Charitable Efforts
‘Dinners from the Heart’ planned
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, several Pasadena and neighboring area restaurants, including Dish and Taylor’s Steak House in La Cañada Flintridge, are participating in “Dinners from the Heart,” an annual Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services event whereby local residents have the opportunity to enjoy outstanding meals at top-rated restaurants while, at the same time, help to raise funds for the over 9,000 children and families served by the agency every year.
The participating restaurants have agreed to serve a specific number of meals to patrons who make advance reservations by calling Hathaway-Sycamores’ (626) 685-2124.
Renee LaBran of La Cañada Flintridge, a Hathaway-Sycamores board member, is also an event co-chair along with Altadena Junior Circle members Sheila Rossi and Miho Tyszka. Bob Smith and Gregg Smith, who co-own five participating restaurants, are serving as Dinners from the Heart honorary chairs.
Donations range from $50 to $150 per person, and some of the participating Pasadena-area restaurants include: Arroyo Chop House, Beckham Grill, Bistro de la Gare, Bistro 45, Central Park, Crepe Vine Bistro & Wine Bar, Crocodile Café, Dish, El Cholo Café, Firefly Bistro, Five Crowns, Gale’s Restaurant, Gordon Biersch, Green Street Restaurant, Green Street Tavern, Julienne Fine Foods, JJ Steak House, The Kitchen for Exploring Foods, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Maison Akira, Marston’s Restaurant, McCormick & Schmick’s, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, Mojitos Restaurant & Rum Bar, Panda Inn, Parkway Grill, Saladang-Song, Smitty’s Grill, Sushi Roku, Taylor’s Steak House, Twin Palms and Vibrato (Bel Air).
Prices are per person and include wine. Additional alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity are the responsibility of each patron. Do not contact restaurants directly.
For additional information, contact: Andi Sica, Hathaway-Sycamores’ director of Special Events & Community Relations, (626) 395-7100 ext. 2516.
Lunch, fashion show benefit students
The La Cañada Thursday Club will host “Ciao Bella!” a luncheon, fashion show and silent auction, on Thursday, March 20, it was announced this week by Peggy Hotaling, president of the Thursday Club, and Judy Cooper and Brenda Brisbois, co-chairpersons of the event. Proceeds support the club’s scholarship program.
“Ciao Bella!” the Thursday Club’s primary fundraiser of the year, will be held at the clubhouse, which is located at 4440 Woodleigh Lane in La Cañada Flintridge.
The event begins at 10:45 a.m. with the opening of the silent auction, chaired by Jeanie Kay. Luncheon will be served at noon with the fashion show immediately following.
“Ciao Bella!” will feature an afternoon of fashions from Draper’s & Damon’s and The Carlisle Collection.
The event’s silent auction and opportunity drawings will include a selection of merchandise and gift certificates from local restaurants and retailers as well as beautifully themed baskets that will delight winners.
The “Ciao Bella!” benefit committee includes: Brenda Brisbois, Judy Cooper, Dotty Greenawalt, Jeanie Kay, Penny Ledbetter and Felicia Van Wagenen.
Thursday Club members will serve as models.
Tickets for “Ciao Bella!” are $60 each and reservations may be made by calling Dotty Greenawalt at (626) 793-5491.
Jewelry store supports charity
Guests of “Once Upon a Hillsides,” an annual benefit of Hillsides, a children’s charity in Pasadena, get a chance to win big with the generous donation of a $5,000 gift certificate to Asanti Fine Jewellers, a high-end jewelry store in San Marino. Store owner Nelson Holdo will offer a 52-card draw, presenting the certificate to the winner at the children’s charity event on Feb. 23.
Proceeds of the 52-card draw will help the charity provide much-needed services for children in foster care and families in crisis.
As a father, Holdo has a fondness in his heart for foster care children living at Hillsides.
His involvement at Hillsides for over eight years is marked by many contributions to the children’s charity, including his involvement as a board member and a caring volunteer.
“Each one of the Hillsides’ children has a different story. All of them are special for their own reasons,” said Holdo, “and they each deserve a quality setting.”
Guests at the benefit can purchase a card for $100. Individuals wishing to attend the gala can purchase tickets for $250 per person, and advanced reservations are required by Feb. 15.
For information, to make reservations for Hillsides’ annual benefit or, if you are nable to attend the event but would like to purchase a card, call (323) 255-9005.