Donors and Volunteers Honored at Hillsides Children's Charity Event

Hillsides honored its donors and celebrated volunteers who have exceeded the agency's expectations and contributed so much of their resources to ensure that the mission of creating safe places continues for vulnerable children and families. End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) November 29, 2011 - For Hillsides, a foster care charity serving children and families living in Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, volunteers continue to support the charity through time, talent, and treasure. At its first annual Circle of Excellence Dinner, Hillsides honored its donors and celebrated volunteers who have exceeded the agency's expectations and contributed so much of their resources to ensure that the mission of creating safe places continues for vulnerable children and families.

"The work we do to serve the most vulnerable in our community could not be done without the generous support from our donors and volunteers who selflessly commit to Hillsides mission," said Joseph Costa, the charity's chief executive officer. "I am truly honored to be among Hillsides family who demonstrate loyalty, dedication, and genuine love for what we do to help our children and families."

The dinner event, a merger of the annual Rainbow Society and Legacy Society Recognition Dinner and Angel Awards Ceremony, was hosted at Pandora on Green. More than 200 guests came together to pay tribute to major donors and volunteers.

Receiving the Hillsides Lifetime Achievement Award was Bob Fisher, who has chosen Hillsides Volunteer Network to be the beneficiary of the Ice House's anniversary show since 1988. All net proceeds for the evening benefit the children of Hillsides. Fisher has hosted several "Afternoon at the Ice House" for all the children living at Hillsides. The children enjoy a special performance and lunch.

In 2005, the Hillsides auditorium stage was named "The Bob Fisher Stage" for his contribution to Hillsides children.

In addition, Barbara Robison was named the recipient of the charity's Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service. "Desiring to help children who had experienced many problems in their young lives is the reason why I've been involved with Hillsides," said Robison.

Her volunteer experience has given her firsthand knowledge on how one person, one organization, one church and one mission can improve the lives of so many children and families. Robison has taken on various leadership positions on the Hillsides Guild and as a board member for Hillsides and Hillsides Education Center. Through her participation with Church of the Angels, Robison has served as liaison with the neighboring charity. Besides her leadership and individual giving, Robison has inspired many others to lend their time and talents.

Debbe and Spike Booth received the Hillsides Community Angel Award. Since 2003, Booth has been involved with Hillsides, serving as the chair on the board of directors and in many other leadership roles. Together with her husband, they are committed to serving the community in which they live. Their commitment is multi-layered. From believing in what the charity does and how it does it, they understand the difference every little bit makes to the clients.
Not only do they believe in the charity's mission, the Booths are also committed to other outstanding institutions in Los Angeles such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Children's Institute, Polytechnic School, Garden School Foundation, Higher Ground for Military Veterans, Living with Wolves, and the Diggers Garden Club.
Receiving the Hillsides Angel Award was Dr. Drew Pinsky, Susan Pinsky and their family. This award was truly a family affair. Longtime supporters of the Hillsides Annual Benefit, Dr. Drew has even stepped in to serve as emcee and auctioneer when needed. He has also donated his operatic talent and expertise for several live auction packages. Dr. Drew continues his involvement as the honorary chair for Hillsides Foster Soles, an annual celebrity shoe auction. Pinsky serves on Hillsides board and is on the charity's Foster Soles committee.

Their triplets have also been involved in the charity, teaching piano and ice skating lessons to Hillsides residents. Through Polytechnic School's Girls Service League, the Pinsky children helped raise more than $13,000, while also hosting a day of dance for all kids at Hillsides.

In addition, Dr. Drew designated Hillsides as one of his key charities to get a percentage of RXLocker point of purchase sales and his winnings from "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?." The Pinsky family has truly embraced Hillsides Mission.

Other volunteers also received Hillsides Special Recognition Awards were: Tiffany Chelsvig of Green Dot Corporation, Cheryl Meyer, Phyllis Parker, Foothills Middle School H.E.L.P. Service Club, Greg Mullin, Dr. Tassinari, and Nurit Kotick.

As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for vulnerable children and families by providing community-based family services, residential treatment, mental health services, special education, transitional housing and living programs, and advocacy. To learn more about the Pasadena foster care children's charity serving Los Angeles families, visit www.Hillsides.org.

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