Legacy Awards rains tears, giggles
Joyce Rudolph
Between tears and giggles, four women were honored by the YWCA for
their displays of heart and excellence to community endeavors
Wednesday at the La Canada Flintridge Country Club.
“They have been role models for the rest of us and have left a
true legacy of giving,” said Susan Hunt, YWCA board president, in her
welcome to the 200 guests attending.
Georgia M. Abelmann was saluted for serving on boards of Glendale
Adventist Medical Center and the Salvation Army, and as past
president for the Oakmont League of Glendale and Episcopal Church
Women’s Guild.
“How do I become so involved? A turtle does not move until he
sticks his neck out,” she quipped, prompting laughs from the
audience.
Lina M. Harper was overwhelmed to be included among the list of
honorees and said she volunteers because it makes her feel good. She
thanked her husband for supporting her non-income-producing
activities and her son for starting her in a volunteer career as a
den mother for his Boy Scout troop and team mother for his Little
League and soccer teams.
Glady I. Kabateck has volunteered for 14 years as a counselor for
the Glendale YWCA’s Domestic Violence Project and the Step Ahead
Program, helping women develop skills through college courses to
become independent.
“I’m so honored to be categorized with these outstanding women...”
her sentence stopped as she was overcome by tears.
“Recognition is the greatest motivator,” she said. “I will
continue to assist others to the best of my ability.”
Sonia Bedrossian Peltekian volunteers for the United Armenia Fund,
the American Red Cross, and served as president and vice president of
the Armenian Relief Society, Western Region “Mayr” Chapter in Los
Angeles.
“Volunteer work gives me strength to get up in the morning and
makes me think about helping others instead of my pain,” she said.
Diana Diaz was presented the Jane O’Connor Community Service
Volunteer Award.
KCBS 2 news anchor Ann Martin told the audience about her family
members who have been an inspiration throughout her life, and
reminded them how important it is to set a good example, because
someone is always watching you.
Proceeds from the event support the YWCA’s Domestic Violence
Project and Encore Plus Program, providing low-cost breast and
cervical screenings.