JANUARY 2008 E-NEWSLETTER

PASADENA, Calif. This holiday season, Santa came early to the children of Rosemary Children’s Services. Thanks to the agency’s holiday supporters: Communication Workers of America, Disney, Avery Dennison, Countrywide, Shamrock Holdings, PNC Business Credit, Parsons, Friends of Foster Children, A Foundation for Kids, Care First Health Plan, The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Fire Department, Wells Fargo Brokerage, Vitreoretinal Associates, the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena, Peak Financial Partners and the Guilds of the Romberger, Bonnie, and "500" House, Rosemary Children’s services was able to do more than give gifts, they were able to grant wishes through a series of holiday parties. All five of Rosemary Children’s Services group homes were alive with the sights and smells of the holidays. Festivities were in full swing under the glow of a brand new holiday tree, the aroma of a delicious holiday dinner, and a very special treat—the delicate sound of a grand harp being plucked in the background! Holiday activities included Tangoes puzzles, gingerbread house decorating, holiday card making, and t-shirt painting. Party-goers enjoyed holiday poem recitations and even a very special performance of "Silent Night" with harp accompaniment by Lacole, a Rosemary Cottage resident. With the Communication Workers of America providing overstuffed gift bags and the generosity of our holiday supporters, Santa needed a lot of extra help unloading his sleigh this year.

Not to be outdone by the holiday parties at the group homes, Rosemary Children’s Services Foster Family Agency and Disney threw a party that was nothing less than spectacular. Turning the Via Verde Country Club in San Dimas into a winter wonderland complete with arts and crafts tables and outdoor games, Rosemary Children’s Services celebrated the holidays with over 200 guests! Very special guests included Minnie and Mickey Mouse and of course, Santa, to bring not only gifts and smiles, but also a touch of holiday magic to boys and girls served through the Foster Family Agency. Polaroid photos with Mickey, Minnie and Santa captured memories that undoubtedly will live on in the hearts of all who attended. "All year round Rosemary Children’s Services staff work very hard to ensure that our children are out of harms way and the children we serve work especially hard to ensure that they are progressing toward a promised filled future, so the holiday gifts from our supporters reaffirms all of the good works that our children have accomplished throughout this year" explains Greg Wessels, Executive Director of Rosemary Childrens Services. And Erin Ellis, Director of the Foster Family Agency agrees, "The FFA would like to thank all of the kind and generous people who contributed to our foster children during the holiday season. We appreciate your time and support. You truly helped to make this holiday season extra special for all of the foster children placed in our care!" As much as the holiday season is about the spirit of giving, it is also about gratitude and Rosemary Children’s Services continues to be in awe of all of the generosity exhibited by all of the holiday supporters and volunteers that the agency encounters year after year. It is agreed amongst Rosemary Children’s Services that volunteers are truly Santa’s special helpers. If members of the Pasadena community would like to join the Rosemary Children’s Services family, please contact us at 626.844.3033 or visit, www.rosemarychildren.org, to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Next

©2008 Rosemary Children's Services. All rights reserved.