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March 11, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Marisol Barrios-Jordan, Hillsides
Wk: (323) 254-2274 ext. 274
Cell: (310) 713-8567
Pasadena Charity Gala Raises $380,000 for Foster Care Children
(PASADENA, CA)-- Raising $380,000 to support programs for foster care children and families in crisis, Hillsides celebrated its annual gala dinner and auction, "Tangerine Dreams: A Jazzy Affair," on Saturday, February 28 at a private club in downtown Los Angeles.
For the 17th consecutive year, the Pasadena foster care charity gala was emceed by Fritz Coleman, weather forecaster for KNBC-4 and honorary chairman of the benefit.
“We are so honored you have gone against what we expected: a softening of attendance because what is happening in the world today,” Coleman told the guests. “You are our economic stimulus package. I am your friend and I want you to spend the remaining pittance that you have in your bank account.” Laughter ensued.
Pasadena resident and Hillsides Benefit Chair Ellen Hatch gave “a nod to Dave Brubeck for his iconic piece – “Tangerine”, my first introduction to jazz music, a perennial favorite and the inspiration for this year’s jazzy affair.”
“Jazz musicians know a bit about turning the blues into triumph! Unloving homes, unspeakable abuse, inability to concentrate let alone go to school – these are the norm of kids first encountering Hillsides. But Hillsides has been creating safe places for children for nearly a hundred years – a safe home, a school, transition to independent living, and family and community outreach. No matter how hard the economy has hit your portfolio, I guarantee these kids have been hit harder,” said Hatch.
The Jacob Maarse Florists designed floral arrangements made of tangerine and orange roses set in a silver bowl. Kumquat trees with twinkle lights and draped in silver fabric were displayed throughout the various entrances of the check in, the great hall, and dining room. The auction displays were adorned with tangerine, lime and silver fabric that set the mood for a vibrant and festive evening.
The foster care children’s charity’s gala lifted spirits, knowing guests' contributions will help children who have experienced traumatic childhoods and strengthen families in crisis. The live auction winners included Jacob Maarse who left home with a Holland America Cruise and a very rare necklace by Barbara Poer Designs; Stephen Hatch will explore Napa Valley while Paul Rusnak will dine with Dr. Drew Pinksy and friends; and David Sniezko will tour London, England.
Thereafter, a paddle auction raised $44,000 for the foster care children’s residential program.
Guests savored sliced fanned avocado with fresh mandarin oranges on a bed of baby lettuce with vinaigrette dressing and broiled herb crusted filet mignon with forest mushroom ragout with red wine sauce and a medley of potato dauphine, asparagus, bundles, and acorn squash timbale. Dessert was a trio of tangerine and lemon sorbet, pistachio ice cream in a tulipe cookie shell lined with dark chocolate.
Other highlights included children's wishing well, silent auction and opportunity drawings, all of which were complemented by Mark LeVang and his band, entertainment throughout the evening.
Some sponsors recognized were Bill and Susan Noce, Marge and Sherm Telleen, Eva M. Casner, Linda and Stephen Gill, Jacob and Clara Maarse of Jacob Maarse Floral Design, O’Malley and Ann Miller, Ben and Judy Reiling, Rusnak Auto Group and The Walt Disney Company.
To learn more about the foster care charity or the gala, visit www.Hillsides.org.
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