of part of the construction!
2014
UCSF Children’s Hospital at Mission Bay Officially Opens
The opening of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital new campus at Mission Bay, a few blocks away from the yet to be completed new Family House location.
2015
Construction Wraps Up at the Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House
A Topping Off Ceremony is held to celebrate the end of construction on the Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House building. Watch the virtual tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VaKz7BWrhE
2015
Irving Street House Closes
Family House’s 50 Irving Street location closes, and the move to the Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House in Mission Bay begins.
2016
Mission Bay Opening Celebrations
To launch the new Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House, volunteers rallied to disassemble furniture, donate items, and clean at 50 Irving before moving on to Mission Bay. With hard hats on, they assembled beds, organized closets, and moved supplies—working seamlessly alongside construction crews.
2016
Staff Welcomed to New Location
Family House staff officially moves into Mission Bay.
2016
Families Welcomed at New Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House in Mission Bay
In May 2016, Family House opened the Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House in Mission Bay, welcoming its first families to a brand-new 80-bedroom facility. With kitchens, living spaces, a teen room, and a courtyard, the new building more than doubled Family House’s capacity.
2016
San Francisco Giants Visit at Family House
Kristin and Giants catcher Buster Posey visited Family House in Mission Bay, where new partnerships with nearby businesses, including the San Francisco Giants, created unique opportunities. These collaborations bring special events, tickets, and experiences that brighten the lives of families staying at Family House.
2017
Family House at Mission Bay Anniversary
Celebrations are held in Mission Bay at the new Family House with a spectacular first birthday party, where Fozzy’s Toy Room is unveiled to families. Watch the ribbon cutting for Fozzy’s Toy Room.
2017
Remembrance of Founder Dr. Arthur Ablin
Family House San Francisco founder Dr. Arthur Ablin passed away on August 17, 2017 and a remembrance ceremony was held a few months following. Dr. Ablin left a lasting impression as a pioneer in the field of pediatric hematology-oncology and a tireless supporter of Family House.
2017
23rd Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs Breaks Another Record
The 23rd annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs Wine Auction held for fundraising is the most successful one yet, raising more than $1.2MM.
2018
YPAC’s Brewtastic Fundraiser for Family House
YPAC´s 6th Brewtastic Bash raises funds for Family House. The Bash included beer tasting, food trucks, and a silent auction held to benefit Family House.
2018
Train Performs Private Concert at Family House
Pat Monahan and Train perform a live, acoustic concert at Family House for children, their families, and staff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNo0vg5cvbk
2018
Family House Gala Breaks $1M Fundraising Record
The 37th Annual Family House Gala at the Westin St. Francis, co-chaired by Nancy Grand and Susan Mall, honored Okta for their philanthropy and volunteering. The gala marked a milestone as the first to raise over $1 million.
2018
Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil Films at Family House
While filming season four of Somebody Feed Phil in San Francisco, Phil Rosenthal and top local chefs—including Tony Gemignani, Dominique Crenn, Elisabeth Prueitt, Mourad Lahlou, and Kenji Lopez-Alt—visited Family House to cook for families and appear in the show’s San Francisco episode.
2019
New Volunteer Record Set
Family House reaches 5,000 volunteers in a single year of support. https://www.youtube.com/embed/
2019
COVID-19 Changes Life at Family House
During the COVID-19 shutdown, Family House pivoted when volunteers and visitors were suddenly restricted. The community stepped up with delivered meals, virtual activities like tutoring and music, and corporate support—such as DocuSign’s virtual trivia fundraiser raising over $8,000—to ensure families continued receiving care and connection.
2020
Family House presents its first ever virtual Gala, Rock The House
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Family House hosted its first virtual fundraiser, honoring Pat Monahan for his support. Guests worldwide enjoyed a live Train performance, auctions, and raised over $1.3 million to support families staying at Family House.
2020
25th Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs Breaks $2M Fundraising Record
After 18 months without in-person events, Family House hosted the 25th Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs at Silverado Resort & Spa. Honoring Dan & Kathleen Toney and featuring Ayesha and Steph Curry, the event raised a record-breaking $2.1 million for Family House.
2021
