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It Rained Alumni and Generosity at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church Parent Education Gala

Published on Monday, March 3, 2014 | 1:06 pm
 

Amidst a down-pouring of rain, came a down-pouring of generosity and alumni at the LCPC Parent Education Gala: Love the Legacy on Friday, February 28th. Approximately 175 guests filled the beautiful Noor in downtown Pasadena to celebrate the program’s landmark 35th Anniversary.

Emceed by Rev. Dr. Chuck Osburn & LA Times Columnist, Chris Erskine, the evening started with an informative speech from Parent Ed Director, Anne Bierling, reminding us that amidst our freedom here in the US, an estimated 30 million people today are enslaved worldwide. With an estimated fifteen of the thirty million people in slavery worldwide currently reside in India, Parent Education designated funds from a donated doll collection in support of International Princess Project (IPP) www.intlprincess.org. Since its inception in 2007, International Princess Project (which creates pathways for freedom for those escaping the ravages of human trafficking in India), has helped more than 515 women and children leave human slavery and live dignified lives. The organization was started by a group friends from Newport Beach and is currently headed by Executive Director, Julie Wood, of South Pasadena. Bierling used their accomplishments, in addition to those of the 2014 Shining Stars, to highlight a quote from Margaret Mead: “Never believe that a few caring people cannot change the world–indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

The generosity did not stop with IPP donations. After a rousing silent and live auction dedicated to supporting the Parent Education Program, Parent Education Founders Gail Hanson, Annie Latta Krach, and Claudia Zentmyer were presented with the 2014 Shining Star Award for their dedication to helping families thrive. While it is hard to estimate exactly how large of an impact LCPC Parent Education has made, Bierling estimated that the program these women started may have touched close to 18,000 parents & children over the past 35 years. Bierling lauded, “Over those years, you taught us that the goal of good parenting was not perfection—because perfect families don’t exist—but you taught us to live fully, recover well, and rely completely on a wise and mighty God.”

Parent Ed Instructor Jan Roberts, who has been part of the program since its inception, stated about the 2014 Shining Stars: “These ladies had a vision, they had persistence, and they had God whispering in their ears–obviously a great combination for a winning idea that has stood the test of time.” Bierling also read quotes from previous directors. LCPC Ginny Kelly (who directed the program from 1999 to 2006) said “Annie, Gail & Claudia brought their knowledge of child development, their love of children, and their heart for parents, and mixed it all together with their faith in the Lord, always seeking guidance from Him. Annie dusted off her guitar, Gail met with the pastors, and Claudia brought her own babies to many of the first classes she taught.” Lois Harrison (who directed the program from 1991 to 1999) concluded:”These women were LEGENDS in the founding of LCPC Parent Ed–Spirit-led women who listened for God at every turn.”

The evening ended with encouraging, motivational, and humble acceptance speeches from the award recipients. Annie Latta Krach wrapped up the speeches with these words: “Yahoo for the village! Yahoo for Parent Ed! Yahoo for God!” The three recipients concluded the evening by leading the entire room in a sing-a-long to the 35-year-old Parent Ed good-bye song, accompanied by Annie’s very own Jack-in-the-Box! The event was hosted by the twelve LCPC Parent Education Board Members Jenn Kliewer, McCall Avery, Carrie Kingston, Julie Engler and Lynley Gross–as well as the gala committee members: Lynne Graves (Chair), Felina Mahoney (Co-Chair), Sarah Walter, Brandi Murphy, Shannon Snaer, Katrina Harbers and Julie Hale. Scott and Deena Keys were Platinum Sponsors and Gordy and Dona Crawford were Silver Sponsors for the event.

About LCPC Parent Education

If you have a child 0-18, LCPC Parent Education has a class for you! To sign up for a class or experience a free LCPC class, go to www.lacanadapc.org/parented or call (818) 790-6708 ext. 205. Classes meet weekly September through May and attract approximately 400 participants from 22 different cities. Second semester began January 28th. In addition to the classes already in session, check out the New Babies Class (for babies born August 2013- January 2014). La Canada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill in La Canada.

 

 

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