Twenty-five years ago, Elizabeth House opened its doors for the first time to mothers and children experiencing homelessness. Since that time, Elizabeth House remains the only maternity shelter of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley. To celebrate the victories and joys of the last quarter century, Elizabeth House hosted its 25th anniversary gala at Pasadena’s Langham Huntington Hotel on Saturday. Approximately 365 friends and supporters were in attendance to express gratitude for the impact the organization has made on the lives of more than 470 women and their children, and the event surpassed the fundraising goal, raising more than $160,000. During the evening, alumna Janna Geary shared her own journey of overcoming homelessness and finding family at Elizabeth House. Executive Director Debora Unruh was also honored as the founder and visionary who has carried the organization through all these years.
Jennifer Stanley and Mariela Spillari served as the event’s co-chairs. Committee members included Shiva Aliabadi, Antoinette Andrews, Menerva Ariki, Noli Caswell, Irma Cunningham, Kathy Gallagher, Juliana Goswick, Amanda Granier, Anita Haggstrom, Rosalie Halverson, Jamie Linton, Brooke Moore, Nancy Newhouse Porter, Nancy Norris, Kathy Perkins, Kate Rhymer, Tammy Robertson, Molly Smith, Mary Sue Scheidler, Sara Swanson, Ashley Thomas and Sandra van Berkhout. Ron Pearson, John Cervenka and Don Bookman served as emcees and provided entertainment.
Jennifer Stanley and Mariela Spillari served as the event’s co-chairs. Committee members included Shiva Aliabadi, Antoinette Andrews, Menerva Ariki, Noli Caswell, Irma Cunningham, Kathy Gallagher, Juliana Goswick, Amanda Granier, Anita Haggstrom, Rosalie Halverson, Jamie Linton, Brooke Moore, Nancy Newhouse Porter, Nancy Norris, Kathy Perkins, Kate Rhymer, Tammy Robertson, Molly Smith, Mary Sue Scheidler, Sara Swanson, Ashley Thomas and Sandra van Berkhout. Ron Pearson, John Cervenka and Don Bookman served as emcees and provided entertainment.
