Hillsides, a Southern California mental health and foster care charity, recently raised $417,000 during its annual gala, La Nuit des Rêves, at the Langham Huntington Hotel. Some 350 guests enjoyed the French-themed gala, which translates into “The Night of Dreams,” as they raised money for the 14,000 children, youth and families Hillsides serves.
The gala was co-chaired by long-time Hillsides supporters Joan McCarthy and John Gong. During the evening, McCarthy welcomed the crowd and stressed the importance of the event, which is Hillsides’ largest fundraiser of the year. “Together with your support, we are helping to fulfill the children’s dreams for a better life,” she said. “Simple dreams like having a home, a family and new clothes are what these children desire.”
The evening included a silent cocktail and dinner auction, live auction and paddle auction. NBC-4’s weathercaster Fritz Coleman emceed the live auction, which included packages such as a 12-day cruise for two on Holland America Line, a Paris Hotel Las Vegas getaway, tickets to Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and a Barbara Poer Design Golden South Sea pearl gold ring surrounded by 64 diamonds.
Attending the gala were U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, media personality Dr. Drew Pinsky and the Rev. John Taylor, among other notable guests.
Another highlight of the evening was the guest speaker Jasa Hawkins. Hawkins receives services from Hillsides’ Youth Moving On program, which provides youth with affordable housing, workforce training, and a Peer Resource Center where they can access a wide array of services and referrals. Hawkins detailed how the program helped find her job at Starbucks and an apartment after four years of homelessness.
“You hear so much that people don’t care, but if you are willing to accept help, it is there. People will slide toward you like water, and wonderful flowers will bloom once you open your heart,” she said. “That’s what happened to me at Youth Moving On. Everyone brought so much positivity and healing to my life. I now feel I have control in my life. I have a future.”
The gala was made possible by many generous sponsors, including Mario and Shelly Fiumani — Pin USA, the Havner Family Foundation, Jacob Maarse Florists, Kaiser Permanente, Rusnak Auto Group, Sherm and Marge Telleen, the Walt Disney Co., Western Asset Management and Willis Towers Watson.
The gala was co-chaired by long-time Hillsides supporters Joan McCarthy and John Gong. During the evening, McCarthy welcomed the crowd and stressed the importance of the event, which is Hillsides’ largest fundraiser of the year. “Together with your support, we are helping to fulfill the children’s dreams for a better life,” she said. “Simple dreams like having a home, a family and new clothes are what these children desire.”
The evening included a silent cocktail and dinner auction, live auction and paddle auction. NBC-4’s weathercaster Fritz Coleman emceed the live auction, which included packages such as a 12-day cruise for two on Holland America Line, a Paris Hotel Las Vegas getaway, tickets to Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and a Barbara Poer Design Golden South Sea pearl gold ring surrounded by 64 diamonds.
Attending the gala were U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, media personality Dr. Drew Pinsky and the Rev. John Taylor, among other notable guests.
Another highlight of the evening was the guest speaker Jasa Hawkins. Hawkins receives services from Hillsides’ Youth Moving On program, which provides youth with affordable housing, workforce training, and a Peer Resource Center where they can access a wide array of services and referrals. Hawkins detailed how the program helped find her job at Starbucks and an apartment after four years of homelessness.
“You hear so much that people don’t care, but if you are willing to accept help, it is there. People will slide toward you like water, and wonderful flowers will bloom once you open your heart,” she said. “That’s what happened to me at Youth Moving On. Everyone brought so much positivity and healing to my life. I now feel I have control in my life. I have a future.”
The gala was made possible by many generous sponsors, including Mario and Shelly Fiumani — Pin USA, the Havner Family Foundation, Jacob Maarse Florists, Kaiser Permanente, Rusnak Auto Group, Sherm and Marge Telleen, the Walt Disney Co., Western Asset Management and Willis Towers Watson.
