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The Iris Alliance Fund would like to thank its supporters and colleagues for making its Second Annual Gala a great success. The event was held on October 15, 2003 at the Fairmont Hotel and Towers in San Francisco.

Featuring California’s First Lady Sharon Davis, mental health advocate Tipper Gore, and Mistress of Ceremonies Wendy Tokuda of KRON 4 News, the gala brought together leaders and supporters from across the country to raise awareness about youth suicide and the serious disparities that exist in America’s mental health.

This year, the Iris Alliance Fund was pleased to have the opportunity to feature the Sharon Davis Award for Excellence in Leadership. Presented by California's First Lady Sharon Davis, this award was given to Tipper Gore in recognition of an individual who has made a difference in the mental health of children and their families. Honorary event co-chairs included Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Congressman George Miller, Congressman Henry Waxman, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Susan Davis.

The gala was preceded by the Alliance Fund's National Leadership Board Meeting. This meeting brought together members of the Alliance Fund's National Board of Advisors, including elected officials, health advocacy presidents, business executives, private foundation directors, and other opinion leaders to develop new strategies in reducing mental health disparities and preventing suicide. The meeting featured keynote presentations by Dr. Michael Hogan, Chair of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, and Dr. Robert Ross, President of The California Endowment.