Top L-R: ABC affiliate television news anchor Peter Daut, Sen. Anthony Portantino, Broadway singer and actor Davis Gaines. Bottom: Celebrating Children Spring Gala Honorees: Local philanthropist Elizabeth Hoxworth and Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas. Photo courtesy Hathaway-Sycamores
Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services 11th Annual Celebrating Children Spring Gala fundraiser was reimagined as a virtual event, providing hope, recognizing champions and celebrating the impact of philanthropy. Over 400 guests tuned in to the livestream event on Saturday, March 13th and joined together to support the critical work Hathaway-Sycamores is doing in the midst of the pandemic to address the mental health needs of low-income children, young adults and families – including those who are in foster care or are experiencing homelessness. The gala was also a wonderful opportunity for friends and supporters of Hathaway-Sycamores to virtually gather and celebrate. With multi-Emmy-Award-winning journalist Peter Daut as the emcee and a special appearance by legendary Broadway singer and actor Davis Gaines, it truly was an evening to remember.
The one-hour program, filled with inspiring stories and testimonials, included a heartfelt video featuring the personal stories of Lizzet and Martine, two young adults who experienced homelessness before joining the Hathaway-Sycamores Transition Age Youth Program. Special guest and longtime friend of Hathaway-Sycamores, State Senator Antony Portantino, shared his support and belief in the agency, “What an amazing mission statement to cultivate hope. Hope is something we all need to find in our lives – and all need to share when we have it – and that’s what Hathaway-Sycamores does. It takes a holistic approach to the family, not just helping children but helping everyone in need.”
Chair of the Board Michael Galper introduced the heart of the event – the presentation of the Hathaway-Sycamores’ Celebrating Children Award. Mike said, “As we gather tonight to support Hathaway-Sycamores, one of the wonderful aspects of our annual Celebrating Children Gala tradition is having the opportunity to recognize those in our community who exemplify the ideals and values of integrity, leadership and commitment to improving the lives of children, young adults and families.” Both 2021 Celebrating Children honorees, local philanthropist Elizabeth Hoxworth and Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, certainly meet that criteria.
Elizabeth Hoxworth has been an active supporter of Hathaway-Sycamores for over 30 years, first as a volunteer and later as a board member, including two terms as Board Chair. Assemblymember Chris Holden joined with Hathaway-Sycamores President and CEO Debra Manners and Elizabeth’s daughter Elle Hoxworth Brickman to celebrate Elizabeth’s many accomplishments and impact. In accepting her award, Elizabeth stated, “When I first became engaged with Hathaway-Sycamores, a very simple philosophy was shared with me – for a child to succeed in the world they need to know that someone in the world cares for them. Hathaway-Sycamores endeavors daily, to make sure every life they touch knows that there are those who care deeply about them. For all of the thousands of lives who have been improved by the Hathaway-Sycamores, I thank you.”
Hon. Mark Ridley-Thomas has distinguished himself as an effective leader and advocate for structural change for residents of Los Angeles for nearly three decades. Currently serving as Councilmember for the Tenth Council District of the City of Los Angeles, Mark Ridley-Thomas notably authored and led LA County’s unprecedented effort to end homelessness through Measure H. Ken Bentley, CEO APGA Tour and Advocates Foundation and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, both close friends of Mark Ridley-Thomas, introduced and congratulated the Councilmember. In accepting his award, Mark Ridley-Thomas shared his passion for ending homelessness, and his belief that it is the crisis of our time. He concluded his acceptance of the award by addressing the virtual audience, “As is the case for so many endeavors, nothing ever gets accomplished alone, so I say thank you again for your partnership and commitment to this work. We’re much better because of your efforts.”
Following the presentation of the Celebrating Children Awards, guests were treated to a special appearance by Davis Gaines, Los Angeles’ longest running Phantom of the Opera, and his recorded performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” As Davis noted, “The song is especially meaningful tonight as we all come together to provide those much-needed resources so that children, young adults and families can dream beyond the rainbow and strive for a better tomorrow.”
Special thanks are extended to the 2021 Gala Committee: Co-Chairs Rita Henderson and Karen Palmersheim, Elizabeth Hoxworth, Stephanie Miller, KD Shaughnessy, Tanuja Singeetham, and Carina Walker. Deep gratitude additionally is expressed to this year’s Celebrating Children major sponsors, including: The Hoxworth Family Trust; American Business Bank; Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; Lewis Bogan; Dana & Albert Broccoli Charitable Foundation; Capital Group; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; The Freer Family; Kaiser Permanente; Roger W. Stephens; Synoptek Inc.; Western Asset; Harriet Boyd & Harold Fike; CBE Office Solutions; Dignity Health; Gayle and Michael Galper; Dr. Jim Guy and Ms. Joan Laidig; Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Lucas|Horsfall; Morrison & Foerster Foundation; Parsons Federal Credit Union; Preferred Partners Insurance Agency; Atlas IP; Beach Law Group; Kathy and Rick Beckendorf; Cigna; Michele and Todd Doney; Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.; Fuze; GHJ; Nestle USA, Inc.; Netsmart Technologies, Inc.; and media sponsors Outlook Newspapers and Pasadena Now.
About Hathaway-Sycamores
Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services is a highly respected mental health and welfare agency with 10 locations throughout Southern California. For over 118 years, Hathaway-Sycamores has been investing in people. We provide innovative and effective programs and services through a network of locations stretching across Los Angeles and the San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Antelope Valleys for children, youth, young adults, and families facing serious life challenges. Our highly effective behavioral health services impact more than 16,000 lives annually. Services include residential treatment; transitional shelter care; foster care and adoption; transitional living assistance for young adults currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness; outpatient and school-based mental health services; wraparound/in-home services; psychiatric services; psychological testing; and educational support services. Hathaway-Sycamores is licensed by the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services, certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, LAHSA funded and accredited through The Joint Commission. To learn more, visit http://www.hathaway-sycamores.org.
