Our friend, Jim Greenbaum has been involved with the Betty Ford Center since 1990, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors under Susan Ford Bales. Mr. Greenbaum serves on numerous board committees and is often the local presence of the board when Susan Bales is unavailable.
Jim is also well known to the Betty Ford Center community for his activities with the Betty Ford Center Foundation. He was the Chairman of the 10th Anniversary Gala which featured Liza Minelli and Whoopi Goldberg. For the Center’s 20th Anniversary Gala, Mr. Greenbaum once again chaired the event featuring Larry King as emcee and Josh Groban as the entertainer. This event honoring Mrs. Ford drew together an historic five First Ladies joined by former President George H. W. Bush and our beloved President Ford. Grossing nearly $1.8 million, the gala was the Center’s most successful fundraising event.
Subsequently, Jim and his wife, Peggy, hosted a Georgio Armani Charity Fashion Show at their home to benefit the Betty Ford Center Children’s Program. For two years, they also hosted the Betty Ford Invitational Golf Tournament Sponsor Dinner.
Mr. Greenbaum is a paragon of public service. For his tireless efforts on behalf of the Board of Directors, his leadership in a successful series of fund-raising events, and his own personal generosity to every funding effort undertaken by the Foundation, Jim Greenbaum warrants our most heartfelt gratitude.
Consider a gift to the Financial Assistance Fund
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Harry T. of Visalia, CA died in 2007 at the age of 64. Throughout his life, Harry strived to be the best at whatever he did. Whether it was working at the family citrus ranch, or as a managerial accountant in southern California, Harry worked hard to build a successful life. A former Marine, Harry found his niche and financial success in commercial real estate in Orange County and then in Palm Desert. Later in his life, he again joined his family’s ranching operations, always remaining focused on excellence and hard work. Harry came to the Betty Ford Center in 1991.
Under his Will, Harry directed that one-half of his estate be used to establish an endowment fund at the Betty Ford Center to support the Betty Ford Institute. This endowment fund will receive $1.2 million to support the Betty Ford Institute. His wishes and legacy will continue with this bequest.
Peter H. Babagian, Harry’s close personal friend and financial advisor, said, “Harry wished to give back to those who had helped him during his lifetime. The Betty Ford Center provided Harry with support and guidance at a time of need.”
The Betty Ford Center is grateful to have alums such as Harry T. who choose to leave a legacy in support of hope and healing for others in the future.
Learn more about the Planned Giving Program
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The Betty Ford Center saved my life. Depressed, filled with dread, hopelessness, and feeling completely alone in a secret world I was sure no one else shared. The world of isolation and despair, fueled by years of daily and solitary drinking---this is how I entered the Center on June 13, 1985.
The world I perceive today is much different. It is gentler. Fellow alums, new friends, and other loved ones are sharing this extraordinary journey in recovery with me. New insight and continuing spiritual growth are adding to the experience; and, with each passing year, the gift of sobriety becomes more precious.
Betty Ford is my greatest inspiration. Her personal courage and the legacy of hope and healing that she created at the Center have provided a foundation for living for so many. I am one of thousands of women who has been given a gift. I am thankful for this every day.
I am honored and privileged to be a donor to the Betty Ford Legacy Fund to give back and help other women like me. It is important to me to write a check each month, knowing that the money I send will benefit another woman, so that she may know what sobriety is all about, changing her life for the better.
My gratitude is immeasurable. Life is good!
-Darla
Consider a gift to the Betty Ford Legacy Fund
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Bill Daniels was a man who cared greatly for his country, his community and the direction of society. His commitment to people, especially young people, is reflected in the foundation that bears his name, the Daniels Fund.
As a member of the Betty Ford Center Board of Directors, Bill Daniels contributed his time and expertise to nurture the Center during its formative years. Bill’s strong belief in the value of education, especially for children and young adults, made him an early champion of the Betty Ford Center’s Children Program. He supported the expansion of the program into Texas, and later into Colorado.
Because of his deep admiration of Mrs. Ford and his belief in the Center, Bill provided the initial funding for the Children’s Program building, now known as the Daniels Children’s Pavilion. His legacy continues through funding from the Daniels Fund to support the expanding Children’s Program activities in California, Texas and Colorado.
Consider a gift to the Children's Program