Glendale resident and Hillsides’ board member, Mary Dee Hacker, chatted with San Marino resident Debbe Booth, also a Hillsides’ board member, and Pasadena residents Barbara and John Poer, former Hillsides’ board chair, during Hillsides Rainbow Society and Legacy Society Recognition Dinner.

In a festive tribute to a tireless and compassionate group of individuals, Hillsides celebrated donors and their loyalty to creating safe places for children at its annual recognition dinner for Rainbow Society and Legacy Society members in the fall.  Over eighty guests attended a parlor themed event, which highlighted an ice cream sundae bar.

             A Pasadena residential and community treatment center that creates safe places for children at risk and their families, Hillsides paid tribute to Rainbow Society members, a group of special friends and corporations who contribute a cash gift annually of $1,000 or more or $2,000 worth of goods and services to Hillsides.  Their gifts provide programs and services to the children and youth living on campus and at off-campus homes.

            “[Rainbow Society members] bring the spontaneous smiles to the faces of our kids,” said Nancy Garni, Hillsides’ director of development. “You help provide the tools and resources the staff and volunteers have to work with everyday at Hillsides.”

Cheryl Farrell (second from left), member of the Jeopardy! Clue Crew, took time away from the television quiz show to meet up with friends from Glendale, Mary Dee Hacker (left) and David and Sally Nichols, during Hillsides Rainbow Society and Legacy Society Recognition Dinner.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., Lisa Donahey entertained guests after dinner.  “Lisa is one of the most talented, creative, exciting, funny and passionate people I have ever met and had the privilege to work with,” said Garni of Donahey who is also a member of Hillsides Volunteer Network, a group of professionals that volunteer their time for the children of Hillsides.  “I have sat in performances that Lisa has done benefiting Hillsides with goose bumps knowing that she had not only the voice of an angel, but also the heart to match.”

            In addition, Legacy Society members were honored for including Hillsides in their will or personal estate plan.  New members were added to the growing list in the Legacy Society Garden that marks the reception area of the campus. “[Legacy Society members] are the ones that help insure that Hillsides will be around to help children for another 93 years and have your eye on the next 40,000 to 50,000 children and families who will come to us when they have nowhere else to turn,” said Garni.

A festive event, Rainbow Society and Legacy Society members were reminded of the worthwhile cause they support with the various displays.  Photographs of children’s programs like camping, science fair at Hillsides Education Center, Halloween activities, and Hillsides Family Center arts and computer workshops were displayed throughout the auditorium. Other crafts created by the children like a pillow and crotched purse were exhibited.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., Lisa Donahey entertained guests after dinner during Hillsides Rainbow Society and Legacy Society Recognition event. Donahey is also a member of Hillsides Volunteer Network, a group whose support for Hillsides has also earned them membership in the Rainbow Society.

            Alsoa Rainbow Society member, Chartwell’s Catering, Hillsides’ onsite dining service for the children and staff, donated its dining services.  To learn more about the Rainbow Society and Legacy Society, or to take a tour of Hillsides, contact Jackie Broxton, director of major gifts and planned giving, at (323) 255-9005 ext. 236 or visit www.Hillsides.org.