The Valley Line: Hathaway-Sycamores holds 25th annual ‘Dinners from the Heart’

Hathaway-Sycamores recently held its annual fundraising event, “Dinners from the Heart.” Hundreds of foothill-area residents gathered at different restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley to dine and raise money for youngsters in need as part of Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services.

This year, the event’s 25th anniversary, more than $37,000 was raised. Since its inception in 1991, Dinners from the Heart has raised more than $815,000.

La Cañadans Paulette and Bob Lang, Mary Pinola and Charlie Kenny and Annsley and George Strong hosted a party at the Crossings Restaurant in South Pasadena. Also hosting parties were locals Renee Bran and Malcolm Boyd, who welcomed guests at Claud & Co. Bacchus’ Kitchen in Pasadena. Hosting a second party at the same eatery were Jennifer and Mark Herzer.

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Late blooming opera lover that I am, I recently attended the latest L.A. Opera production of “Madame Butterfly” with a friend.

This is not my first “Butterfly” so it was exciting to see this new and beautiful production of this beloved opera. We went to the after party that was held in the Founders Room where it was delightful to meet the cast and be able to speak with them.

The Foothills are well represented at the opera with several of our musicians often appearing in the productions. Terry Craven plays bass trombone, Ryan Darke, principal trumpet; Kim Scholes, cello; Alvin Veeh, trombone; Heather Clark, principal flute; Shawn Mann, viola; Daniel Kelley, horn and Jenny Kim, horn.

Gene Stein and his wife Mindy of La Cañada Flintridge are frequent opera-goers. Gene is on the opera’s board of directors and he is also an executive committee member.

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The historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles was the site for the recent Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) Gala Bel Canto fundraising evening that honored five-time Academy Award-winning film composer John Williams and LACC founding director Rebecca Thompson.

Williams, whose exceptional music has touched people around the world, has collaborated with LACC on numerous projects, which provided unparalleled artistic opportunities for the choristers.

Three hundred singers from five LACC ensembles, led by artistic director Anne Tomlinson, performed in the beautiful Crystal Ballroom.

James Conlon, music director of LA Opera, bestowed Williams with LACC’s Bel Canto Award. Thompson’s award was presented by Tomlinson.

Eileen and Ken Leech were also lauded for their nearly two decades of support to LACC. They were presented with the “Rebecca Thompson Founder’s Award” by their daughter Catherine, a soprano with LACC who also performed in their honor, “Voi che sapete” from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”

The evening continued with more singing from the five choruses, a lovely sit-down dinner, exquisite wines and a dazzling live auction. The $300,000 raised during the evening will benefit Los Angeles Children’s Chorus’ artistic, educational and scholarship programs.

Some of the La Cañadans in attendance at this beautiful event were Libbie Patterson, Betsy and Michael Bazdarich, Rashmi Bansal and David Haupt, Felicia and Chris Evensen, Joe and Lynda Grigg, Jennifer and Cameron Terry, Laura and Tom Buchanan, Ann Fossan, Kai Ryssdal and Stehanie Fossan, Sylvia and Benjamin Paz, Jackie Clem and Chris Whiting, Carin and John Schiller, Sharon DeMerit, Miya and Scott Erickson, Elise and Eric Gilbert, Jessica Yu, Jeff Smith, Lindsay and Joel Henriod, Laura and Tom Buchanan, Dianna Lau and Kevin Bes, Sara and Ed Nowak, Elsa and Joe Behney, Jennifer and Cameron Terry.

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