For over 75 years, the Edgewood Auxiliary has played a vital role in advancing the mission of Edgewood, one of California’s oldest and most respected organizations serving children. Established in 1948, when Edgewood was an orphanage for the Bay Area’s most vulnerable youth, the Auxiliary has been a steadfast partner in supporting children and families.
Just as Edgewood has evolved over the decades to provide a wide continuum of behavioral and mental health services for youth and families, the Auxiliary’s role has expanded as well. Today, members host fundraising events, educational programs on mental health, and enriching activities for children and families. A recent initiative, Conversations on Youth Mental Health, brings parents together with mental health experts in community-based forums to better understand the challenges facing young people and to connect families with resources.
One of the Auxiliary’s flagship events, the Edgewood Fair, began in 1967 as a modest garden-themed fundraiser in Golden Gate Park’s Hall of Flowers, featuring home-grown plants and handmade preserves. Over the decades, it has blossomed into a high-profile, two-day shopping extravaganza where artisans showcase curated home goods, fashion, jewelry, and designer items with 25% of sales donated directly to Edgewood’s mental health programs.
The Edgewood Auxiliary stands as a vibrant, essential part of Edgewood’s mission. What began as a post-war volunteer group has grown into a dynamic and influential force, raising critical support through the Edgewood Fair, engaging the community, and serving as passionate ambassadors dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health.
