Residents Give from the Heart to Help Children in Need

Hundreds of charity-minded local residents took advantage of the opportunity to simultaneously enjoy an exquisite meal while raising money for youngsters in need of mental-health and other therapeutic-support services as part of Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services’ annual fundraiser Dinners From the Heart.

For three nights, nearly 350 caring community members dined at one of more than 35 first-rate restaurants throughout the greater San Gabriel Valley, as well as in Los Angeles and Glendale. This year’s event also featured several group dinners with highly accomplished individuals including: Clos Pepe Winery’s Wes Hagen and chef Claud Beltran at the Eatery; theatre, film, and television actor Gedde Watanabe and playwright Paul Kikuchi at Briganti; Los Angeles Times’ sports writers Sam Farmer and Gary Klein at Smitty’s Grill; and The International Wine & Food Society’s Dave Felton, along with Richard and Thekla Sanford of Alma Rosa Winery, at Patina.

All proceeds from the dinners will help fund Hathaway-Sycamores’ comprehensive continuum of services for children and families struggling with serious life challenges. This year, Dinners From the Heart raised more than $65,000. Since its inception in 1991, the event has garnered more than $730,000. Special thanks for Dinners From the Heart 2014 go to event co-chairs: The Los Altos Auxiliary; as well as Bob and Gregg Smith of Smith Brothers Restaurant Corporation and their participating restaurants Arroyo Chop House, Cheval Blanc, Parkway Grill, Smitty’s Grill, Seco, and Vibrato.

“Every year, I’m amazed by the generosity of everyone who takes part in Dinners From the Heart,” said Hathaway-Sycamores’ President and CEO William Martone. “The money raised directly impacts children and families dealing with very difficult issues, and we could not be more appreciative.”