The Valley Line: Fundraiser helps Hathaway-Sycamores

Oct. 17, 2013 12 AM PT

Oh, I did love our rainy day last week. As soon as I heard the pitter-pat of rain on the roof, I raced to turn on the fireplace in the living room, brewed a cup of aromatic spiced tea and a grabbed a good book. It is my idea of perfect rainy day fun.

I also liked the rest of the crisp autumn-like weather we had. I know the weather people say that we are in for another hot spell, but I sure did love those autumn days.

I’m very excited that we have two La Cañada High School princesses on the 2014 Tournament of Roses Rose Court – Katherine Diane Lipp and Elizabeth Katie Woolf. The Rose Queen will be announced on Oct. 24.

I had a wonderful visit with June Alexander and her husband, Doug, who were recently visiting here with Nina and Larry Ratliff from their home on St. Simon Island, Ga.

June, whose last name was Peterson at the time, was the AP English teacher at Crescenta Valley High School from 1972 to 1989. She taught both of my kids, Chris and Heather, and they thought she was “the best.”

It was so much fun to visit with her and she says that she is becoming a true Southern lady. She loves the slower pace of life on her little island and the genteel lifestyle of this Southern state. I did promise her that if I ever get her way, I will come visit her and see what “genteel” is all about.

Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services recently held an outstanding party to raise funds for their families.

It was a home run for everyone, as the party was held at Dodger Stadium and raised upward of $150,000 for the more than 9,000 children and families served each year by Hathaway-Sycamores.

The boys in blue were out of town so guests had the stadium all to themselves. The evening began with private tours of the stadium, the press box, the dugout and even a stroll onto the field.

It was very exciting for me because I have been a Dodger fan since “dem bums” came to L.A. in 1958. I was thrilled during the recent event to meet my Dodger hero, shortstop Maury Wills, who was the master of base stealing.

Also there to meet-and-greet was Delano Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s sister-in-law. I even had a chance to chat with a lady who went to Muir High with Jackie and said he was an all-around athlete, playing also football and basketball.

Guests of the 2013 Celebrating Children event, which was emceed and chaired by Hathaway-Sycamores’ board member Ken Goldstein, enjoyed a Stadium Club cocktail party replete with the famous Dodger Dogs with all the fixings, and a Southern barbecue spread.

Honorees for the evening were Linda and John Seiter, who have been longtime supporters of Hathaway-Sycamores. Linda served on the board of directors from 1996 through 2005. She has been actively involved in the agency’s annual “Shot at a Million” golf fundraiser, not only as a player, but also as the host of several post-event parties.

The Seiters have sponsored an annual holiday dinner for the youth in residential treatment at Hathaway-Sycamores’ El Nido campus in Altadena.

Commenting on the Celebrating Children Award recipients, Hathaway-Sycamores’ President and CEO William Martone said, “John and Linda Seiter have bettered the lives of so many people, particularly children, and Hathaway-Sycamores is extremely appreciative of their long-standing support. The Seiters, including their daughters, have always looked beyond themselves and instead focused on how they can help others. They truly are an inspirational family.”

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