In the time since we issued our heartfelt appeal in February, you - the George Mark Family - responded with lovely expressions of care, genuine concern, and contributions of a multitude of resources: time, talent, and gifts. Most of all, you and the greater Bay Area community took action in your belief that the work of George Mark is valuable, and is a much-needed resource to our special children and their families. THANK YOU. A quote by our late President, John F. Kennedy, invokes our sentiments aptly: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

That thought lends a strong introduction to my sharing the many significant changes recently made at George Mark. Both the upheaval in the global economy and our fifth anniversary gave us the opportunity (and mandate!) to reflect and respond; we had to insure that our unique model of care is sustainable over time. We have learned from mistakes and given thoughtful consideration on how best to be trustworthy stewards of the resources and faith that you place with us.

We addressed the need to reduce our annual budget by 35%. This essential step was achieved by making some very difficult decisions, including a reduction in the size of our staff and hours worked, along with a modest reduction in salaries. We closed our San Francisco office and moved the development team to the House. As a result, the front office is more crowded with people who share the passion, persistence, and patience that make our work environment energizing. All that being said, the non-negotiable constant in our planning remains the exceptional quality of care we provide. Our mission has not changed. Furnishing our services on a more limited budget demonstrates that we are able to be flexible during challenging times.

In keeping with positive changes, we restructured our staff and our Board of Directors. Adam Cohen, CEO, GoPlay Network, has been elected President of the Board, allowing former President Julie Brewer to move into the Executive Director position. These two bright, enthusiastic people bring a wealth of talent to our efforts. We also have two new Board members: Peter Hillan, Senior Vice President, Fleishman-Hillard International Communications and Peter Szekrenyi, President of Szekrenyi Consulting, Inc. I am now Vice-President of the Board, remaining busy as a George Mark ambassador in a multitude of venues. A harder change, albeit positive for her, is the soon-to-be-retired status of Judith Dunlop, our Program Director. To say that she will be missed is such an understatement.

The House remains the vital, lovely, innovative place that we all have worked so hard to create and sustain. For this, we thank you. Your support makes a significant difference to all who have been—and will be—served by George Mark. We look forward to seeing you on October 11 for our annual Autumn Celebration... a picnic here at George Mark.

All the best,

Kathy Hull