Five Acres California Dreamin’ Gala Aims to Brighten Futures for Children in Foster Care

There are few sunny days for 60,000 children in California’s foster care system with roughly about 25,000 in Los Angeles. These children lay their heads at night and dream for better days. With support from Five Acres, an Altadena-based children’s foster care charity, their dreams for a loving, permanent home are possible with the funds raised from its major fundraising event. The charity is excited to announce Erica Adler and Tammi Rogers will serve as co-chairs of this year’s annual gala, “California Dreamin’,” held on Saturday, May 18.

A La Canada Flintridge resident, Adler has been involved with the charity for eight years. She serves as the executive vice president of strategy & operations, Division – Paramount Global Content Distribution Group. She has teamed up with Rogers, a Monrovia resident and an administrative supervisor at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai, who became involved last year and instantly was drawn to the mission.

“We are excited to make our children’s dreams a reality,” said Jennifer Berger, Five Acres’ Chief Advancement Officer. “In our 136-year history, more than 100,000 children and families have been served throughout our numerous programs and services, leaving a legacy we are proud of. This fundraising event will support the work we do across six counties in California.”

The annual gala will be held at the private estate of Meghan and Monte Baier in Sierra Madre. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes in our state, stunning coastlines, and opportunities in thriving industries, California Dreamin’ for better futures is what the co-chairs and the committee aspire for the children, youth and families served.

“The children’s dreams, wishes, and hopes for living in the land of opportunity is not lost on us,” said Berger. “While we continue to keep them safe and warm, we also are committed to permanency with support from families who open their hearts and homes. And we invite individuals, corporations, and local businesses to support our event and pledge today.”

Additional committee members are Claudia Alcaino, Nancy Aplin, Athena Asklipiadis, Jennifer Berger, Michael Bowman, Chelby Crawford Smith, Mimi Carter, Michele Doll, Shayna Fiore, Trish Gonzales, Rose Gonzalez, Beth Hansen, Kirsten Hansen, Tera King, Jenny Lin, Jennifer Marinov, Sue McGuirl, Matt McIntyre, Jessica Paz, Marisol Perez, Shoshana Puccia, Nicole Rasic, Candy Renick, Chris Selak, Sharick Smyser-O’Keefe, Julie Yorba, and Zeenat Zonte.

“Get ready for a memorable night of elegance and generosity at our upcoming fundraising gala, filled with joy, purpose and meaningful contributions,” said Rogers. “Your support will make a lasting impact for Five Acres. California Dreamin’….let’s make a difference together!”

Sponsor or underwriter opportunities are available. For more event information and updates, visit https://5acres.org/five-acres-annual-gala-2024/. For sponsorship opportunities, call Jenny Lin, associate director of advancement, at (626) 390-8453 or email jennylin@5acres.org. Individual tickets will become available in late March.