This past Saturday Hillsides hosted its annual
benefit, “Road to Emerald City,” where guests followed the yellow brick road to
raise $380,000 for programs and services serving vulnerable children and
families living in Los Angeles County. As I looked around The California Club
in downtown Los Angeles, I saw how the Benefit Committee had transformed it
into the Land of Oz where Dorothy and the Wicked Witch also made a special
appearance. With generous donors like Jacob Maarse Florists who donated the floral designs for the
evening’s theme, I was amazed at just how much time, talent and energy is put
forth to make such a spectacular event.
Kudos goes to Benefit chair Cathy
Brennan, who set the stage for an unforgettable evening. We are also fortunate
that Hillsides has many board members, supporters and volunteers that work with
us behind the scenes to acquire amazing displays and items like the replica
Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the “Wizard of Oz” previously on loan to
The Smithsonian Museum from the Collection of David A. Pacheco that were
displayed at the event. Other items were the candy bar that was a hit with the
guests as were the hundred auction packages available for bid, and 1.5 carat
natural Colombian Emerald opportunity drawing, donated by SN Queens. The Riboli
Family of San Antonio Winery and Roger and Michele Engemann generously donated
the wine for the evening.
Our emcee and
celebrity auctioneer Fritz Coleman of KNBC reminded us that he has been
supporting Hillsides a quarter of a century as he mentioned the centennial that
we will be celebrating next year. Dr. Drew Pinsky, time and time again,
continues to speak about the important work we do and emphasizes the value we
give individuals to help them through troubling times. Hillsides is lucky to
have such a committed emcee and celebrity auctioneer along with Cathy Brennan,
who with her committee, worked tirelessly to present this evening. Most of all,
without the sponsorships, we could not host such an elaborate evening. I want
to thank our major sponsors who demonstrate a significant commitment through
their generous contribution. Publicly, I would like to say, again, we could not
do all we do for the children and families in our care, without your dedication
to our mission.
Thank you to
Susan and Bill Noce, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, Marge and Sherm
Telleen, Don and Sally Clark, Linda and Stephen Gill, Clara Maarse and Hank
Maarse-Jacob Maarse Florists, Ben and Judy Reiling, Paul Rusnak-Rusnak Auto
Group, Swanton Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Western Asset
Management and many more who shared in our vision of the “Road to Emerald City.”
The weekend was filled with momentous occasions, not
just for Hillsides guests as they reached the Emerald City, but for others who
also partook in the viewing of the Oscar Academy Awards. And as I sat there
also participating, I couldn’t help but think how grateful I was for the
extraordinary performance by so many at Hillsides that we had our own awards to
give.
Best Picture: Road to Emerald City
Producer: Susan and Bill Noce
Actor in Leading Role: Fritz Coleman
Actress in Leading Role: Cathy Brennan
Best Director: Development Department
Costume Design: Goldsmith & Klein
Art Direction: Jacob Maarse Florists
Music: Mark Levang & Band with special appearance
by John Mahon
A special thanks goes to or guests for attending,
viewing, and bidding. I wonder ... who will get next year’s awards?
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