The Valley Line: Scholarship event draws more than 100

By Jane Napier Neely

Aug. 31, 2016 3:06 PM PT

Last Saturday evening Sandy and Mike Kobeissi once again hosted the Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge gala at their lovely Greenridge Estates home.

From their hilltop perch the patio overlooks the lights of downtown Los Angeles, giving a glittery background to this special event.

Well over 160 people turned out to raise funds in support of local students in need of funds for post high-school age education. The attendees enjoyed an evening of gaming, dining and socializing.

Sandy Kobeissi co-chaired the event with Analily Park. They were assisted by a dedicated committee that included Rita Gooch, Martha Burns, Phil Wyatt, Michelle Strassburg, Maria Drummond, Dannie Raines, Liz Ronnie, Mary Emily Myers and Karen Mathison, president of the organization, which was founded in 1964.

Many of the female guests were dressed in formal gowns and sparkling accessories. Some of the men felt like dressing up too and wore white dinner jackets.

Dallas Raines, Channel 7 weatherman, shared emcee duties with his wife Dannie. Dallas quipped that he ordered up the lovely weather especially for this one spectacular event.

A highlight of the evening came when Wes Seastrom was presented with the Distinguished Person Award. He spoke of the dedication his late parents, Don and Jo Seastrom, had always shared for the scholarship foundation and told of his own commitment to carry on what they began.

After the presentation, guests went on to play assorted games that included a poker tournament as well as bunko.

Guests dined on hearty hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Rustic Gourmet.

Lynne and Joe Thompson happened to be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary and they were honored when the DJ played the song “Theme from A Summer Place” especially for them.

All in all, it was a lovely evening and an even lovelier way to raise scholarship money for foothill area students.

JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.