Roxanne Cook to take her bow

In the midst of springtime celebrations and June graduations, Las Madrinas Las Madrinas announced the 32 families and their daughters who will be honored for their service to the Southern California community and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles at the Las Madrinas Ball on Dec. 21. Among the debutantes is Roxanne Debra Cook, daughter of longtime La Cañada Flintridge residents Bonnie and Dick Cook. Her sister, Elizabeth, was also a Las Madrinas debutante.

On May 14 the debutante families gathered at the Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to meet with and hear a presentation by Dr. Michele Kipke, director of the Las Madrinas Endowment for Autism Research, Interventions and Outcomes. Dr. Kipke gave an overview of the lives of children with autism spectrum disorders, and described how early diagnosis and intervention are critical and known to make a difference. Dr. Kipke’s group is developing and analyzing new tools and technologies for early diagnosis, testing and evaluating interventions and therapies, and tracking the outcomes of these interventions to ensure the best care for autistic children. Following the meeting, the families toured the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit in Childrens Hospital and Dr. Michele Kipke’s diagnostic center, located in the Boone Fetter Clinic.

Further, the debutantes, their mothers and grandmothers were guests of honor at the tea given by Las Madrinas at the home of Mary Flaherty on June 10. The President of Las Madrinas, Kathleen McRoskey formally welcomed the families and thanked them for their contributions and commitment to the Los Angeles community. Among the Las Madrinas members greeting the tea guests were Debutante Chairman, Vicky Strickland and Ball Chairman, Hilary Maybank.

Las Madrinas has supported pediatric medicine for more than 75 years and is one of the first Affiliate Groups of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

In 1939, Las Madrinas began its tradition of honoring families who have demonstrated a commitment to the civic, cultural and philanthropic life of the Los Angeles community by presenting their daughters at the annual Las Madrinas Ball. Donations made in honor of the young women by their families together with the annual support of Las Madrinas members and friends will contribute to the Las Madrinas Endowment for Autism, Interventions and Outcomes.