Two of Fountain House Gallery's dearest friends passed as 2025 drew to a close: Cal Donly left us in October at the age of 90, followed by Ellen Philip two months later at the age of 86. Partners in business and in life, Ellen and Cal were staunch boosters of the Gallery, and their loyal support has been a key element of our success. They are missed.

Ellen Philip and Cal Donly.
Photo: Leslie Barbaro Photography/Fountain House.

Ellen and Cal of Ellen Philip Associates, along with their great friend Carl Hagberg, Chairman of Carl T. Hagberg and Associates, member of the Fountain House Gallery Advisory Committee and longtime past member of the Fountain House Board of Directors, founded a yearly event that for more than a decade was a favorite on our calendar. Known as the "End of Annual of Annual Meeting Season Celebration," the evening brought together shareholder services industry colleagues of the three event founders to enjoy cocktails and fine food while viewing artworks for sale by Fountain House Gallery artists. After being introduced to Fountain House and the Gallery by Carl, art lovers Ellen and Cal decided to transform their annual industry party into a “party with a purpose”: They merged party, mental health organization, and art to create this unique celebration, which over the years raised approximately $1.3 million to benefit Fountain House Gallery. 

End of Annual Meeting Season Celebration co-founders Cal Donly, Ellen Philip, and Carl Hagberg. Photo: Courtesy Fountain House Gallery. 

The "Annual Meeting Season" referred to in the event's title is the period each year when shareholders cast proxy votes on corporate matters. Ellen and Cal, esteemed professionals in the shareholder services industry, as is Carl, were for many years intimately involved in facilitating this process. The End of Annual Meeting Season Celebration became a much-anticipated opportunity for these diligent professionals to relax with friends and colleagues after bringing this arduous annual endeavor to fruition, while supporting the gifted artists of Fountain House Gallery.

The 12th and final End of Annual Meeting Season Celebration was held at Fountain House in 2015. Photo:Leslie Barbaro Photography/Fountain House.     

Warm and down-to-earth, Ellen and Cal not only collected Fountain House Gallery art but also forged friendships with a number of Gallery artists. The couple graciously hosted Fountain House and Gallery friends for dinners at a downtown restaurant, with the experience heightened by the presence of an opera singer who serenaded the guests. 

Fountain House Gallery artists at the event honoring Ellen Philip and Cal Donly. Photo: Leslie Barbaro Photography/Fountain House.

A particularly charming feature of Ellen and Cal's home and workplace was the longtime presence of an adored furry companion, a bunny named Pepper. During working hours, Pepper spent her time in a designated area of the offices of Ellen Philip Associates. When not at the office, she resided in her own room in Ellen and Cal's home, with walls adorned with Fountain House Gallery art. Ellen and Cal later adopted a rescue lovebird, Sunny, and Cal composed a charming tribute book to this feathered friend, entitled A Lovebird Named Sunny. 

Gallery artist George Peñón Cassallo’s image of bunnies beckoned guests to join in the festivities at the 12th End of Annual Meeting Season Celebration. Photo: Leslie Barbaro Photography/Fountain House.

The End of Annual Meeting Season event was customarily held in late May or early June at the spacious, loftlike offices of Ellen Philip Associates in Manhattan, with one exception: The 12th and final iteration of the event, in 2015, took place at Fountain House's Horticulture Unit (now Home & Garden) and held particular significance as it honored Ellen and Cal for their extraordinary service to the Gallery. The Unit was transformed into an exhibition space offering more than 100 original works for sale by Gallery artists, and for this very special evening the invitation and signage featured adorable bunnies frolicking amid wildflowers (a tip of the hat to Ms. Pepper) in an image created by Gallery artist George Peñón Cassallo. The original work was presented to Ellen and Cal and was soon given pride of place in Pepper's room.

We hold so many fond memories of the kindness and generosity of this magnificent couple. The legacy of Ellen and Cal will live on in the many lives they touched, and in the ongoing growth of Fountain House Gallery. Hail and Farewell.