Charitable Efforts

Five Acres guild raises hope, laughter

Encouraging kids to enjoy themselves may not seem difficult. But when the children have been abused, neglected or abandoned help is needed in allowing them to become children again. The Children’s Guild of Five Acres is dedicated to that mission and much more at the 120-year-old child and family services agency in Altadena.

The Children’s Guild holds its fall membership drive social Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Five Acres campus, 760 W. Mountain View St., Altadena, to interest more people in becoming involved with their efforts and expanding their reach.

“The work these volunteers do with the children is invaluable in contributing to the success of our therapeutic programs,” said Robert A. Ketch, executive director of Five Acres.

The guild, established in 1990, is committed to building support for Five Acres, while creating programs that work directly with the children. Members make twice monthly visits to 6-to-10 year old boys and girls in residence on the Altadena campus where they engage in crafts, games, cooking, sports, performing arts and host outings to off-campus activities, parties and an annual barbecue.

The Birthday Angel program provides cake and gifts to celebrate each of the children’s birthdays and a festive holiday party.

For more information about The Children’s Guild of Five Acres and to RSVP for the Oct. 21 Social, contact Pearl Kim at (626) 798-6793 ext.2296 or pkim@5acres.org.

Havana Nights opens doors

The Circle of Hope annual fall fundraiser in support of Door of Hope is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, at 5:30 p.m. Door of Hope is a program of restoration for homeless families.

This special event features a raffle, dinner, auction, and salsa dancing at Altadena Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive in neighboring Altadena.

Tickets are $80 per person, RSVP by Oct. 22 by visiting www.doorofhope.us/registration/.

For more information call (626) 304-9130 or send an e-mail to info@doorofhope.us.

Third annual Silver Ribbon Gala ahead

NARSAD’s Third Annual Silver Ribbon Gala will feature an art auction, dinner, awards ceremony and dancing on Saturday, Nov. 8. Cocktail hour and art auction begin at 6 p.m., dinner follows at 7 p.m. NARSAD is the world’s leading charity dedicated to mental health research.

This year’s awardees include the film “The Soloist” and Emmy-nominated actress Delta Burke. Dr. Drew Pinsky of the popular syndicated radio show “Loveline” will serve as master of ceremonies.

The art auction will include works created by or on behalf of artists with brain disorders, courtesy of NARSAD Artworks.

NARSAD annually presents Silver Ribbon Awards to individuals, programs, institutions and organizations that have made a contribution to those with neuropsychiatric disorders or mental illness.

The gala will be held at Langham Huntington Hotel, 1402 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena.

Tickets are $350 per person, ($250 is tax deductible).

Call (800) 607-2599. All proceeds benefit NARSAD.