Gioia Pastre, Andrea Williams, and Villa Esperanza Chief Executive Officer Kelly White at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Aida Stratos, Honoree Irene Konogeris Albeck, and Reverend Father Peter Stratos at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Chasidy Waire, Sindy Muga, Melanie Oliva, Senen Nuno, and Villa Esperanza Board Chair Hugo Nuno at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rosanna Lamarga, Yoshi Diego, and Franklin Murillo at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
David and Tina Dahl at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kathleen Pastre, Diana Seto, and Charlie Pastre at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Taylor Casillas, Austin Casillas, Vanessa Caulfield, Miles Reigle, and Villa Esperanza Chief Executive Officer Kelly White at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Leila Maitland and Noelle White at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kaholoa Dablan, Kimberly Hawkins, and Kairavi Daum at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rebekka Manzella and Michelle Lam at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Aaron Perez, Stephanie Ledbetter-Perez, Penny Ledbetter, and Steve Ledbetter at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sophia Syrengelas, Tanya Christos, Carolina Kokoris, Judith Din, and Maria Kokoris at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Michelle and Reiner Santos at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Michelle Cox, Thanos Sakavellas, and Penny Panos at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Zachary Lopez and Jessica Chow at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Darren Marco, Dan Solomon, and Casey Solomon at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Penny Ledbetter, Nadia Lee, and Mercy Steenwyk at Villa Esperanza Services Masquerade Gala held at the California Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
About 220 guests donned elegant masks and attire for Villa Esperanza Services’ annual fundraising Blue and White: Masquerade Gala, held Saturday, April 26, at The California Club in Los Angeles. The event celebrated Villa’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with all proceeds directly benefiting the organization’s nine comprehensive programs for children, adults, and seniors in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The evening featured dinner, dancing, and a lively auction, with guests bidding on art created by Villa’s participants and a variety of donated items. Attendees also had the opportunity to support Villa’s mission through a paddle raise, ensuring continued funding for educational, therapeutic, residential, and employment programs that foster independence and community integration for people with special needs.
A highlight of the gala was the presentation of the Guardian Angel Award to Irene Konogeris Albeck. Albeck has been a steadfast supporter of Villa for more than 50 years, beginning when her son, Gregory, first attended Villa as a child. Gregory now participates in the Dimensions day program, which focuses on community engagement and skill-building for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Albeck’s legacy includes years as a special education teacher at Villa and nearly a decade as an active member of the Villa Guild. Her dedication has enriched the lives of countless students and families.
Villa Esperanza Services, with a history spanning 64 years, provides a continuum of care that adapts to the evolving needs of its clients throughout their lives. The organization’s programs range from early childhood education and therapy to adult day services, residential care, and employment support. After adapting to pandemic challenges with virtual and hybrid programming, Villa has fully reopened its in-person services, allowing participants to once again enjoy campus activities, community outings, and hands-on learning experiences.
The annual gala serves as a critical source of funding for Villa’s operations, ensuring the continuation of services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence and quality of life.
For more information on Villa Esperanza and their services visit www.villaesperanzaservices.org.
