|
47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” Raises More than $150,000.00 to Benefit the Children and Families of Rosemary Children’s Services |
 |
 |
 |
 PASADENA, Calif. – On June 26, 2010, nearly 600 of Rosemary Children’s Services’ most prominent and caring supporters, volunteers, staff and guests attended the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs,” the Agency’s largest annual fundraiser and the oldest, most established culinary event in the greater Los Angeles area. Patrons of the event enjoyed an evening of gourmet food created by the area’s finest chefs as well as wine, specialty coffees, opportunity drawings, live entertainment and an exciting silent auction.
“Without a doubt, this year’s ‘Star Chefs’ was the best event held to date,” said Greg Wessels, Executive Director. “We are proud to hold this event year after year, and are grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters who make this event such a successful fundraiser for Rosemary Children’s Services.”
Sponsors of the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” included: Wells Fargo, Santa Anita Park, Tower General Contractors, MNC Technology Solutions, Touch Table, Inc., Kathy and Reid Allen, Charles Mason and Associates, Citibank, Colleen Turkal, Diane and Aurelio Munoz, Douglas Auto Body and Paint, Far East National Bank, First Private Bank and Trust, 500 Guild, Grace Nagle, Greg Wessels, Huntington Culinary, Kaiser Permanente, Nadar, Inc., Pacific Western Bank, Peggy Neiman, Romberger Guild, Vince’s Auto, Webmagic, Inc., and Yvonne Pine.
Chefs from local restaurants presented samplings of their finest cuisines. Participating restaurants included: Celestino, Charcuterie, Dandy Don's Ice Cream Sundae, DISH Bistro & Bar, El Cholo, El Portal, Front Runner at Santa Anita, Il Fornaio, Mi Piace, Munoz Catering, Nikki C's, Restaurant Noir Food and Wine, One World Vegetarian Cuisine, Pasadena Baking Company, Robin's Wood Fire BBQ, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and Whole Foods Pasadena. Fine wines, beers, beverages and spirits were provided by: MillerCoors Brewing Co., Pete's Coffee & Tea, Soleil & Terroir, and Stockholm Krystal Vodka. The “Best Booth” award was awarded to Noir Food and Wine for their creative booth display and design. 
“This year’s ‘Star Chefs’ event was filled with great food, great entertainment, and great fun,” said Jennifer Radics, Development Director. “This event allows for our Agency to invite our closest sponsors, donors, and friends in the community to enjoy an evening out under the stars while raising money to support the children and families of Rosemary Children’s Services. We are proud to have raised over $150,000.00 this year, and hope to raise even more next year!”
ABC7 Eyewitness News’ nutrition and fitness reporter “Food Coach,” Lori Corbin and the Food Network Channel’s “The Hungry Detective,” Chris Cognac served as the comical “odd couple” Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. Singer / Songwriter Chelsea Nichole performed the “Rosemary Anthem,” a touching song that captures the essence of the mission of Rosemary Children’s Services. Stone Soul provided musical entertainment all night and the Hollywood Hot Shots swing dancers wowed the crowd with their fancy footwork and routines.
Lieutenant Peter Hettema from the Pasadena Police Department was awarded Rosemary Children’s Services’ 2010 Golden Star Award, a prestigious award given to one exemplary volunteer each year who has gone above and beyond to support and serve the Agency. Lieutenant Hettema was also presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Teresa Lamb-Simpson, Field Representative from Congressman Adam Schiff’s office and a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Carol Liu’s office.
 Congressman Adam Schiff attended the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” and presented Greg Wessels with a Certificate of Recognition for Rosemary Children’s Services’ 90th Anniversary. “We are honored that Congressman Schiff was able to join us on our very special evening,” said Wessels. “The Congressman has been a great supporter for Rosemary Children’s Services and is an invaluable advocate from the foster children and families whom we serve.”
Watch Our Video!
|
|
Rosemary Children’s Services Holds 10th Annual C.A.R.E. Awards |
|
|
|
 PASADENA, Calif. On June 29, 2010, nearly 100 Rosemary Children’s Services’ staff, Directors, and Board Members gathered at the Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena to celebrate Rosemary Children’s Services’ 10th Annual C.A.R.E. Awards, an annual peer-to-peer recognition awards ceremony.
Rosemary Children’s Services’ Annual C.A.R.E. Awards Luncheon is an annual event in which RCS staff members nominate their peers in order to give recognition to outstanding employees who provide exemplary services to the children, families, and communities whom we serve. Awards are handed out for Collaboration, Adaptation, Respect, and Excellence (C.A.R.E.).The C.A.R.E. Award Luncheon recognizes employees who provide only the best, quality care and services possible.
“The C.A.R.E. Awards Luncheon is a great time for our employees to pat one another on the back and give recognition where it is due,” says Lorena Jauregui, Human Resources & Administration Director. “The C.A.R.E. Awards Luncheon also boosts employee morale, promotes employee retention, and makes Rosemary Children’s Services an employer of choice in recruitment.”
Employees submit C.A.R.E. Awards nominations for deserving employees for the Rosemary Children’s Services’ management team to review. Hundreds of nominations are received, and only a few recipients are chosen in each category of Collaboration, Adaptation, Respect, and Excellence.
This year’s award recipients included: Carmen Arroyo, Rosa Martinez, Anabel Barajas, Colleen Turkal, Matthew Marocco, Donna Bland, Jerome Jumawan, Rose Romo, Vivian Huang, Gina Baker, Desiree Martin, Carmen Rosario, Luisa Blandino, Jody Zenkus, Jacqueline Garcia, Velvetta Salary, and Rene Salazar.
|
|
Volunteer Spotlight: Lynn Lu |
|
|
|
|
 Lynn Lu joined the Board of Directors for Rosemary Children’s Services in November 2008, with the hope and desire to assist and work with underprivileged youth in our communities. Lynn Lu has a passion of working with youth, volunteering with other organizations in the past like the Glendale YMCA from 2002-2005 and the Neighborhood Youth Association from 2005-2007. In 2009, Lynn was appointed Secretary of the Board of Directors for Rosemary Children’s Services.
Lynn is an invaluable advocate for the children and families of Rosemary Children’s Services, often attending fundraising and community outreach functions for the Agency. Having a daughter of her own, Lynn knows the importance of a safe and loving environment for a child to grow and thrive in. As the Wells Fargo District Manager for the Pasadena Market, Lynn has been able to deliver Wells Fargo stuffed ponies for each teen girl living in the Rosemary Children’s Services’ Residential Group Homes for the holidays. She has also been able to assist with Rosemary Children’s Services’ fundraising efforts, coordinating more than $25,000.00 in cash and in-kind donations since her involvement with the Agency.
Rosemary Children’s Services is proud to highlight Board Member and child advocate, Lynn Lu in our Volunteer Spotlight!
|
|
Pasadena Police Lieutenant Peter Hettema Awarded 2010 “Golden Star Award” by Rosemary Children’s Services |
|
|
|
 PASADENA, Calif. – For over 30 years, Lieutenant Peter Hettema has protected and served the City of Pasadena, and on June 26, 2010, Lieutenant Hettema will be awarded the prestigious 2010 “Golden Star Award” by Rosemary Children’s Services at the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” Benefit at the historic Santa Anita Park.
“We are proud to present Lieutenant Hettema with the ‘Golden Star Award’ this year,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director for Rosemary Children’s Services. “Lieutenant Hettema is an invaluable advocate for the children of Rosemary Children’s Services within the Pasadena Police Department, among the LA County Board of Supervisors, as well as in the community at large. His tireless work in protecting and providing the best possible care for the children of Rosemary Children’s Services makes Lieutenant Hettema an excellent choice for the 2010 Golden Star Award.”
Lieutenant Peter Hettema joined the Rosemary Children’s Services’ Board of Directors in November 2008. “It is not only an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for Rosemary Children’s Services, but I also feel it is my civic duty to ensure that the foster children and youth in our communities are afforded the same quality of life as any other child in the community,” said Lieutenant Hettema.
Lieutenant Hettema also serves on the Program Committee for Rosemary Children’s Services, and spends hours combing through Agency incident reports in order to improve the programs and services offered at Rosemary Children’s Services. While serving on the Program Committee, Lieutenant Hettema was able to spearhead the development of new forms and procedures to ensure the safe and expedited return of foster youth runways and to more efficiently communicate vital information to the Pasadena Police Department. New procedures were put into place at Rosemary Children’s Services, including staff training on how to deal with runaways, to ensure an expedited return of runaways. Most importantly, through the forms and procedures there was a reduction in the number of runaways and an expedited return of runaways.
Hundreds of Rosemary Children’s Services’ supporters, donors, and volunteers will gather on June 26th at Santa Anita Park to congratulate Lieutenant Hettema on his receipt of the 2010 “Golden Star Award.”
|
|
MillerCoors in Irwindale Raises $20,000.00 for Rosemary Children’s Services Through United Way Campaign |
|
|
|
 PASADENA, Calif. – Employees of MillerCoors in Irwindale proved that every dollar does make a difference, raising more than $20,000.00 collectively through the company’s annual United Way Campaign. The United Way Campaign was spearheaded by Sungo Wang, MillerCoors Engineer and Rosemary Children’s Services’ Board Secretary.
“I was very excited when I was asked to organize MillerCoors’ United Way Campaign this year,” says Sungo. “I never thought that we would raise so much money for so many great causes including the United Way General Fund, the Boys and Girls Club, the Humane Society, and Rosemary Children’s Services.”
A number of fundraisers were held throughout the month of October to assist with the United Way Campaign, including an employee dunk tank fundraiser and prize incentives for United Way Campaign donors.
MillerCoors employees not only contributed to Rosemary Children’s Services through their pocketbooks, but also with their time and talents. Using their day off, half a dozen MillerCoors employees spent their Columbus Day repainting the parking lot of one of Rosemary Children’s Services’ Group Homes for teenage foster girls.
“With the budget cuts from the state, we really do not have the time or resources to complete much needed projects like repainting our parking lot, “ says Jennifer Radics, Development Director for Rosemary Children’s Services. “We are grateful to the MillerCoors employees who have volunteered their time, and have given up a day off of work, to help with this much needed project.”
Rosemary Children’s Services will receive the funds raised through the MillerCoors United Way Campaign over a 12-month period in 2010.
|
|
Larsen Window Cleaning Donates Services to Rosemary Children's Services |
|
|
|
 Pasadena, Calif.– In the spirit of spring cleaning, Mark Larsen, owner of Larsen Window Cleaning Inc., is donating his services to Rosemary Children’s Services.
“When I learned that this worthy organization hadn’t had the funds to clean the windows in their administration building, school and their group homes for many years, I realized I could do something that would literally brighten up their lives,” said Larsen.
In business since 1987, Larsen has a long list of commercial and residential clientele who not only schedule regular window cleaning but also call on him for solar panel cleaning, gutter clearing, and occasional power washing.
“We are thrilled with Mark’s offer,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director of Rosemary’s. “Even without the current stress on our finances during the economic downturn, this kind of donation of services is so important to us, and so very much appreciated.”
Rosemary Children’s Services is one of the oldest West Coast charities that helps boys and girls of all ages who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment. Its programs include a foster family and adoption agency, which helps nearly 400 children, annually; a non-public school providing specialized education in a small structured environment; a mental health program to provide individual and group therapy and training in various life skills; and the residential program that includes Rosemary Cottage and four group homes.
“It makes me feel good to help make things a bit brighter for these kids who have had a tough hand of cards dealt them,” says Larsen. “We all need to find time and energy to give to others, especially kids.”
|
|
Non-Profit Organization Seeks to Reduce Spending by Leasing South Pasadena Office Space |
|
|
|
 SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. - On December 1, 2010, Rosemary Children’s Services closed its doors to its South Pasadena Foster Family / Adoptions Agency in order to reduce expenses and consolidate offices. The Foster Family / Adoptions Agency was moved to 36 S. Kinneloa Ave. in Pasadena, where the Administration Offices of Rosemary Children’s Services is located.
“In economic times like these, we really need to reevaluate all of our expenses and see where we can be more efficient and cost-effective,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director for Rosemary Children’s Services. “Moving our South Pasadena Foster Family / Adoptions Agency to our building in Pasadena just makes sense at this time.”
Rosemary Children’s Services is seeking a business to take over the approximately 3042 sq ft office lease located at 1022 Mission Street on the 2nd floor. The office has a conference room, large storage area, and four offices.
To schedule an appointment to visit the South Pasadena office space call Bob Riegel, Suave Riegel Commercial Real Estate at (626) 585-4321.
|
|
Many thanks to our sponsor Charles W. Mason and Associates! |
|
|
|
|
Rosemary Children’s Services Celebrates 90th Anniversary |
|
|
|
 PASADENA, Calif. Founded in 1920 by the Pasadena Shakespeare League, Rosemary Children’s Services has proven to be a staple in the Pasadena community, providing foster care and adoption services for over 350 “at-risk” youth annually.
Rosemary Children’s Services is an independent 501(c)(3) organization based in Pasadena, but provides foster care and adoption services throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate and therapeutic support to help children, adolescents and families heal from their pasts and move toward productive and fulfilling futures.
“We are proud to announce that 2010 will be our 90th year of providing quality care to the children in our communities,” says Greg Wessels, Executive Director. “Over the past 90 years, Rosemary Children’s Services has served thousands of children and families, and has grown its programs and services from just a single care cottage for teenage girls, to a number of programs including Residential Treatment, Non-Public School, Mental Health Services, Foster Care and Adoption Services, and most recently, Transitional Housing. Our programs have grown with the needs of the youth whom we serve.”
Rosemary Children’s Services has several events in store for their 90th Anniversary, including the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” event to be held on June 26, 2010 at the historic Santa Anita Park, as well as an Open House in October 2010 that will showcase the Cottage, the first residential facility of Rosemary Children’s Services, built in 1928.
To learn more about Rosemary Children’s Services or arrange a tour of its Pasadena campus, call (626) 844-3033 or visit the agency’s website, http://www.rosemarychildren.org. |
|
|
PASADENA, Calif