On the Town: Las Candelas shines its light on mental-health services
Las Candelas, a women’s philanthropic organization, honored retiring President Ellyn Semler and celebrated incoming President Nancy Stone during a dinner at the Oakmont Country Club.
Semler thanked the members for their support of the group’s projects throughout her two-year tenure. She is taking on the parliamentarian office.
Stone said she looks forward to working with the members and plans to create a new website.
A highlight of the evening was introducing new provisional member Suzonne Slaughter of Glendale.
Las Candelas is made up of about 40 women. They give volunteer service and financial assistance to help improve the lives of children and youth in vulnerable situations and support their mental-health needs.
Members volunteer at Hillsides Education Center in Pasadena, Hathaway-Sycamores Family Service in Altadena and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Glendale.
Las Candelas also gives financial support to Didi Hirsch, Ascencia, Glendale YWCA’s domestic violence shelter and Hillside’s Youth Moving On program.
The group has raised funds with a biennial luncheon/fashion show since 1957. The event typically draws more than 600 guests.
The next benefit will be March 4 at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel and will include a fashion show, a luncheon, a boutique featuring several vendors and a drawing for prizes all valued over $800.
For more information, contact Cathy Keen at (818) 240-2442.
Restaurant raises $14,000 for fire foundation
Fire Station No. 21 of the Glendale Fire Department was recently the recipient of a $14,000 check on behalf of the California Fire Foundation from its neighbor Panini Kabob Grill in Glendale.
The local restaurant was among many businesses across the state that participated in a recent fundraising campaign.
Chief Executive Mike Rafipoor said the restaurant was pleased to make the donation to its neighborhood heroes.
“We love seeing our local firefighters and police officers in the restaurant, and we couldn’t be happier to be helping out such an amazing organization,” Rafipoor said.
Panini Kabob Grill also offers a 30% discount to all firefighters and police officers.
“The support Panini Kabob Grill has shown for our firefighters is extremely generous and gratefully appreciated,“ said Lou Paulson, chair of the California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.
Glendale Kiwanis Club earns top bowling team
The Glendale Kiwanis Club received the first-place team trophy after participating in the Campbell Center’s 26th annual Bowl-A-Thon at Pickwick Bowl in Burbank.
Clients Gregory Just and Linda Roatch earned medals for first-place male and first-place female, respectively, in the client category.
Bowlers were matched with Campbell Center clients on their teams.
The Campbell Center partners with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to successfully gain independence.
Soroptimist donates funds for mammograms
Soroptimist International of Glendale recently presented proceeds from Fund the Need for Mammograms to three local hospitals.
Martha Wilson, vice president of service, presented the awards and certificates to hospital representatives Gayle Craig, Adventist Health Glendale’s Foundation; Erin Wolfson, philanthropy officer for Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center; and Kerri Yoder Hubbard, executive director/president USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.
The guest speaker was Dr. Dortha Chu, assistant clinical professor in the surgery department, division of surgical oncology, at City of Hope.
Her presentation, titled “Breast Cancer: Myths and Reality,” was an in-depth look at the diagnosis and treatment of a disease that is still one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.