Marcie Robinson, Chairman of the Board and Guardian Angel Award Recipient Patty Zubar, Dodie Gregg, George Davis Picture by Paul Takizawa
Rich Byrd, Chief Executive Officer Kelly White, Larry Pastor. Picture by Paul Takizawa
Alex Greenhut, Noelle White, Staci Nesbitt, Ali Barar Picture by Paul Takizawa
Guardian Angel Award recipient Patty Zuber Picture by Paul Takizawa
Sabrina Olmos and Sandy Lopez Picture by Paul Takizawa
Tracey, Rachel and Ted Peterson Picture by Paul Takizawa
Miles Regle and Taylor Casillas Picture by Paul Takizawa
Taylor Chavez and Katie Hamrick Picture by Paul Takizawa
Linda and Mike Cassanego Picture by Paul Takizawa
Joseph Chen and Nadia Lee Picture by Paul Takizawa
Deana Seto, Jack Seto, Sara Rubalcava Picture by Paul Takizawa
Anthony Vann and Julietta Perez Picture by Paul Takizawa
Mark Alvarez, Candice Rogers, Lucy Vartarnian, Krikor Moloyan, Chris Kerns, Charlie Kerns Picture by Paul Takizawa
Chris Benter, Liz Seitz, Sarah Sorfer Picture by Paul Takizawa
Cynthia Torres and Jonathan Mendoza Picture by Paul Takizawa
Claire Marco and Katherine Pastre Picture by Paul Takizawa
“It’s great to be back!” were the sentiments echoed throughout the evening celebrating Villa’s 60th Anniversary. It Takes A Villa Blue & White gala took place Saturday, April 30 at the Langham Huntington Hotel. The evening was a great success with 175 in attendance raising $300,000 in support of Villa Esperanza’s programs and services for children, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Former Board Member and Capital Campaign Co-Chair Lisa Sloan recognized Patty Zuber with the Guardian Angel Award for her leadership and fierce commitment to Villa’s children, adults and seniors. “Patty is a person of action and doesn’t hesitate to step into any role needed,” Sloan shared. “She rolls up her sleeves and always leads with grace and dignity. Patty’s been called indispensable and the go to person when an issue arises. She values the emphasis of FUN and brings humor and creativity to all she does.” Patty graciously accepted the award and was quick to share the award with everyone in the room reminding us “it takes all of us, a village or in this case a Villa.”
The evening program, emceed by Mitch Lehman, Editor of San Marino Tribune, began with a touching personal story about Lehman’s brother, Gary, who was born with Down syndrome and their close relationship throughout the years. Lehman shared how his brother brought great joy and richness to their family. He referenced the song “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” when talking about his brother and went on to thank everyone who has considered individuals with special needs to be his/her brother too.
After dinner, Mitch, took to the stage and served as auctioneer and entertainer creating laughs and raising funds for Villa’s programs. The committee members for the event included Taylor Casillas, Kathy Cunningham, Sheela Gade, Susan Jackson, Lia Peterson Miller, Marcie Robinson, Sarah Soifer, Casey Solomon, Maryann Seduski, Liz Seitz, and Melissa Wu.
Villa Esperanza Services, established in 1961, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and education of children, adults and seniors with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Villa offers nine programs including a school for children up to the age of 22 years; a Speech and Language Center and Occupational Therapy Clinic providing children, adults and seniors with comprehensive therapies; employment services; day programs for adults; and adult residences in Pasadena. To learn more about Villa’s collaborative approach, log on to www.VillaEsperanzaServices.org.
