2019 Child Care Champions Luncheon – A Smashing Success

On Friday, May 10, 2019 over 350 early education heroes gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel for our annual Child Care Champions Luncheon. 

We’re thrilled to report that we raised a record-breaking $200,000 to support our work to ensure that all children in San Francisco have access to quality child care and early education.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, live music and fun photo ops at a reception, hosted by the Children’s Council Associate Board, before moving into the ballroom for the main event. 

The program began with our new Champions video, then luncheon co-chairs Shara Chang and Elisabeth Diana welcomed guests and provided a broad overview of the work of Children’s Council. 

While attendees finished up a delicious lunch of salmon niçoise, Board Vice-Chair Anna Nordberg introduced our new Chief Executive Officer, Gina Fromer, who spoke about the future she envisions for Children’s Council. 

Board member Peter Rosberg then introduced 2019 Family Child Care Provider Champion Barbara Ng, founder and director of Brilliant Kids Child Care & Preschool. Barbara, who works nights at Walgreens in order to provide health benefits for her family, was chosen for her active participation in Children’s Council programs and her devotion to the children in her program. Learn about Barbara in this new video.

Following remarks from Barbara, Chief Program Officer Jennifer Brooks and Director of Parent Services Mohan Kanungo led attendees in a moment of mindful visualization before announcing the launch of our new Play Lab, which will be an adaptable, multi-purpose classroom and interactive space for families and caregivers. 

Auctioneer Michael Tate kept the enthusiasm going by facilitating an exciting “raise-your-paddle” fundraiser to support the Play Lab and a multitude of programs Children’s Council provides for families and early educators in our community. 

The program concluded with the presentation of the 2019 Patty Siegel Child Care Champion award to our recently-retired Executive Director Sandee Blechman. During her eight years at the helm of Children’s Council, Sandee strengthened our programs, diversified our funding, oversaw the creation of our mobile-friendly Child Care Finder and conceptualized the Play Lab. Meet Sandee’s colleagues and one very special family in this video.

Check out our Child Care Champions Luncheon photo gallery on Facebook. 

Thanks again to everyone who attended this year’s luncheon and contributed to its success!