ABOUT FOOF

Friends of the Oakland Fox began in 1998 as a subcommittee of the Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA). formed their own non-profit 501(c)3 Corporation and began working with the City of Oakland and other concerned citizens and stakeholders to help save the Fox Oakland Theater. FOOF participated in the development of an official Master Plan for the Fox Theater complex, helped the City of Oakland Redevelopment Agency obtain funds for restoring the marquee and sign blade, securing grant money for repair of the facade, and helping generate both approval and funding for the restoration project. The fundraising efforts of FOOF over a period of 10 years were successful when the Fox Theater reopened its doors in February 2009.

To learn more about the Fox Restoration Project please visit (www.oaklandfox.com)

FOOF Mission Statement

The Mission of FOOF is to preserve and sustain the historic Fox Oakland Theater as a cultural resource, arts and education facility. Working in concert with similar cultural and economic organizations locally and regionally, FOOF will help to ensure that this key asset attracts visitors, good marketing for the City of Oakland and continues to contribute to the sustainability of the Uptown.

FOOF Supporting Goals

  1. Preservation: FOOF will continue to identify preservation needs at the Fox, and then in partnership with the City of Oakland and the tenants, help to raise funds to insure the facility fulfills its promise. FOOF will also continue to be the curator of the history, telling the story and being a good steward of this living legacy.
  2. Collaboration: FOOF will form relationships that help to achieve the mission and vision for the venue, including partnerships with all the building tenants, downtown neighbors, cultural organizations, supporters, major donors, other historic sites, visitor and tourism agencies, and economic development groups.
  3. Advocacy: FOOF will develop media and advocacy campaigns on behalf of the Fox and link to other historic sites, tourist attractions, arts and educational venues, and economic drivers to help secure the resources needed to sustain the venue as an integral part of the renaissance of Oakland's Uptown.

Contact

Friends of the Oakland Fox, INC
300 Frank Ogawa Plaza Suite 222
Oakland, CA 94612
Office: 510.893.FOOF(3663)

General Mailbox:
info@foxoakland.org

Helen Wyman, Executive Director
Helen@foxoakland.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phil Tagami, President
Helen Wyman, Executive Director
Salwa Ibrahim, Secretary
Laurie Cooperman Rosen, Treasurer
Steve Welkom, Officer
Donn Harris, Officer

AWARDS

February 2009 Resolution California State Legislature, recognizing the "Grand Opening of the Fox Oakland Theater...it's unique status as one of the oldest and most important historic buildings in California...helping generate both approval and funding for the current restoration project."

May 2009 Partners in Preservation Award Oakland Heritage Alliance, For "Enhancing Oakland for all it's citizen's"

October 2009 National Preservation Award National Trust For Historic Preservation, For the renovation of the Fox Theater into a performing arts venue and home of the Oakland School for the Arts." Executive Director attended and accepted Award in Nashville, on behalf of City of Oakland, California Capital Group, Architectural Dimensions, Friends of the Oakland Fox and ELS Architecture. View the video below.


November 2009 Certificate of Recognition California State Legislature, In Honor of Dedication to the Sustainable Future of Your Community"

November 2009 Certificate of Recognition California State Legislature, "2009 Green Heroes, In Honor of Collaboration on Green Jobs and a Green Economy for Oakland"

November 2009 Certificate of Recognition City of Oakland, "2009 Green Heroes Award Winner, for dedication and commitment to making Oakland a model city"

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EVENTS

June 2009 Uptown Unveiled! City of Oakland Cultural Arts & Marketing (over 9,000 people went through the theater that evening!)Volunteer support, event coordination, tour guide.

October 2009 National Trust for Historic Preservation The Old U.S. Mint San Francisco, Participating Presenter with Architectural Dimensions

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TOURS and FOX TALKS

Tours and Talks for over 125 groups including local non-profit groups, Docents from the Pardee Home, Seniors,City Planners, and community.

April 2009 City of Oakland Rotary Brown Bag Lunch Presentation

July 2009 Walking Tours Oakland Heritage Alliance

November 2009 Presentation, San Francisco City Hall Fellows Program

November 2009 Young Preservationists, Tour and Talk

February 2010 American Planning Association of Northern California ( Fox Talks with Architect Jim H. )

Oakland Tours Program with Annalee Allen (link article)

April 2010 History Channel Segment

May 2010 Tours for Oakland Unified School District Children learning about Oakland Historic Places.

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October 2009 Uptown Masquerade Bash Benefit

December 2009 Volunteer support Oakland School for The Arts, 3 day Visual Arts Show

January 2010 Norton Buffalo Benefit Concert Sponsor

February 2010 Open House Tours for 1 Year re-opening Anniversary ( lInk article)

April 2010 Attended and spoke with City Redevelopment Agency at California Cultural & Historical Endowment Hearing, in support of Round Four Grant Funding Application.