Hillsides President and CEO Stacey Roth and Hillsides Gala Chair Sara Jennings at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Myles Williams and Nurit Kotick at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Hillsides Chief Advancement Officer Carrie Espinoza, Pamela Mahon, Susan Pinsky, Dr. Drew Pinsky at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Diane Hough, John Gong, Joan McCarthy at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Stacey Hoppe, Laurie De Freitas, Jenn Quinn, Michael Williamson at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Eddie Espinoza, Rodrigo Ortiz, Woody Wilson at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Steve and Julie Hulvert at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Colin Spencer, Yvette Spencer, Mario Fiumani, Shelly Fiumani, Armineh Sarkissian, Andrew Sarkissian, Ann Napal, Michael Napal at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Julian and Brittney Mair at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Charley King, Edison Barbosa, Lotte McKinnon at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Paul Chamberlain, Steve Galletly, Richard McWhorter, Sandra McWhorter, Billy Eichler at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Hillsides Gala Chair Sara Jennings and Lyssa Kerrigan at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Iris Lopez and Cindy Macias at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Lisa Clements and Natalie Dolishny at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Guillermo and Cecilia Vargas at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Brian Halliday, Margaret Otto, Anita Sniezko, David Sniezko at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Dr. Joe Pachorek and Julie Pachorek at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Laura Arias, Marisol Perez, Gloria Torres at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Amina and Richard Lynn at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jason and Dawn Koepke at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sandra McWhorter, Nick Galletly, Brigette Duarte, Richard McWhorter at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Mike and Carol Gozzip at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rody Lopez and Christina Sandoval at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Patty McAllister and John Gong at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Stephanie Eversfield and Ed Dunn at Hillsides Annual Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Hillsides, a nonprofit focused on children and youth behavioral health services and foster care and adoption, raised nearly $500,000 Saturday night at its annual fundraising gala at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles. This year’s event, An Evening at Monarch Grove, was attended by hundreds of guests that donated both in-person and online to support Hillsides’ mission to help children, youth, and families heal.
Upon arriving, guests were whisked away to an enchanted forest where human “living vines” roamed and a 10-foot butterfly took “flight” symbolizing the transformation that happens at Hillsides. The program kicked off with a warm welcome from gala chair, Sara Jennings, and Hillsides board chair, John Gong.
The evening featured a special guest speaker, Myles Williams, who once received services from Hillsides and is now employed as a Youth Advocate at Youth Moving On. The program is focused on helping young adults transition out of foster care with behavioral health support, transitional housing, and workforce training.
Fritz Coleman, a longtime friend and supporter of the organization and retired NBC4 weathercaster, once again led the live auction and paddle auction. Entertainment was provided by Mark LeVang Music and John Mahon of the Elton John band.
“I am amazed at the generosity of our donors and friends. They showed up again this year with their hearts full for the work we do, and it showed. Their financial contributions allow us to provide more children, youth, and families with high-quality care. It also allows us to attract and retain top talent to drive our mission forward. We couldn’t do it without our donors, and we are incredibly grateful,” remarked Stacey Roth, President and CEO of Hillsides.
The gala was made possible by many generous sponsors, including the presenting sponsor, The Donald Zonshine Family Foundation and title sponsors USI Insurance Services and RUSNAK Auto Group. The other major sponsors included two anonymous friends, Ayrshire Foundation, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Don and Sally Clark, C.W. Driver Companies, Mario and Shelly Fiumani – Pin USA, Jacob Maarse Florists, Sherm and Marge Telleen, and Whittier Trust Company.
The gala committee consisted of Sara Jennings, Chair, Edison Barbosa, Armida Baylon-Stelzer, Donna De Mond, Bill Eichler, Mario Fiumani, Shelly Fiumani, John Gong, Bernie Gore, Katie Hamrick, Ava Herrera, Stacey Hoppe, Pam Mahon, Susan Noce, Susan Pinsky, Sara Jane Guzman, Lyn Spector, Maureen Staley, Chelisa Vagim, Uyen-Uyen Vo, and Kim Weleba.
To learn more about Hillsides, please visit www.Hillsides.org. Visit Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or on Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.
