On the Town: ABC7 sets stage for Ascencia fundraiser
Ascencia was in the spotlight at the ABC7 Broadcast Center’s back lot in Glendale on Saturday. Ascencia board members pulled out the stops for its annual fundraiser, with about 350 guests supporting the nonprofit’s mission to end homelessness.
Glendale VIPs included Ascencia Board of Directors Chairman Nicholas Lam with wife Wende Lam, and Event Chairman Diane Medina. The City Council was represented by Dave Weaver and wife Linda Weaver, Laura Friedman and husband Guillaume Lemoine and Ara Najarian. City Manager Scott Ochoa was spotted with wife Sophia Ochoa. Glendale Educational Foundation board members were out in force, including President Laurel Patric, Vice President Addora Beall and Susan Hunt.
The undisputed star of the evening was Arnold J. Kleiner, president and general manager of ABC7. He was honored with the organization’s Hope and Compassion Award. Under Kleiner’s leadership, ABC7 seeks ways to support local causes through its programming and campaigns such as ABC Listens and Spark of Love Toy Drive.
A wine reception began the evening followed by dinner, the awards program and live auction. As mistress of ceremonies, ABC7 anchor Michelle Tuzee kept the action moving.
Entertainment was provided by the Glendale High School jazz combo under the direction of Amy Rangel, director of instrumental music at the school.
Expected net proceeds of $200,000 will support Ascencia’s mission to lift community members out of homelessness through on-site supportive services including mental health management, employment services, housing placement, substance abuse recovery and veteran services.
[For the Record, Sept. 12: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated the estimated net proceeds would be $2 million. A final tally of the proceeds is expected sometime next week.]
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Glendale Beautiful’s fall dinner on Friday marked its 62nd year of making Glendale Beautiful. Members and guests in cowboy gear represented the western-themed event at Casa Adobe de San Rafael on Dorothy Drive in Glendale.
A hearty welcome was offered by Glendale Beautiful President Myra Kendall, the Pledge of Allegiance given by member Walter Kendall and an inspirational message by Joyce Ayvasi. Greetings from the City Council were conveyed by former Mayor Laura Friedman to some 75 audience members.
Social time with appetizers was followed by a dinner of chicken, steak, salad and other vittles, all catered by Damon’s Steakhouse. Board member Judy Gorham provided her homemade lemon cake for dessert. This was a lot more than chuckwagon fare.
J.R. Wright, “the Keyboard Kowboy,” entertained, playing country hits and rockin’ oldies. Glendale Beautiful members Vickie Carlson and Don Bennett tackled the dance floor.
Proceeds will help fund Glendale Beautiful’s signature projects — Casa Adobe de San Rafael maintenance and Glendale’s Arbor Day.
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Residents wanting some InSPArations showed up at Intuitive Touch Massage in Kenneth Village on Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Several dozen stressed-out locals came to get unstressed at the spa party. Guests had $35 aromatherapy massages by Synnamon Bethel and $1-a-minute chair massages by Rodney Burnell. And if that wasn’t enough to de-stress, cocktails flowed. Food, shopping, music and swag bags were also available. Bollywood and samba lessons were thrown in for good measure.
InSPArations was the inspiration of Intuitive Touch Massage owner and certified massage therapist Jaime Preston.
RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.