On the Town: Guilds introduce Army of Pink soldiers
The Army of Pink 2012 began its march at the Rosemont Pavilion next to the Rose Bowl. On Sunday several dozen supporters marched to the Power of Pink highlighting breast cancer awareness. The Army of Pink campaign is presented by the Dr. Norick Bogossian Cancer Care Guild and the Guild — both organizations at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
This kickoff event introduced the Army’s six soldier/candidates — Larry Caviness, president of the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Robert Doyle, Glendale deputy fire chief; Carl Povilaitis, captain of Glendale Police Field Services; Frank Quintero, Glendale mayor; Dr. Vicken Sepilian, obstetrician and gynecologist; and Dr. Richard Sheehan, Glendale superintendent of schools.
These brave soldiers are being led by Captain Paula Devine. She could easily be found in the crowd. She was the one with the pink boa slung around her neck. Devine described the online voting process through which members of the community can vote for their favorite soldier. To choose your favorite candidate, go to www.glendaleadventist. com/armyofpink. The winning soldier will be best at spreading the word about breast cancer awareness. Oh, and he also must be a knockout in pink.
Besides having a chance to meet the Army of Pink candidates, visitors previewed Tournament of Roses floats, including Glendale’s own. Supporters also enjoyed music and entertainment. Even some of the refreshments were in pink. On the hot late afternoon, many were lined up for the pink lemonade. The kids went for the pink cotton candy.
Another highlight of the kickoff was the sale of $25 raffle tickets. Winners could go home with an iPad or, even better, a ride on the Glendale Tournament of Roses float seated next to the winning soldier.
Hoped-for event proceeds of $25,000 will benefit the Dr. Norick Bogossian Cancer Care Guild in support of Glendale Adventist’s Cancer Services.
Voting will be open online until Oct. 26. Don’t miss the chance to make your vote count.
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“Livin’ La Vida Loca!” was the theme of Glendale’s Kiwanis Club 2012-2013 Installation Banquet, and no one was living the “crazy” life more than incoming president Mercy Velazquez. On Sept. 27 at the Glendale Hilton the mood was instantly set by personality-plus Velazquez. Accompanied by Mike Velazquez, the evening began on a high note as Mercy played hostess at a twilight reception on the Hilton’s patio.
Once the program began, Master of Ceremonies Harry Hull kept the action moving. As a past president of the Glendale College Foundation, Hull also knows how to keep the patter going with panache. He introduced the city dignitaries present in support of Mercy’s inauguration as Kiwanis’ first minority woman president. VIPs included politicos Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada) and Glendale Unified School District Board Member Greg Krikorian. Each made sure they didn’t miss a handshake.
The presentation of colors by the Crescenta Valley High School Color Guard began the celebration. After the invocation and blessing on the food by Salvation Army Capt. Rio Ray, a short-rib food fiesta with a Latin touch worthy of Mercy’s Cuban background was enjoyed.
New Kiwanis members were introduced by John Sadd. Among those were Glendale City Manager Scott Ochoa, Miryam Finkelberg and Glendale YWCA Board Member Lisa Raggio.
An installment ceremony presented the 2012-2013 officers to their audience. The top officers besides Mercy are T.J. Denton, present-elect; Todd Hunt, vice president; and Joel Zwick, second vice president. Installing officer was Jack Bilheimer.
Before the evening ended the 2012 Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash was promoted as the Glendale Kiwanis Foundation’s largest fundraiser for children and youth. The duck race, now in its eighth year, will take place Oct. 13 at Verdugo Park.
RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.