Society: Glendale YWCA presents annual Legacy Luncheon

For 17 years in a row, the good women of the Glendale YWCA have been presenting an annual Legacy Luncheon. Last Wednesday, the Oakmont Country Club was the perfect setting for ladies who lunch — with a purpose.

Their “Heart & Excellence” awards were bestowed upon five community dynamos: Roberta “Bobbie” Gangi, Laura Guillory, Seda Khojayan, Sharon Townsend and 108-year-old Gertrude Ness. The Jane O’Connor Volunteer Service Award went to dynamo-in-the-making, La Cañada High School student Jenna Schwartz.

Glendale native Gangi volunteers for Las Candelas, Little League and the Montrose Church on top of having raised five children and 13 grandchildren. She has been married to her husband, Sal, for 53 years.

Guillory’s fellowship to study at the French Center for Nuclear Studies in France began her career in technology for AT&T and California State University Long Beach. Currently, Guillory is chairwoman of the Tech Trek Project for Glendale’s American Assn. of University Women. The project helps girls continue their interests in science, math and engineering by attending a summer science camp.

Since her immigration to the United States in 1976, Khojayan has been active in building bridges between diverse communities of women, especially in the Armenian community. Khojayan has been president of the Armenian Relief Society and a current member of the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women.

Townsend’s job as foundation director of the Glendale Assn. for the Retarded (now known as the Campbell Center) led to her current position as chief executive of Glendale Healthy Kids. A double threat, Townsend also judges musical competitions and recently trained in piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

Not only known for her longevity, Ness is also known as “Gertie the Riveter” for her stint as a riveter of bomb-bay doors for B17’s during World War II. After the war, Ness was employed in early childhood education for 30 years with the Glendale Unified School District. Ness then served in leadership positions for many Glendale charitable organizations. She still lives in her own home and is an avid Lakers fan. One of her two daughters, Jo Ness, accompanied her to the luncheon.

Young Schwartz can match the five honorees in volunteerism. In three years, she has accumulated 1,000 volunteer hours. The majority of that time has been devoted to the National Charity League, Union Station Homeless Services and the Girl Scouts. Schwartz plans to major in psychology in college and has a 4.08 grade-point average.

YWCA Executive Director Michelle Roberts guided the efficient efforts of legacy luncheon co-chairwomen Drs. Ilena Blicker and Carol Ann Burton. Kudos to Blicker for running a fast-paced program with mistress of ceremonies, broadcaster Cater Lee.

In the past year, Glendale’s YWCA has sheltered 43 families (83 people), provided case management services to more than 229 women and also provided more than 125 hours of children’s mental health services.

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More than 200 golf enthusiasts gathered at the Angeles National Golf Club on April 28 in Sunland. Underway by 10 a.m., the 18th annual Golf Classic benefits Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. To play in the tournament, each golfer shelled out $185, all in the name of charity, of course.

After the tournament, a reception, silent auction and dinner preceded a program during which former Glendale mayor Sheldon Baker was honored as Glendale Memorial Hospital Humanitarian of the Year.

Accompanying Baker was wife, Marilyn, and grandchildren Katie O’Gara, 10, and brother Michael O’Gara, 13, of La Crescenta and Cody Baker, 17, of Valencia.

When asked whether Sheldon Baker played a round, he quipped, “I rode around and harassed the players.”

Those actually golfing participated in a presentation of team and contest winners.

Golf Classic proceeds were just short of $200,000.

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This year’s “Over the Rainbow” tea and fashion show put on by members of the Assistance League of Glendale exceeded stylish expectations. On April 29, member models sashayed around tables of more than 100 league supporters who were ready to pounce on the donated fashions with bargain-basement price tags.

Among the model regulars were Mary Margaret Smith and Bea Wojtyla, who mugged shamelessly in front of cameras.

After the fashion show, there was a run for the fashions that were quickly moved for sale into the league’s Thrift Alley. Word has it that a lavender St. John jacket in buttery leather went for $40. A Kate Spade purse was a steal at $70.

League president Karen Millman coordinated the tea and show, narrated with pizzazz by member Marcie Haug.

Close to $2,000 was raised for league philanthropies. That’s a lot of tea, crumpets and finger sandwiches.

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RUTH SOWBY RANDS may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.