On the Town: Fundraiser dinner served up at chief’s home
Those gunning for an invitation to Chateau DePompa got just what they wanted last Saturday, when a Santa Maria-style barbecue was served up to some 70 guests at the arresting Royal Canyon home of Glendale Police Chief Ron DePompa and his wife, Carol DePompa.
The barbecue was one of nine dinners attended by 275 hungry guests held over two weekends on behalf of Glendale Healthy Kids. Guests ponied up $100 per person to attend. All of the evening’s proceeds will go to the organization.
Founding President Bruce Hinckley welcomed dinner guests and introduced Glendale VIPs present, including Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) and three former presidents — Debbie Hinckley, Cathy Keen and Elizabeth Manasserian, who was accompanied by husband Greg Manasserian.
More VIPs acted as waiters and waitresses to serve the tri-tip steaks and chicken entrées. Recently appointed Glendale Police Department Deputy Chief Carl Povilaitis led his serving crew, which included Denise Miller, chairperson of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women, Police Lt. Lola Abrahamian, Civilian Commander Teresa Goldman, and Capt. Todd Stokes, also a board member of Glendale Healthy Kids.
Just before dessert, Sharon Townsend, executive director of Glendale Healthy Kids, reminded the audience of the services the organization has provided this year, including 525 children who had free medical, mental, dental and vision services. Dental education was also provided to 1,300 first-graders in the Glendale Unified School District.
Glendale Healthy Kids’ health fair will be held Nov. 2. All are welcome.
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Scarantino’s Italian Inn was the scene of the Glendale Assn. for the Retarded’s most recent monthly fundraiser.
Last Wednesday, the eatery was packed with hungry patrons all willing to stuff themselves for charity. The restaurant donated a portion of the evening’s proceeds to benefit the association’s Work Activity program.
Scarantino’s — a Glendale staple — attracted its regulars and association staff and clients, as well as those wanting to contribute to a good cause.
Among the first to arrive were Scarantino regulars and Glendale residents Laurel and Chris Rudd. Laurel Rudd is a former association board member. Former Glendale City Council member Mary Ann Plumley joined the Rudds. Her huge plate of pasta made for a second dinner the next night.
Association client Lynette Sparks and her mom, JoAnn Sparks, couldn’t resist the cannelloni. Lynette Sparks can be seen in southern plantation garb every year at the association’s Derby Day. She twirls her parasol with the best of them.
Scarantino’s littlest fan was 3-year-old Harley Gutierrez. Great-grandmother Julie Peters made sure most of Harley’s spaghetti and meatballs wound up in her tummy, not on her pinafore.
The evening’s hostesses were Sandy Doughty, the association’s executive director, and Rita Hopkins, foundation director. The association’s founders present were Phyllis and Jerry Campbell. Foundation board members attending were Jim Owens, Suzi Coscarelli and Don Galleher.
Glendale Assn. for the Retarded serves 128 clients. Staff members at the association’s Work Activity program teach adult clients the skills needed for work inside the Work Center in Glendale and find employment in the community.
Some of the organizations that employ the association’s clients are the Glendale Police Department, the Glendale YMCA, Crescenta Valley Insurance and Del Taco restaurants. GAR staffers provide job coaching.
The association’s next food “fun”raiser will be at Dish, in La Cañada Flintridge, on Oct. 23.
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The musical “Hairspray” has arrived at the Glendale Centre Theatre. Last Saturday’s sold-out matinee had all 440 seats filled. Early arrival and recent Glendale resident Cecelia Walker joined the rest of the audience as they were transported to a 1960s Baltimore TV dance program.
This was Walker’s first trip to the theater. She plans to become “a permanent Glendale Centre Theatre fan.”
“Hairspray” runs through Oct. 12.
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RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.