The Valley Line: Golfers hit the links for Hathaway-Sycamores

Last Sunday, fathers everywhere were feted — some with treasured handmade gifts from their children while others were treated to fancy brunches at even fancier country clubs or restaurants.

I did remember to call the fathers of my Northern California grandchildren to wish them a happy day. Those grandkids are Catherine and Ryan Dyer; Aidan, Lucan and Morgan Neely. I also called the father of my surrogate twin grandchildren — Baxter and Lena Pollard — who live in Sierra Madre.

On June 14, I noticed that Montrose Shopping Park had set up a great tribute on Flag Day at the corner of Honolulu and Ocean View boulevards. It was so colorful with bales of hay on the corner and lots of “Old Glory” blowing in the breeze. Not only was it fabulous to honor our flag, but it was a perfect photo opportunity. I hope your travels over the weekend took you through Montrose so you could see the community’s national spirit.

Also over the weekend, the “Parrot Heads” were out in force Sunday night in Memorial Park when it was “Jimmy Buffet” night for the Music in the Park concert series. Gary Seiler and the Coast Riders provided the tunes that Buffet made famous.

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Now catching up on social gatherings, some 200 people showed up at Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland to participate in Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services’ “Shot-at-a-Million Golf Classic and after-party that raised $100,000 for children and families in need.

The money will help fund therapeutic and other support services for the thousands of youngsters and families served by Hathaway-Sycamores, one of Los Angeles County’s largest, nonprofit, private children’s mental-health and welfare agencies.

The golfers teed off at 7:30 a.m. for the “Longest Day of Golf” or taking part in the afternoon “9-Hole Team Challenge.” Ten golfers qualified to take a swing at a hole-in-one and walk away $1 million richer. Alas, nobody made the improbable, 165-yard shot, but they sure had fun trying.

The event concluded with a “19th Hole After-Party” on the club’s beautiful back patio overlooking the 18th green. In addition to the silent auction items to bid on, there were numerous prizes raffled, including a seven-night stay and airfare for two at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, as well as a three-night stay — along with airfare for two — at the Hilton New York Hotel.

Guests additionally had the opportunity to hear from 25-year-old Wayne Jackson, who grew up in foster care and was emancipated just prior to turning 18. With no home to call his own, Jackson was referred to Hathaway-Sycamores’ Transitional Independent Living Program, which provides emancipated foster youth with housing and helps them acquire the skills needed to live independently.

Jackson spent a year and a half in the program and mastered enough life skills to move across the country and attend Howard University in Washington, D.C.. After graduation, he returned to Los Angeles armed with a degree and the desire to help others who also had to overcome significant life challenges. Jackson was given the opportunity to do just that when he returned to the program as a paid employee.

Jackson currently serves as a youth advocate, and strongly feels that he can help change people’s lives. “Seeing the kids grow is one of the best rewards I get from my job,” he said.

Also on-hand that evening was former Dodger outfielder Jay Johnstone, who along with board member Ken Goldstein announced the Hathaway-Sycamores Celebrating Children event, slated for Sept. 16 at Dodger Stadium. The 2014 event will be honoring longtime Hathaway-Sycamores supporters and LCF residents Annsley and George Strong.

Hathaway-Sycamores president and chief executive William Martone thanked everyone in attendance for their generous support of Hathaway-Sycamores and for helping struggling children and teens receive the healing care they need to rebuild their lives.

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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her with news of your special event at jnvalleysun@yahoo.com.