LOS ANGELES – February 27, 2023 – Hillsides, a nonprofit focused on children and youth behavioral health services and foster care and adoption, raised nearly $500,000 Saturday night at its annual fundraising gala at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles. This year’s event, An Evening at Monarch Grove, was attended by hundreds of guests that donated both in-person and online to support Hillsides’ mission to help children, youth, and families heal.
Upon arriving, guests were whisked away to an enchanted forest where human “living vines” roamed and a 10-foot butterfly took “flight” symbolizing the transformation that happens at Hillsides. The program kicked off with a warm welcome from gala chair, Sara Jennings, and Hillsides board chair, John Gong.
The evening featured a special guest speaker, Myles Williams, who once received services from Hillsides and is now employed as a Youth Advocate at Youth Moving On. The program is focused on helping young adults transition out of foster care with behavioral health support, transitional housing, and workforce training.
Fritz Coleman, a longtime friend and supporter of the organization and retired NBC4 weathercaster, once again led the live auction and paddle auction. Entertainment was provided by Mark LeVang Music and John Mahon of the Elton John band.
“I am amazed at the generosity of our donors and friends. They showed up again this year with their hearts full for the work we do, and it showed. Their financial contributions allow us to provide more children, youth, and families with high-quality care. It also allows us to attract and retain top talent to drive our mission forward. We couldn’t do it without our donors, and we are incredibly grateful,” remarked Stacey Roth, President and CEO of Hillsides.
The gala was made possible by many generous sponsors, including the presenting sponsor, The Donald Zonshine Family Foundation and title sponsors USI Insurance Services and RUSNAK Auto Group. The other major sponsors included two anonymous friends, Ayrshire Foundation, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Don and Sally Clark, C.W. Driver Companies, Mario and Shelly Fiumani – Pin USA, Jacob Maarse Florists, Sherm and Marge Telleen, and Whittier Trust Company.
The gala committee consisted of Sara Jennings, Chair, Edison Barbosa, Armida Baylon-Stelzer, Donna De Mond, Bill Eichler, Mario Fiumani, Shelly Fiumani, John Gong, Bernie Gore, Katie Hamrick, Ava Herrera, Stacey Hoppe, Pam Mahon, Susan Noce, Susan Pinsky, Sara Jane Guzman, Lyn Spector, Maureen Staley, Chelisa Vagim, Uyen-Uyen Vo, and Kim Weleba.
About Hillsides
Hillsides is dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality comprehensive services and advocacy. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the agency serves more than 10,000 children and families in Southern California throughout more than 40 sites, including school-based behavioral health offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. Foster care and adoptions services are offered in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Hillsides has been a designated Trauma Informed Care Agency by the National Council for Behavioral Health. To learn more about Hillsides, please visit www.Hillsides.org. Visit Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or on Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.
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