SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Safe & Sound brought together nearly 400 of San Francisco’s civic leaders, philanthropists, and advocates at the Fairmont Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on Friday, October 16, for its annual Blue Ribbon Celebration, raising more than $1.25 million to strengthen families and help children grow up safe, supported, and loved.
Hosted by Safe & Sound’s Board of Directors and Blue Ribbon Host Committee, the evening was co-chaired by Hilary Mendola and P. Wayne Osborne & Gregory R. Price. This year’s theme, Building Brighter Futures, captured the spirit of the celebration: optimism, compassion, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
For 52 years, Safe & Sound has worked to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma by strengthening families and building supportive communities. Last year alone, the organization supported nearly 12,000 children and caregivers.
Safe & Sound CEO Dr. Pegah Faed delivered an inspiring address underscoring both the urgency of prevention and its lasting impact.
“Child abuse is not inevitable. It is preventable, and Safe & Sound has 52 years of proof. When we reach a family early, we do not solve one problem—we prevent many.”
Through its leadership of an alliance of 45 family-serving organizations, Safe & Sound is helping build a stronger, more connected network of support so families can access the resources they need before challenges become crises.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when Tiara McGraw, a Safe & Sound parent, courageously shared her family’s story in honor of her late mother, Deborah Jones. As a young child, Deborah found support, hope, and a sense of belonging through Safe & Sound. Tiara’s reflections brought the organization’s mission to life, illustrating how support for one family can create a ripple effect that strengthens generations and entire communities.
The evening’s inspiring program and the generosity of attendees and sponsors reflected a shared belief in the power of prevention and collective action. Together, supporters raised more than $1.25 million, helping Safe & Sound expand its reach and connect more families across San Francisco and the Bay Area with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Safe & Sound extends its heartfelt gratitude to the event’s sponsors, Host Committee, co-chairs, attendees, and the many supporters whose ongoing generosity makes this work possible. The 2026 Blue Ribbon Celebration was more than an evening of philanthropy; it was a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for children and families.
Community members can continue making a difference by participating in Safe & Sound’s Holiday Gift Program. Through its annual Holiday Toy Store, Safe & Sound helps hundreds of Bay Area children experience the joy of the season by creating a welcoming space where caregivers can select toys, clothing, and books for their children. Every contribution helps families create meaningful holiday memories and ensures more children feel celebrated and cared for.
About Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound knows that families thrive in supportive communities. The organization combines direct services, research, and advocacy to strengthen families, address childhood trauma, and prevent abuse.
Its direct services reach thousands of individuals each year, helping children and caregivers build on their strengths and access the support they need. In San Francisco, Safe & Sound serves as a central partner in a network of dozens of family-serving organizations working together to support local families. Through research and advocacy, the organization also advances solutions to systemic challenges facing families across California and beyond.
Safe & Sound believes every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and loved—and every family deserves a community that helps them thrive.