Feel Good Friday - Hearts in San Francisco

Sunday is Valentine's Day, which makes this a perfect Feel Good Friday to talk about Hearts in San Francisco.

If you live in, or have ever visited San Francisco, you've likely seen the heart shaped sculptures painted by local artists and displayed throughout the city. Did you know that they are part of a program to raise money for the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation?

As explained on the website, "In 2004, 131 spectacular giant hearts were created by local Bay Area artists and placed around the city to let everyone enjoy them. Then they were auctioned off, raising $3 million to support ZSFG. Every year since, we’ve commissioned and auctioned heart sculptures to raise funds for the hospital."

The mission of Zuckerberg SF General Hospital is "is to promote excellence in research, education and care for all." The Foundation, established in 1991, supports this mission by using the funds they raise for patient services, facilities, equipment purchases and research efforts. Examples include support for the Orthopedic Trauma Institute, the Acute Care for the Elderly Program, fellowships for physicians and continuing education for nurses.

Of the $220 million the Foundation has raised since its establishment, $11 million has come from 350 Hearts of San Francisco being auctioned. If you want to see the 2021 hearts but are not in San Francisco, watch this video or view all 18 years of hearts in this gallery. You can also show your support of frontline healthcare workers by downloading and displaying the It Takes Heart icon.

If you'd like to support the work of Zuckerberg SF General Hospital via the Foundation you can bid on a heart sculpture, make a more traditional donation and follow news of the Foundation by liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter @SFGHFoundation. Happy Valentine's Day!