Judy george bretschneider legacy fund

Our beloved Founder & Executive Director, Judy George Bretschneider, died May 19, 2018, after a valiant battle against cancer.

Judy was born and raised in San Francisco, and maintained a lifelong passion for the arts, celebrating diversity, and bringing cultural education to young people. She was the first student to receive the City of San Francisco’s Human Relations Award, awarded in 1969 by Mayor Alioto, for outstanding achievement in the field of human relations, as the creator of International Nations Day — a celebration of the rich diverse cultures of San Francisco, through dance, music, and exhibits. 

She held Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees in Developmental Psychology from San Francisco State University, with a Minor Degree in Music. As a doctoral candidate at Stanford University, her groundbreaking work in the field of seniors’ sexuality and behavior earned her numerous national and international speaking engagements. Her work was featured in numerous publications, including Psychology Today.

Judy sat on the Board of Governors for the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives (NANOE). She was a member of the California Heritage Council, held board and committee positions with the Peninsula French-American School, Castilleja School, Town School, San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary, Children As Peacemakers, and the Bay Area Parents Coalition.

After extensive travel in Russia, Germany, France, and the United States, studying highly regarded performing arts programs, Judy co-founded Presidio Performing Arts Foundation (PPAF) in 1998. What started as a family project grew into an exemplary and premiere organization, originally based in America’s only urban National Park, the Presidio of San Francisco. Judy garnered support for PPAF’s programs from the community, foundations, the California Arts Council/National Endowment of the Arts, and passionate culture lovers who shared her vision.

In recognition of her work with PPAF, Judy received the 2006 Jefferson Award from the American Institute for Public Service, a highly regarded public service award, initiated by Jacqueline Onassis. Judy served on the Board of Directors of the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation since its inception as a volunteer, and was the Executive Director of Presidio Dance Theatre until her passing, in 2018.

The Presidio Performing Arts Foundation established the Judy Bretschneider Legacy Fund to ensure that her vision of arts and cultural education lives on. If you would like to contribute to PPAF, please click below. Thank you in advance for your support!