Safe & Sound’s Board of Directors, the Blue Ribbon Host Committee and event co-chairs Farah Makras and P. Wayne Osborne & Gregory R. Price brought together more than 400 of San Francisco’s most dedicated civic leaders, philanthropists, and advocates including California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and former San Francisco Mayors Art Agnos and Willie L. Brown, Jr. to the Palace Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on Friday, October 17th for their annual Blue Ribbon Celebration event. This year’s theme, “Blue Skies of Hope”, perfectly captured the spirit of the evening — one of optimism, compassion, and collective action to ensure every child grows up safe, supported, and loved.
For the last half-century, Safe & Sound has supported children and families in San Francisco, committed to their mission to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Last year alone, they supported nearly 14,000 children and caregivers.
Dr. Pegah Faed, Safe & Sound CEO, made an inspiring address underscoring both the urgency and the impact of this work. Each day, 127 children in California are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect — yet through early intervention, education, and support, Safe & Sound has helped reduce child abuse in San Francisco by 64% over the past two decades. “Hope isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we create” she said, making the case for investing early in a family’s wellbeing before crisis hits, to give children the chance to grow up Safe & Sound.
One of the most emotional highlights of the event came when Alexis Alexander, a Safe & Sound parent and member of the organization’s Parent Advisory Council, courageously shared her family’s story of struggle and resilience over the last 30 years. Her words brought the mission to life, reminding everyone that by supporting one person, they can go on to create a ripple effect that lifts up a whole community.
The event’s inspiring program, highlighting the importance of prevention and the transformative power of community, and the palpable energy in the room led to supporters raising over $1.1 million through the event, enabling Safe & Sound to expand its reach and ensure that more families across San Francisco and the Bay Area can access the vital resources they need to thrive.
Safe & Sound is deeply grateful for the support from the generous community that attended and sponsored this event and those that provide ongoing donations. This was an evening that celebrated not only philanthropy, but the enduring power of community. With record-breaking support and hearts full of purpose, the 2025 Blue Ribbon Celebration reaffirmed that when San Francisco comes together, every child can dream under clear, blue skies.
One way people can engage with Safe & Sound this holiday season is by participating in the Holiday Gift Program, which will make a meaningful impact on families with children in need. Safe & Sound’s annual Holiday Toy Store brings hundreds of Bay Area children joy, turning holiday wishes into reality. Each contribution helps to create an inspiring space for caregivers to collect toys, clothes and books to gift their children this holiday season.
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About Safe & Sound:
Safe & Sound knows families thrive in supportive communities. We combine services, research, and advocacy to strengthen families in their communities, address childhood trauma, and prevent abuse.
Our direct services reach thousands of individuals each year, helping families build their own unique strengths. In San Francisco, we sit at the center of a network of dozens of organizations that comprise a web of support for local families. And through our research and advocacy, we understand and develop solutions to systemic problems faced by families across California and beyond. We do this because every child has the potential to grow into a happy and healthy member of their community.