Congratulations to San Francisco 49er Vernon Davis and his brother, Miami Dolphin Vontae Davis, for the first successful Vernon and Vontae Family Foundation fundraiser, hosted by the Hamlin Mansion in San Francisco. The Foundation will support a number of arts education initiatives including the Accept, Respect, Treasure A.R.T. Ambassador Youth Program, the Children’s AIDS Art Project and the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship Fund.

Mayor Lee's office declares March 31 Vernon and Vontae Davis Foundation Day.

Mr. Davis began working with the San Francisco Arts Commission in 2009 as the inaugural speaker for the Art IMPACT speaker series, which provides a platform for high profile figures to discuss the impact exposure to the arts has had on their lives. During this program, Davis spoke about his love for painting and how it enabled self-discovery during some difficult transitions in his life. Vernon became so committed to arts education that the same year, he launched the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship Fund to support a San Francisco high school student pursuing fine arts at the university level.

“In my neighborhood you didn’t choose art. It was sports, basketball, football, or being out on the streets selling drugs,” Davis recalls. “So I had to wait until I got to college before I felt free enough to explore my interests in art. I don’t want kids to go through that if it’s their passion.”

The Vernon and Vontae Family Foundation fundraiser attracted a plethora of notables who mingled and enjoyed a number of artistic displays, including music played by classical pianist Michael Blankenship, a Pas de Trois performance featuring Caroline Rocher from LINES Ballet, as well as a display of student art. Davis also announced this year’s ten finalists for the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship.

Vernon Davis, we salute you and thank you for your support of arts education.

Tyra Fennell, SFAC Arts Education Program Manager commends Mr. Davis on his support.

Yours in Art
Tyra Fennell
Arts Education Program Manager