In 1982, Mrs. Donna Rice, National chairperson of the Arts Committee of the Auxiliary of the National Medical Association, and Mrs. Marcheta Q. McManus-Eneas, co-chairpson of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the National Medical Association, while working on the National Medical Association Convention to be held in San Francisco, discussed Mrs. Rice's concept of developing a Beautillion Ball in Washington, D.C.

In 1983, Dr. & Mrs. William Rice held the first Beautillion Ball in Washington, D.C. Nineteen (19) boys were presented to society after months of workshops, seminars, cultural events, and fellowship. Approximately $10,000.00 of scholarships were presented to these boys for their further education. Since then the Beautillion Ball in Washington, D.C. has been adopted as a project of the Jack and Jill organization.

In 1986, Mrs. Eneas and others presented this idea to the Jack and Jill organization in San Francisco, California, and moved to Nassau, Bahamas shortly thereafter. The first San Francisco Bay Area Beautillion was held in 1988.

In 1951, Dr. Ruth Howard (1907- 2003) invited a small group of mothers to meet and share their ideas on cultural and community activities they might organize for their children. As a result of this informal gathering, Jack & Jill of America, San Francisco Chapter, was established, receiving its charter in July of 1952. The charter members were Nellie Bonner, Marion Francois, Hazel Fuller, Theresa Griffin, Vivian Hambrick, Dr. Ruth Howard, Charlotte Poole and Ethel Ross.

Dr. Ruth Howard served as the Chapter’s first President and went on to serve as National Treasurer and 6th National President of Jack & Jill of America. As well we are honored to have had two members elected to the regional leadership.

In December of 2001, San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown issued a proclamation congratulating the Chapter on its 50th anniversary. Our members reflect on Jack & Jill’s strong presence in the African-American community. With a fruitful past and a vibrant vision for the future, the San Francisco Chapter will continue to celebrate the African American community for the next fifty years, one family at a time.

Please visit our Founders Section.