Financial Professional Sara Simpson Selected as Hillsides 2017 Gala Chair

Sara Simpson, a senior managing director at Fidelity Investments in Los Angeles, has been selected to chair Hillsides annual gala, “Las Flores de Hillsides,” to be held on February 25, 2017. Simpson, who has been a gala committee member since 2013, also serves on Hillsides board. In addition, she volunteers for Hillsides Youth Moving On program for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

“I am thrilled and honored to be given the chance to chair Hillsides gala, which is Hillsides largest fundraiser of the year,” said Simpson. “Ever since I was a little girl, it was instilled in me to help others, and I cannot think of another charity out there that does more to help children and families in need. I hope to use my experience traveling through Latin America as well as my creative vision to make this one of the most enriching and successful galas ever.”

Translated into English, this year’s gala theme is “The Flowers of Hillsides.” Simpson selected this theme out of her love of nature and because she believes that as flowers blossom and grow, so do the children of Hillsides due to the care and stability Hillsides provides for them. She has chosen the bougainvillea as the central symbol, which is a flowering vine indigenous to South America that represents protection and welcome. Her interest in Latin American culture is also reflected in the gala name and will be represented in the evening’s cocktails, cuisine, décor, and entertainment.

“It is my hope that all of the elements will come together for a fun-filled experience to help Hillsides children prosper and grow and leave a lasting legacy,” said Simpson.

Simpson, a Southern California native who resides in Pasadena, has deep roots in the community and is also an avid equestrian and photographer. Professionally, before her current job, Simpson worked for 10 years at as the Senior Vice President and Client Relationship Director with Quintus Investment Counsel in Pasadena, an investment management firm in Pasadena, where she directed the firms’? ongoing relationship with both institutional and corporate clientele as well as the firm’s private clients.

“Las Flores de Hillsides” will be held at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena and tickets are $300. There are many opportunities for organizations and individuals to sponsor the event or donate auction packages. Anyone interested in learning more about different levels of support and the benefit of contributing to the gala should contact Bernie Gore, Hillsides special events coordinator at (323) 543-2800, ext. 253 or bgore@hillsides.org.

About Hillsides

Hillsides provides high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where children and youth can thrive. Headquartered in Pasadena, the agency and its affiliation with Bienvenidos serves 13,000 children and families in Los Angeles County throughout its 35 sites, including school-based mental health offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. Foster care and adoptions services in approved resource family homes serve families in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. To learn more about both agencies, visit www.Hillsides.org and www.Bienvenidos.org. Visit Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or on Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.