The Valley Line: Wishes fulfilled at Hillsides Guild party

By Jane Napier Neely

Jan. 2, 2013 12 AM PT

Happy 2013! Oh my, time does fly. I can hardly believe that 2012 went by so fast.

As for me, I’m thrilled to be greeting this new year minus the royal purple cast I had on my right (driving) foot for the past month. Yep, I was pretty much a shut-in, since I couldn’t drive. Not fun.

But, so far this new year, so good — that pesky Achilles tendon that was so inflamed and painful (the reason for the cast) is now seemingly very happy — yay!

I hope you are well on your way to meeting your resolutions for the new year. I’m still sorting through mine — maybe I’ll let you how I’m doing later.

In the meantime I’ll catch you up on social news. There was a good representation of La Cañada folk when they gathered along with more than 100 other guests at Pasadena’s Parkway Grill Restaurant for a holiday party.

The event was sponsored by the Hillsides Guild, a fundraising support group of women at Hillsides Foster Care and Special Education facility for Abused Children, whose mission is to create safe places for children, strengthen families, provide special education and advocate for children’s rights. Hillsides is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Guests arriving at this December party cozied up near the sleek wooden bar where they sipped wines and were served an assortment of wood fire pizzas.

Before the guests were seated for a prime filet mignon dinner, they perused Hillside children’s gift wishes that were on display by a Christmas tree. Generous guests wanting to be Santa’s helpers fulfilled many of those wishes.

The event was co-chaired by Guild members Beth Yale and Nancy Snyder. Donna DeMond, president of the Guild, stepped to the microphone to welcome guests. The first order of her agenda was to introduce Gregg Smith, owner of the restaurant, and thank him and Smith Brothers Restaurants for always being gracious hosts for Hillsides’ events.

After the short ceremony, guests listened to the world-renowned Citrus Singers. Adding to the merriment of the evening were opportunity prizes, which included dinners for four at Smitty’s, Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chop House, Café 140, and Cheval Blanc Bistro as well as a holiday floral plant basket.

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