Breast cancer services get Soroptomists’ aid
More than 750 women and girls in our community are the recipients of tens of thousands of dollars from Soroptimist International of Glendale. Every year, the mighty Soroptimists give to local charities and hospitals. On Thursday (June 21) funds were ceremoniously donated to Glendale’s three hospitals for breast cancer services.
The Glendale Hilton was the setting for the Soroptimist’s largesse, most of which has come from the club’s popular Bras for a Cause. Raised from last year’s ninth annual event was $31,000. Earmarked for the hospitals was a total of $15,000 in grant awards. (Each hospital received $5,000.)
Three hospital representatives were present to accept their awards from outgoing two-term Soroptimist President Liz Mirzaian. New Chief Executive Kevin Roberts accepted his check on behalf of the cancer services department at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Accepting the grant award for Glendale Memorial Hospital was Lance Keene, foundation vice president. Yulanda Davis-Quarrie accepted the award for Verdugo Hills Hospital. Davis-Quarrie is president of the hospital foundation.
The installation of the primary Soroptimist officers for 2012-13 then took place, with Sandy Schultz as installing officer. Installed as president was Gayle Craig, president elect is Susan Hunt, first vice president for programs is Liza Boubari, and second vice president for fundraising is Cassandra Kreps, to be assisted by Margo Bottcher.
Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero congratulated outgoing Soroptimist President Mirzaian for her two years of service. “This opportunity has opened my eyes and enhanced by life,” Mirzaian said. Mirzaian is Glendale Adventist’s director of volunteer services and president-elect of the hospital Guild.
This year $52,000 was donated to all Soroptimist charities. They include Camp Rosie, sponsored by the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women; Girls on the Run; the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program; and the Salvation Army’s Nancy Painter Home for homeless mothers and children. Upcoming donations are 430 pajamas for women in local domestic violence programs. These Soroptimist gals mean business.
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Guests on the patio outside of Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum were far from being in a funereal mood. Predictably, enjoying a California wine tasting were outright jolly.
The Glendale-Crescenta Valley Red Cross staged its popular, annual spring fundraiser on Thursday (June 21). Along with the wine, Mignon chocolates and cheese tastings were available for $60 a person ($100 for two people). Light appetizers from Chin Chin Catering were passed by the wait staff. About 150 hungry guests took full advantage of the treats.
NBC 4 weatherman Fritz Coleman was a genial emcee. Coleman is a longtime supporter of the Red Cross. He also presided over musical entertainment, a raffle and silent auction of gift items and entertainment events contributed by local businesses and community members.
Art lovers were able to view the museum exhibit of the art of Ian Horn. His 32 paintings are representative of the Photorealist and Hyperrealist art movements, of which Horn is a founding member.
If the drinks, eats, music, raffle, auction or paintings didn’t tempt, the panoramic evening view of Glendale’s jewel box of a city surely must have. Among those appreciating the delights of the evening were the usual suspects of community volunteerism: Paula and Art Devine, Jack and Glady Kabateck, Joe and Joyce Ayvasi and Lynda Burns. Playing the perfect host was Red Cross Chapter Executive Officer Ron Farina.
Sponsors were the Glendale Adventist Medical Center and Glendale Memorial Hospital. Verdugo Hills Hospital was the Chocolate Tasting Sponsor.
All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross, furthering its ability to help communities in Glendale and the Crescenta Valley in times of unexpected emergencies.
RUTH SOWBY may be reach at ruthasowby@gmail.com.