Arroyo Enchantment

Pasadena is an extraordinary community in many ways. Nestled in the foothills, Pasadena has provided a refuge from the hassle of Los Angeles from its very beginning. You get a sense of its allure from the top of the arroyo looking down to the city in the distance. Lining the arroyo canyon are wonderful wooded hills dotted with beautiful estates. It was at such an estate that the annual H100 Farm to Table event celebrated its third anniversary.

From the citrus and Zen gardens to the infinity pool overlooking the arroyo, two long family-style tables were adorned with simple, lemon bouquets waiting to welcome guests. Set at the home of Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter, the grounds of this magnificent estate illustrated the volunteer group’s philosophy of providing the dinner guests with an evening that supported a food culture made up of fresh, locally grown, seasonal items. 

Alexandra Poer Sheridan of Alexandra's Table created a feast incorporating many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs available to her from the estate’s garden, as well as sourcing local ranches for fresh, grass fed meats.  During the cocktail hour, hands passed hors d’oeuvres were paired with refreshing libations.

Aside from being an extraordinary event in a magnificent setting, it was an opportunity for us to, once again, share with our supporters Hillsides’ compelling mission. Jay Bechtol, director of Hillsides Education Center, addressed the challenges of providing much needed, but woefully funded, individualized educational services to children and youth who have been significantly traumatized. In spite of the challenges, our successful interventions have made such a difference in the lives of the students served at the education center, allowing them to achieve academically, improve their behaviors and return confidently to their local schools. These interventions have allowed these students to, once again, take their place within their homes after years of feeling alienated and marginalized.

Phaedra Ledbetter summed it up best when she encouraged those in attendance to share from their bounty to support Hillsides’ efforts to provide a bountiful future for all we serve.

We thank the Ledbetters for their great hospitality and we are grateful indeed for all those who joined us for this enchanted event and made it possible. This is yet another example of many who join with us as we walk along with those we serve on a path to a fuller life. Get more information about our service initiatives and how you can help us together on the path.

Photo credit: Dana Pepper Bouton