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Winter 2010 Volume 1 / Issue 1
Lee Meriwether There’s beauty in her actions, too
CaMp paivika A place to be me
Matteo paturzo A day in the life
1
CaMp paivika
Camp Paivika
600 Playground Drive
Crestline, California 92325
909.338.1102
www.abilityfirst.org/camppaivika
For special needs kids and adults, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika is an oasis of possibility.
It is a place where lifelong friendships are made, and where campers blossom and thrive.
It is a place of safety and compassion.
Campers experience the wonders and fun of camp including horseback riding, swimming,
adaptive sports and recreation, and more. The rewards are great. Families gain a much
needed respite.
Camp Paivika Memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
2profiLe
Lee MeriwetherAlways Here
As an AbilityFirst
Honorary Chairperson
4 feature
Toyota Getting Involved-Making
a Statement
5profiLe
Barbara Rosas An Independent Life
through AbilityFirst
6profiLe
Michael GriggsSoars at Camp Paivika
In this issueDear Readers,
Welcome to AbilityFirst Magazine, spotlighting the people we touch in the many communities we serve.
In this issue, you will read about giving and caring people who help move our organization’s mission forward – program participants, donors, staff and businesses. You will also meet several of the individuals in our programs and learn how their lives have been enhanced by AbilityFirst.
Matteo Paturzo is our cover story. This remarkable teenager is never left out. It takes a team of people, family and AbilityFirst staff, on a daily basis to maintain his maximum level of care. AbilityFirst is there to accommodate Matteo with care and an understanding of his needs.
As you read, keep in mind that it is your continued financial support that enables us to provide the best programs in nurturing environments. Our ability to do this has always been – and will continue to be – directly correlated with your desire to support us. State budget cuts will affect people with disabilities who are most vulnerable and who strive daily to build their self esteem, confidence and independence. We are trying to keep all cuts as far from the lives of people with disabilities as possible. Will you help us? Please visit our website to make a donation of any amount.
Sincerely,
Lori GangemiPresident and CEO
Our missionAbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.
Editor Carolyn Aguayo
Writing Lynne Heffley
Design FreeAssociates
Photography Jim Douglass and Ed Krieger
8profiLe
Rick WatsonCommunity Role Model
“It’s like a love that was just
there to be found”
10profiLe A Day in the Life:
Matteo PaturzoMatteo thrives in the
AbilityFirst – Anaheim
Program
12feature
Building Independence—Celebrating CommunityThe Joan and Harry A. Mier
Center Capital Campaign
builds momentum
13profiLe
Joetta Di BellaTouched by AbilityFirst
Legacy Society member
leaves her mark
14GaLLery Around AbilityFirst
16annuaL report Financials 2008-2009
17ConneCtion Directory and Leadership
always2 3ProfIlelee MerIWether / honorary ChaIrPerson
hereLee Meriwether:
for abiLityfirst
The Miss America pageant, that is.
Winner of the Miss San Francisco and
Miss California pageants, Lee was a drama
student at City College of San Francisco
when she was crowned Miss America
of 1955 in the pageant’s first live telecast
which aired in September, 1954.
The young beauty queen’s professional
acting career began in the Philco
Television Playhouse, a distinguished
anthology drama program. She used her
pageant scholarships to study in New
York with legendary acting teacher Lee
Strasberg and famed tap dancer and
choreographer Paul Draper.
Soon, Lee was one of Hollywood’s busiest
actresses, with starring or recurring roles
in multiple TV series. Her small screen
credits range from “Dr. Kildare,” “Time
Tunnel,” “Mission Impossible” and
“Barnaby Jones” to her current continuing
turn as Ruth Martin in “All My Children.”
Among her favorite big screen roles are
“Angel in My Pocket” with Andy Griffith
and “The Undefeated” with Rock Hudson
and John Wayne. (And “Batman” buffs
take note: Lee was slinky, seductive
Catwoman in the original 1966
“Batman” movie.)
Currently, Lee is featured in two upcoming
independent films: “Much Ado About
AbilityFirst has been blessed with
many loyal supporters since
its inception as the Crippled
Children’s Society of Southern California
in 1926. For more than three decades, Lee
Meriwether—a former Miss America and
an actress instantly recognizable from her
rich and varied career in film, television
and theater—has been one of them.
A frequent participant in AbilityFirst’s
“Hooray for Hollywood” events at the
Lawrence L. Frank Center, Lee began
helping with fundraising efforts and
raising awareness for the organization in
the 1970s. It was then that the late Christie
Palmer, another longtime AbilityFirst
supporter, invited Lee to participate in an
upcoming fundraiser.
Lee, who has lent her name and support to
numerous charities throughout her career,
responded with characteristic enthusiasm
and found herself at “The World’s Greatest
Working Truck Show,” a former annual
benefit for AbilityFirst.
She returned year after year as chairperson
of the benefit. With the advent of other
fundraising events, “I just stayed on and
have been one of the honorary chairs who
helps out whenever called upon.”
Lee also became a frequent visitor to
AbilityFirst community centers, because
she was struck, she says, by the progress
that she observed individual young
program participants make over time.
“I saw what was being done and what was
being taught and what was being learned,”
Lee says. “That, more than anything else,
has probably spurred me on to say ‘yes’
whenever anyone called, to help out in any
way I can.”
Lee also uses her celebrity status during
appearances at memorabilia shows to
spread the word about Camp Paivika,
AbilityFirst’s fully accessible recreation
facility for children and adults in the San
Bernardino Mountains. “I let people know
that the money that they’re giving me for
signing autographs and for pictures goes
to Camp Paivika,” Lee says. She tells fans
that they can write a check to AbilityFirst
directly, too.
Lee’s commitment to helping others
began early in life. As a teenager, she
was a member of the International Order
of Rainbow Girls, a youth organization
for girls and young women dedicated to
leadership and service. When she became
“an aide to a nurse’s aide” at the Shriners
Hospital for Crippled Children in San
Francisco, she “began to look forward
to helping in any way I could,” and
remembers successfully feeding one little
boy who had been refusing to eat by telling
him about a Western she had seen.
“I was thinking of working with
emotionally disturbed children and using
theater as a teaching tool. Of course, I got
sidetracked with the pageant.”
A successful acting career and charitable work keeps this former Miss America busy and happy
Continued on page 4
4 5ProfIle
IndependentBarBara rosas / res Ident and Work Center eMPloyee
Middle School,” and “Touching Home”
with Ed Harris.
Lee’s first love however, is the theater.
She is closely affiliated with Theatre
West, a respected professional theater
company in Hollywood, and among her
many other stage credits are national
tours of the all-star 20th anniversary
run of Dan Goggin’s riotous comedy
“Nunsense” and Neil Simon’s “Plaza
Suite,” the latter with her actor-playwright
husband, Marshall Borden.
(Lee’s daughters by her first marriage,
Lesley and Kyle Aletter, have followed in
their mom’s professional footsteps: Lesley
is a stuntwoman who has doubled for Lee,
and Kyle, an actress, has performed with
her mom on stage.)
Lee is now at work on her own one-
woman show, “The Women of Spoon River,
Their Voices From the Hill,” based on the
female characters in the Edgar Lee Master
classic, “Spoon River Anthology.”
Despite her full schedule, Lee continues
to find the time to be of service. She is
grateful that her career has allowed her to
“give back by caring for people and taking
care in a small way.” Helping AbilityFirst
in its efforts to help others, Lee says, is
always close to her heart.
“I don’t know why more people don’t
volunteer,” she says. “Maybe it’s difficult
for them. Maybe they don’t see the hope
that’s there. “
Continued from page 3
In June 1961, high school
senior Barbara Rosas was
about to graduate. Like
most teens her age, she was
thinking about her future.
For Barbara, that meant a job
and independence. She knew,
however, that her epilepsy
would pose a challenge for
prospective employers.
Opportunity, however, was
closer than Barbara realized.
Throughout high school,
Barbara had been involved
in programs offered by
AbilityFirst (then the
Crippled Children’s Society)
and was a participant in the
afterschool program at the
Woodland Hills-based Paul
Weston Center.
(Established in 1954 by the
Crippled Children’s Society as
the Rancho Del Valle Center,
the facility was renamed to
honor big band leader Paul
Weston, a former board
member and supporter of
AbilityFirst.)
Barbara had noticed
adults with physical and
developmental disabilities
coming by bus to a large red
barn on the center grounds.
She learned that these adults
were employees of the center’s
work program who were
paid to perform assembly,
packaging, sorting and
other tasks.
“I felt it was time to start
looking for a job,” Barbara says,
“and it was right there
on the property.”
By July 1962, Barbara was
part of the center work crew.
She has been there ever
since, although the barn was
replaced in 1979 by the newly
built Paul Weston Work Center.
Barbara achieved another
personal milestone in
1989, when she left her
parents’ home in Encino and
moved into the AbilityFirst
Rancho del Valle residential
apartments that had just
opened on the center grounds.
“Everybody needs their own
place, but I didn’t know if I was
going to end up moving out,
because,” Barbara observes
matter-of-factly, “there’s not
many people who take to
people who are epileptic.”
Barbara adds that she was glad
when, in 1999, the Crippled
Children’s Society officially
became AbilityFirst. “That was
pretty nice,” she says. “It fits.
It means that what we can do
comes first.”
The Paul Weston Work Center
program is a growing success.
Last year marked a 70% rise
in productivity, and among
the businesses served by the
program are Union Bank,
Countrywide Financial and
the California Health Institute.
Work Center Director Don
Costill notes that plans are
underway to expand the work
program offerings with seven
additional staff positions. New
programs under consideration
include a computer lab and a
day program for seniors 55
and older with an optional
work component.
In the computer lab, an
instructor from the Los
Angeles Unified School
District would teach center
clients how to navigate the
internet, put together a resume,
fill out a job application and
what to expect in an interview,
Costill explains. “Anything
that’s connected with their
getting a job outside of
AbilityFirst.”
The center also hopes to
enhance its supported
employment program with
food service training.
throuGh abiLityfirst
barbara rosas:
Life
Barbara Rosas has been a Paul Weston Work Center participant since 1962.
toyota: GettinG invoLved and MakinG a stateMent
Corporate partnerships are the mainstay of many AbilityFirst programs and services. Some of these vital partnerships support specific programs. Others underwrite AbilityFirst events or donate products or services in-kind. Some provide direct financial support.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., is one of the companies whose partnership is helping to advance the AbilityFirst mission. An annual donor since 2005, the Torrance-based company has contributed a $5,000 grant and financial sponsorships of $2,500 each for AbilityFirst’s 2006 and 2007 Festival of Fall annual fundraisers.
In addition, Toyota has generously donated two accessible vans to AbilityFirst community centers. The East Los Angeles Center received one of the vans, valued at $40,000, in 2005. The other van, a 2009 donation valued at $34,000, went to the Harry A. Mier Center.
“The event sponsorships support our Afterschool Programs,” says Mary Beth Perrine, AbilityFirst’s Vice President of Development, “and the two vans are significant gifts that go beyond their monetary value. We keep them for years and use them every day to accomplish one of our key initiatives: the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.”
“We understand that, and we’re in the transportation business, so it works well,” says Michael Rouse, Toyota Motor Sales’ Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Affairs. Rouse notes that his company donates 50 to 60 vehicles to nonprofit groups each year, for either in-service use or for fundraising purposes.
Since 1991, Toyota as a whole has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S., with an emphasis on diverse communities and local organizations and a focus on the environment, education, safety and initiatives in other areas of need.
“Supporting local communities is important to the company,” Rouse says. “We want to give back to the communities that have supported us. It’s our small way of saying thank you.”
The “lion’s share” of Toyota’s support benefits education in various categories, Rouse says. “All of our affiliates are involved in supporting education. It goes to a core belief: An educated person has a better chance for success in life.”
In addition, “diversity is a major overlay to everything we do. When we’re looking at the various populations that we want to pay attention to and support, AbilityFirst falls under that heading of diversity. It goes a long way toward helping those with different abilities to realize their dreams.”
Harry A. Mier Center Activity Leader Rick Watson and program participants (l-r) Corinthia Brown, Shane Gray and Antonio Rosas get ready to travel into the community in a new Toyota van.
7MIChael GrIGGs / PaIVIka CaMPer ProfIle
mebea pLaCe just to
6
AbilityFirst camper Michael Griggs soars at Camp Paivika and in life
the same life experiences. I make a lot
of wonderful friends who are staff every
year. And of course, there is Kelly (Camp
Paivika Director Kelly Kunsek) who is
awesome,” he adds.
“One of the most important things that
happens at camp is the forming of life-
long friendships,” Kunsek says. “The
individuals that come to Camp Paivika
for a summer are a unique, diverse group
of people. We come together for a week of
fun and friendship in a completely barrier-
free environment, which opens up so
many possibilities for our campers as well
as staff. Camp is not only a place for new
friendships, but also for annual reunions
as so many of our campers return year
after year.”
Every summer at camp is a life-changing
experience, Michael feels. Campers of
all ages come from different walks of
life, “with thoughts and views about our
disabilities.” The staff, too, he notes, have
different experiences and interactions with
the disabled population. “But somehow all
those differences seem to disappear and
after one or two hours we’re all just one
big happy family.”
People with disabilities, Michael notes,
“just want to be accepted for who we are,
and we don’t always get that from regular
society. Camp Paivika is a place where
we know that we are valued and that
we matter.”
Going away to summer camp for
the first time could give any
9-year-old a few butterflies. For
a 9-year-old in a wheelchair due to severe
cerebral palsy, the prospect of leaving the
security of home for the great outdoors
was downright unsettling.
Fast-forward 13 years. Michael Griggs,
once that frightened little 9-year-old,
is now 22 and a seasoned veteran of
AbilityFirst’s Camp Paivika summer
program for adults and children with
disabilities.
When he arrived at Paivika all those
years ago, Michael says, in no time the
scenic beauty of the site and the warm
welcome that he received took away his
fear and insecurity.
He has been making annual trips to the
camp’s location in the San Bernardino
Mountains on National Forest land ever
since, experiencing a sense of freedom
there inspired not only by the stunning
vistas of mountains, sky, majestic trees and
valley views, he says, but by the fact that at
Camp Paivika, “I can just be me.”
“That’s a welcome change,” Michael
observes. “Sometimes I try so hard to
over-compensate for my disability that
I don’t let people see the real me. But at
camp that is not an issue. Everybody there
gets to see the real Michael.”
That was a revelation that Michael felt
at the very beginning of his Camp
Paivika experience.
“When I first went there, it was the first
time that I actually saw myself in a
positive light. I was like, maybe I don’t
have to always focus on my disability.
Maybe I have a lot to offer people in spite
of my disability.”
“It was the first time,” he says, “that I
learned that your disability only defines
you if you let it.”
Camp Paivika opened in 1947 as one of
the first fully accessible resident camps
in the United States, where adults,
teens and children with mild to severe
physical and developmental disabilities
enjoy a traditional year-round camp
experience — swimming, archery,
horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts,
performing arts, talent shows, hiking
and nature walks, campfires, camp-outs
and more — creatively adapted to enable
full participation.
The opportunity to socialize and converse
with peers is another draw for many
campers like Michael. Gregarious, with
a philosophical bent, a head full of ideas
and a gift for writing, he has made long-
term friends at camp, particularly among
Paivika staff.
“I love to hang out with the staff and the
other campers,” he says, “but the staff
are around my age, so we have a lot of
8 9ProfIlerICk Watson / aCtIVIty leader
Children at the Harry A. Mier Center inspire Rick Watson
modelrolesomething that he hopes will come to pass
when the Center realizes its $5 million
Capital Campaign goal and is able to move
forward with plans for expansion.
New buildings and modern facilities will
benefit the children and adults at the
Center, he notes, and allow it to expand
its programs to more individuals with
disabilities in Inglewood and in the under-
served surrounding communities.
Watson became interested in working
with children with special needs when
he joined the Los Angeles Unified School
District’s PSI (Preschool Intensive)
program 17 years ago.
“It was funny, here I am, a six foot-six,
280-pound black man with a bald head,
working with these little autistic babies,”
Watson says, amused by the image, but
invoking it for a reason: He would like to
see more men become involved and serve
as role models in this crucial care-
giving field.
His own reason for staying in it, despite
the challenges? That’s easy.
“They just need me,” he says simply,
referring to the children in his care. “And
I need them. It’s like a love that was just
there to be found. This place is the best
thing that ever happened to me.”
Rick Watson’s plate was already full
when he discovered the AbilityFirst
Harry A. Mier Center in his Inglewood
neighborhood more than 12 years ago. A
former U.S. Air Force fireman and a father
of two, Watson was a special education
teacher, a PTA president, a Cub Scout
leader and a coach year-round for kids
basketball, baseball and football.
Yet Watson found that he had still more
to give, signing on to become an Activity
Leader in the Center’s afterschool
program for children with physical and
developmental disabilities, under the
guidance of the program’s beloved, long-
time supervisor, Hattie Bell.
So, when Watson’s day ends as a special
education teacher for 6th to 8th graders
at Johnny Cochran Middle School in Los
Angeles, he heads back to Inglewood
where he devotes the rest of the afternoon
to engaging his group of five 8- to 10-year-
old special needs children in a variety of
enriching, educational—and just plain
fun—activities.
“When I first get here, we do homework.
Then we have games and puzzles and
outside activities like volleyball, baseball
and horseshoes or, we swim. And we make
snacks—that’s a favorite with my kids.”
Watson is also an avid gardener and his
children at the Center always share in the
bounty when Watson harvests the crop
from his prized apple tree.
“I bring the apples in and my five children
clean them and peel them and core them,
put them in the pot, boil them down, add
some butter and cinnamon. I have a great
recipe for applesauce,” Watson enthuses.
He is looking forward to creating a hands-
on garden project on Center grounds,
Become a team member and/or sponsor a team member as we cross the finish line together at these events:
los anGeles MarathonSunDAy, MARch 21
santa anIta derBy day 5k run/WalkSATuRDAy, APRIl 3
Visit www.abilityfirst.org for more information.
a
for an enriChinG Life
Rick Watson keeps an eye on Harry A. Mier Center Participants Jalisa and Joselyn Williams.
Get invoLved. and inspired.
We thank the Forest Lawn Foundation for their challenge grant. Funds that we raise above $130,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000!
10 11Matteo Paturzo / ProGraM PartICIPant ProfIle
life Matteo Paturzo, AbilityFirst – Anaheim Programdaya in the
have conversations to distract Matteo
when we’re changing him. We try to make
him as comfortable with the process as
possible.”
Bayani and the other staff members get to
know the children and teens in their care,
learning over time the best approach to
use with each individual participant when
difficult situations arise.
“If they seem upset, we ask what
happened,” Bayani says. “If they’re not
having a good day we are considerate of
their feelings. We try to cheer them up, get
them involved in activities.” Those who
remain upset can feel safe in a room set
aside for supervised alone time until they
feel able to rejoin their peers.
Matteo, however, is “always happy, always
joyful, he smiles all the time,” Bayani
says. “Try to get him not to smile and he’ll
smile all the more.” To communicate with
Matteo, Bayani asks questions with two-
option answers, using his right and left
hands as visual aids. Matteo nods at the
hand that represents his choice.
Despite his limited movement, Matteo
isn’t left out of activities at the Center that
range from board games and arts and
crafts, to adaptive outdoor activities like
basketball and trips to the local park.
High school freshman Matteo
Paturzo likes pretty girls,
dancing and basketball. Typical
teenage boy stuff. But Matteo’s life is far
from typical.
This growing adolescent, with an
infectious smile that lights up a room and
eyes that sparkle with interest, doesn’t
speak or walk, due to a neurological
disorder that was diagnosed when he was
10 months old. Matteo, 14, is unable to take
care of his personal hygiene needs and is
at risk of choking when he eats. He needs
maximum assistance.
Matteo’s day begins when his mom,
Sharon, wakes him up at 6:15 a.m. She
rolls her son on his back and onto wedge
pillows so that he can sit up. She changes
him, washes and dresses him, puts on
his leg braces, then transfers him to
his wheelchair.
Before Sharon seats Matteo, she supports
his weight so that he can stand and stretch.
“He touches his toes, he stretches his arms
as if he’s touching the sky,” she says. “He
loves to stretch.”
Matteo then watches cartoons from the
dining room while Sharon prepares his
usual breakfast – “pancakes, bananas
and whipped cream” – and feeds him.
After breakfast, Sharon gives her son his
medication for a mild seizure disorder
and prepares him with extra sanitary
protection as a precaution against Matteo’s
hour-long bus ride to school. She brushes
Matteo’s teeth, washes his face and
hands, combs his hair and puts on his
wrist braces.
When the transport bus arrives at
7:20 a.m., “Matteo has a big smile for
everybody,” Sharon says, especially, she
adds, for the pretty young woman who
drives the bus. Because of Matteo’s seizure
disorder, an aide provides one-on-one
support during the ride.
When his school day ends at 3 p.m.,
Matteo and other special needs students
have an activity-packed afterschool
program waiting for them at the
AbilityFirst-Anaheim Program, where
Matteo has been a regular since 2007.
Matteo knows the Center’s schedule by
heart and greets each day’s activities with
unflagging enthusiasm, Sharon says. “If I
give him a choice of staying home or going
to AbilityFirst,” Sharon says, “he always
wants to go.”
When Matteo’s bus arrives at the Center,
AbilityFirst staff member Robert Bayani
takes over. Bayani, 21, a psychiatric
technician student at Cypress College, has
been one of Matteo’s usual caregivers at
the Center for the past two years.
“When Matteo is dropped off from school,”
Bayani says, “we bring him inside and
take care of hygiene first.” Bayani notes
that consideration for Center participants
who need toileting care is a priority. “We
Continued on page 12
Robert Bayani and Aileen Obedoza from the Anaheim Program assist Matteo Paturzo out of his wheelchair.
12 13ProfIleJoetta dI Bella / leGaCy soCIety
Legacy Society member Joetta Di Bella leaves her mark Emmy Award-winning
producer Joetta Di Bella was
introduced to AbilityFirst in
2007, when she was asked to
assist the communications
department with a special
event for the organization.
Di Bella has been part of
the AbilityFirst family ever
since, serving as Chair of
AbilityFirst’s Marketing
Committee and sitting on the
agency’s Capital Campaign
Communications Committee.
Di Bella is also a member of
the AbilityFirst Legacy Society,
one of the generous donors
who support AbilityFirst
through planned or deferred
giving options that may
include a will, a charitable
gift annuity, a trust or an
insurance policy.
What attracted Di Bella
to AbilityFirst? When she
observed the organization in
action, “I knew that this was
my charity.” One of the first
things she noticed, Di Bella
says, was the warm interaction
between adult employees and
the supportive staff at the
AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank
Work Center in Los Angeles,
reflected in the pride that the
employees took in their work.
Di Bella, an Emmy winner
for her “Tournament of
Roses Parade” productions
and producer and writer of
six Hollywood Christmas
Parades, is Archivist and Event
Producer for the Pasadena
Tournament of Roses. “So,
I have an idea of how a
volunteer organization can
make a huge impact. You see
a group like AbilityFirst
function as they do with a
small staff of people and what
draws me to them is their
strength of character and
generosity of spirit.”
Di Bella decided that she could
best enhance her financial
support for AbilityFirst by
including the organization
in her will. She recognized
that such deferred giving is of
vital importance in enabling
AbilityFirst to continue to meet
the needs of the disability
community. It also helps
support the organization
in tough economic times,
Di Bella points out.
“It’s a difficult economy
for everyone right now, so
charities are struggling,”
she acknowledges. But by
becoming a Legacy Society
member, a donor can help
“sustain the organization and
assure that it will continue to
operate long after we’re gone.”
“I think that it’s important
for us to leave our mark on
this planet. Don’t we owe it
that? And I think that I owe
AbilityFirst for giving me
a vision of how joyous life
can be—no matter who you
are, no matter what your
disabilities.”
For more information contact
Mary Beth Perrine
Vice President of Development,
AbilityFirst, at 626.639.1743.
AbilityFirstTouched
After visiting the Lawrence L. Frank Work Center and witnessing the adult employees and staff at work, Joetta Di Bella was inspired. She decided to become a Legacy Society member.
by
Snack time is definitely a highlight for
Matteo, Bayani laughs. “He loves pasta.
That’s all he requests. We chop it up so he
doesn’t choke. He can chew and swallow,
but he needs help getting the food into his
mouth, so we feed him. He drinks out of a
cup and we hold the cup for him.”
During sports activities, Bayani motivates
Matteo to participate and move to the best
of his ability. He places a ball in front of
Matteo’s wheelchair and encourages the
teen to kick out at it. For basketball, “we
put the ball on top of his table and he
holds it down while we maneuver him
around the other participants and then we
help him throw the ball into the hoop.”
Matteo needs no encouragement to dance.
Bayani explains that he holds Matteo
upright so that the teenager is able to move
his legs “and jump up and down to the
beat. It’s great exercise for him.”
For stories and movie time, Bayani
transfers Matteo from his wheelchair to a
beanbag chair. “We try to get him out of
the chair as much as we can each day and
have him stretch and reposition.”
Bayani has come to view the children and
adults with disabilities at the Center “like
a second family,” and is pursuing a career
as a psychiatric technician.
“Being at AbilityFirst has just opened my
eyes to how many people are in need of
assistance,” he says, “And how even with
their conditions, they can have a happy
outlook. I love to be in that environment.
It makes me happy when they’re happy. I
love hearing their stories and I love telling
them my story.”
Sharon is grateful to the AbilityFirst-
Anaheim Program, she says, because
Continued from page 10 where others may see children like Matteo
as a burden, AbilityFirst, “just kind of lets
them thrive. They’re just looking for them
to be the best that they can be and have a
happy life.”
Besides, she notes, a residential babysitter
will only do so much. “They may not want
to lift him. And it takes a special person to
change a teenage boy,” she says matter-of-
factly. Before Matteo came to AbilityFirst,
he was in other afterschool programs that
couldn’t accommodate the level of care
he needed. At one facility, “I was running
back and forth to change him and feed
him.” At another, “they couldn’t lift him
because of liability.”
The AbilityFirst staff, however, are
“well-trained, professional and they
have a genuine concern for the kids. It’s
like a family. It’s just a phenomenal
organization.”
Since 1976, the AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center has provided essential services to children and adults with special needs in the Inglewood and South Los Angeles area.
Time has taken its toll on the 1930s-era buildings, however. In recent years, the limited square footage and the deterioration of the structures have restricted AbilityFirst’s efforts to introduce much-needed new programs and
to extend its reach to the area’s large, disabled population.
That is why, in 2007 we launched a $5 million capital campaign: Building Independence—Celebrating Community: The AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center. It will allow us to replace the existing Harry A. Mier Center buildings with a proposed 8,000 square foot community center. With that expansion, we will more than double the capacity of the children we can serve daily from 25 to 60, and more than triple the number of adults, from 30 to 100.
The Forest Lawn Foundation provided a lead gift of $250,000. By December 2007, we had achieved 100% giving from our AbilityFirst Board members. Now we are seeking support from individuals, corporations and foundations, asking that they become part of this urgent and meaningful project.
We are grateful to the generous donors who have committed $10,000 or more to the AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center:
R.C. Baker Foundation
Steve and Mary Brockmeyer
Cacique Foundation
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
Ray Cherry
Blanka and Jim Douglass
Lena M. Echols
James and Barbara Feiga
Forest Lawn Foundation
FreeAssociates Group, Inc.
John & Jacqueline Furby
John & Lori Gangemi
Dr. Philip & Tanya hart
Jay Henneberry &
Roberta Manshel
Lorna M. Johnson
Jane Kaczmarek
John & Jennifer Kelly
David & Sophie King
lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.
Lena Longo
The Estates of Joan and
Harry A. Mier
Eyal & Christel Mintz
Mordena M. Moore
Thomas E. Nix
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy P. O’Brien
Mary Beth Perrine
Angela J. Reddock, Esq.
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Rogahn
Dave & cindy Seastrom
Jaclyn Smith
Sanford “Sandy”, Linda &
Taylor Smith
Stuart & Patricia Wilkinson
Estate of Celestine Woods
For more information contact Mary Beth Perrine Vice President of Development, AbilityFirst, at 626.639.1743.
AbilityFirst Board Member and Capital Campaign Donor Mordena M. Moore shares a special moment with Harry A. Mier Center Program Participant Antonio Rosas.
14 15GalleryfaCes & PlaCes
1 Program participants from the Newport Mesa Center performed a dance to the song “Silly Hat” during the center’s 10th anniversary party attended by families and friends.
2 AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall Steering Committee member Gale Kohl and chair Richard R. Frank celebrate another successful event at the South Pasadena home of John and Diane Mullin.
3 AbilityFirst friends John and Diane Mullin (left), with AbilityFirst President and CEO Lori Gangemi, graciously opened their home for the AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall, a food and wine tasting event benefiting the Lawrence L. Frank Center and Pasadena Work Center.
AbilityFirstAround
4 Proceeds from the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center Guild’s Annual Fashion Show went towards paying for the center’s indoor warm water pool that was damaged by fire. Guild President Mary Alice Braly (right) and Event Chair Melina Morgan (center) welcome Lori Gangemi to the event.
5 The Weston Work Center Marathon Campaign Team, staff and program participants gather for an official photo for their webpage.
6 The Harry A. Mier Center received a $10,000 check from The CarMax Foundation. Pictured at CarMax in Inglewood are (L-R): CarMax Location General Manager Andy Thalken; Harry A. Mier Center Director Monique Watts; CarMax Purchasing Manager Dennis Hayes; Lori Gangemi; and CarMax Location General Manager John Stokes.
7 The annual AbilityFirst Board of Directors retreat took place at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. Pictured (L-R) are Jose Marquez; Sanford “Sandy” Smith; David M. Seastrom. Middle row: Mark Fedde; Lori Gangemi (President & CEO); Angela J. Reddock, Esq.; Mordena Moore; Stuart M. Wilkinson; Farid Hassanpour, M.D.;
Jay Henneberry. Front row (seated): Maria French, Ph.D; Carol Llewellyn (Chair); Steve Brockmeyer; Patricia Vick, Esq.; Ray Cherry. Not pictured are Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson; David W. King; Richard R. Frank; Philip S. Hart, Ph.D; John Kelly.
8 The Pasadena Work Center held its holiday party at Brookside Park. The annual event also presents awards to its business services customers. Lori Gangemi and program participant Christie Warfield present the Customer of the Year Award to Robert Hoyt, President of Lather.
9 At the Honda Center, Anaheim Program participants attended a private ice skating lesson with the stars of Disney on Ice. Program participants, including Mark Wolffer (pictured), also had a “meet and greet” with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
10 The Lawrence L. Frank Center launched a new tradition – Christmas caroling. Children sang favorite holiday songs through the Chapman Woods neighborhood of Pasadena. Resident Loretta Hoffman and son (pictured) welcomed the group into their home for hot chocolate.
11 L. L. Frank Work Center Director Fennie Washington (left) and Program Participant Antoine Stamps in their finest at the center’s annual Holiday Ball. This year’s event was held at the USC Radisson Hotel and celebrated another successful year of providing business services to Los Angeles.
12 Broadway L.A. hosted a performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Pantages Theatre. The “KTLA Morning News” team (pictured) invited viewers to purchase tickets with a portion of proceeds benefitting AbilityFirst. Prior to the stage show, the newscasters appeared on stage
alongside AbilityFirst Honorary Chairs Jane Kaczmarek and Lee Meriwether to read portions of the book How The Grinch Stole Christmas to the children of AbilityFirst and their families, and the entire audience. Gathered in the theatre lobby are (L-R) Eric Spillman, Frank Buckley, Jessica Holmes, Mark Kriski, Michaela Pereira, Jane Kaczmarek, Sam Rubin and Lee Meriwether.
13 Lee Meriwether and Lori Gangemi get together with program participants from the Newport Mesa Center at the benefit performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Pantages Theatre.
1
3
5
2
46
12
13
10
98
7
14
11
14 Captain Henry Romero (left) of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deparment arranged for Santa Claus to arrive by helicopter at the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station where East Los Angeles Center program participants, including Brent Romero (right), were waiting.
16 17ConneCtIonloCatIons and leadershIP
Headquarters1300 East Green StreetPasadena CA 91106626.396.1010626.396.1021 [email protected]
Department ManagersCarolyn Aguayo, Director of CommunicationsLaura Beck, Director of Human ResourcesJoel Bronson, Director of Information TechnologyDan Detwiler, Facilities ManagerSyed Kazmi, ControllerIsis McDonald, Director of Business and Employment ServicesNeomia Phillips, Director of Housing
Kelly Privitt, Director of Programs
CampCaMP PaIVIkaKelly Kunsek, Directormail:PO Box 3367Crestline CA 92325location:600 Playground DriveCrestline CA 92325909.338.1102
Community CentersanaheIM ProGraMCindy Valencia, Director2660 West BroadwayAnaheim CA 92804714.821.7448
DirectoryFinancial highlights 2009ClareMont CenterJulie Martin, Director480 South Indian Hill BoulevardClaremont CA 91711909.621.4727
east los anGeles CenterMonica Alcantar, Director154 North Gage AvenueLos Angeles CA 90063323.268.8178
harry a. MIer CenterMonique Watts, Director8090 Crenshaw BoulevardInglewood CA 90305323.753.3101
laWrenCe l. frank CenterMichael Barkyoumb, Director201 South Kinneloa AvenuePasadena CA 91107626.449.5661
lonG BeaCh CenterBarbara Schlosser, Director3770 East Willow StreetLong Beach CA 90815562.426.6161
neWPort-Mesa CenterJoy Thomas, Directormail:PO Box 3985Costa Mesa, CA 92628location:1060 Paularino Avenue Room ACosta Mesa CA 92626714.546.6727
Employment ServicesEddie Zhang, Supported Employment Manager3447 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd floorLong Beach, CA 90807562.570.3661
HousingaBIlItyfIrst aPartMents heMet1360 East Acacia StreetHemet CA 92544951.766.7089
aBIlItyfIrst aPartMents IrVIne14501 Harvard AvenueIrvine, CA 92606877.768.4600
CroWn house3055 East Del Mar BoulevardPasadena CA 91107626.440.9090
IVy Glen aPartMents133 North Cedar StreetGlendale CA 91206818.241.3888
lakeland Manor aPartMents13331 Lakeland RoadSanta Fe Springs CA 90605562.944.9650
MaPle Park aPartMents711 East Maple StreetGlendale CA 91205818.507.1969
Moreno Valley aPartMents24545 Bay AvenueMoreno Valley CA 92553951.247.0230
PaCIfIC rIM aPartMents230 South Grevillea AvenueInglewood CA 90301310.672.7221
ranCho del Valle aPartMents6560 Winnetka AvenueWoodland Hills CA 91367818.347.1440
sea Breeze Manor aPartMents2067 Alamitos AvenueSignal Hill CA 90755562.494.9086
sIerra rose3053 ½ East Del Mar BoulevardPasadena CA 91107626.578.0118
VIlla MalaGa aPartMents4704 East Dozier StreetLos Angeles CA 90022323.980.8402
Work Centersl.l. frank Work CenterFennie Washington, Director3812 South Grand AvenueLos Angeles CA 90037213.748.7309
Pasadena Work CenterPeter Yoou, Director2570 East Foothill BoulevardPasadena CA 91107626.449.5662
Paul Weston Work CenterDonald Costill, Director6530 Winnetka AvenueWoodland Hills CA 91367818.884.5112
abiLityfirst stateMent of finanCiaL position
assets as of June 30, 2009
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 2,742,479
Interest Receivable 41,568
Investments 1,800,000
Receivables (Net) 1,224,330
Receivables – Bequests/Trusts 819,247
Pledge Receivable (Net) 437,032
Prepaid Expenses 125,604
Due from Sponsored Housing Corp. – Current 28,988
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 7,219,248
OTHER ASSETS
Long Term Investments 26,472,134
Beneficial Interest in Perpetual Trusts 3,651,612
Beneficial Interest in Charitable Remainder Trusts 1,942,054
Security and Insurance Deposits 72,013
Due from Sponsored Housing Corp. – Non-Current 125,453
Property and Equipment (Net) 11,537,533
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 43,800,799
totaL assets 51,020,047
LiabiLities and net assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable 378,313
Accrued Expenses 1,165,282
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,543,595
OTHER LIABILITIES
Note Payable 3,272
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,546,867
Net Assets 49,473,180
totaL LiabiLities and net assets 51,020,047
operatinG expenses
Program Services 80%
Management & General 13%
Fundraising 7%
sourCe of funds
Government Program Revenue 55%
Private Program Revenue 18%
Individuals, Corporations, Foundations 17%
Legacies & Bequests 10%Please see our website (abilityfirst.org) for a copy of our audited Financial Statements and IRS Form 990.
Board of DirectorsexeCutive CoMMitteeCarol Llewellyn, ChairSteve Brockmeyer, Vice ChairBerlinda Fontenot-Jamerson, SecretaryDavid W. King, TreasurerRichard R. Frank
MeMbers
Charles F. Axelson, HonoraryRussel Burkett, HonoraryRay CherryMarshall Chuang, HonoraryJim Douglass, Honorary
LeadershipMark FeddeMaria French, Ph.D.Richard N. Frank, HonoraryPhilip S. Hart, Ph.D.Farid Hassanpour, M.D.Jay HenneberryJohn KellyJohn Kmett, HonoraryRalph Laster, HonoraryMordena MooreAndrew Peterson, Esq., HonoraryAngela J. Reddock, Esq.David M. SeastromKenneth Simon, Honorary
Sanford “Sandy” L. SmithPatricia Vick, Esq.Stuart M. Wilkinson
Honorary ChairpersonsJane KaczmarekLee MeriwetherJaclyn Smith
Housing Governance BoardJose Marquez, ChairAlbert Y. M. Huang, Vice ChairHerbert H. Simmons, TreasurerMilton Merrill, Secretary
MeMbers
John Elizalde Barbara Feiga Estabrook “Skip” Glosser Luis M. Gonzalez Darrin Lyons Jose “Joe” Mercado David Oesterreich Michael Prabhu Mark Trabing Betty R. Wilson
Corporate offiCers
Lori E. Gangemi, President and CEOSteven Schultz, CFOMary Beth Perrine, Vice President, Development
seCurity ConfidentiaLity ConvenienCe effiCienCy Guaranteed
Our mobile shredding service is not only secure and reliable, but convenient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly as well.
Plus, 100% of profits benefit AbilityFirst programs and services.
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www.abilityfirst.org
866.766.2006
1
Honor Roll of ContributorsAbilityFirst gratefully acknowledges support received from the following individuals, corporations,
foundations, estates and trusts, and support groups during fiscal year 2008-2009 (July 1, 2008 – June
30, 2009). While the listing here recognizes donors whose gifts totaled $100 or more during the fiscal
year, each and every gift and volunteer hour is valued by AbilityFirst. In spite of extensive efforts
to avoid errors and omissions in this year’s honor roll of contributors, mistakes can occur. If your
name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, please notify us. Gifts received after June 30,
the close of the fiscal year, will be included in the subsequent year’s annual report. Thank you for
your generosity.
AbilityFirst Giving SocietyThe AbilityFirst Giving Society was launched in 2005 to honor individuals and organizations that
make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more. These contributors financially assist AbilityFirst in
meeting the needs of the disability community, while serving as ambassadors for AbilityFirst. We
salute the following members of the Society during fiscal year 2008-2009.
Capital CampaignIn September 2007, the AbilityFirst Board of Directors approved a $5 million capital campaign to
replace the small and outdated AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center in Inglewood with a new, state-
of-the-art facility, to be known as the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center. The following list includes
individuals, foundations and organizations that made gifts to the AbilityFirst Capital Campaign
for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center: Building Independence-Celebrating Community during
fiscal year 2008-2009. Their names are marked with an asterisk (*). Contributors both to AbilityFirst
annual fundraising programs and to the capital campaign are marked with two asterisks (**).
Thank you to all of our donors
AbilityFirst GuArdiAn
$250,000 & Over
Gold Diggers
AbilityFirst
beneFActor
$100,000 & Over
Lena Longo**
United Way, Inc.
AbilityFirst PArtner
$50,000 & Over
Forest Lawn Foundation**
Jane Kaczmarek**
Rose Hills Foundation
AbilityFirst VisionAry
$25,000 & Over
Capital Group Companies, Inc. Foundation**
Industrial Tire Service
John and Jennifer Kelly**
Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation
Sempra Energy Foundation
Union Bank Foundation
Verizon
AbilityFirst AdVocAte
$10,000 & Over
The Ahmanson Foundation
R.C. Baker Foundation*
Boeing Company Charitable Trusts
Cacique Foundation*
Children’s Benefit League
Comerica Bank
Richard N. Frank
Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation
KTLA-TV Charities Fund
Lawrence L. Frank Foundation
Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.*
Looking Above & Beyond, Inc.*
Mr. & Mrs. Tom E. Nix*
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P. Rossi
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
AbilityFirst leAder
$5,000 & Over
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
The H. N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation
John Bickford Foundation
Mary Alice & Bob Braly
Employees Community Fund of Boeing California
Freeman E. Fairfield Foundation
John & Lori Gangemi**
Halbert, Hargrove LLC
Bess J. Hodges Foundation
David & Sophie King**
Carol & John Llewellyn
Ontario Community Foundation
Pasadena Host Lions Club
2 3
Mary Beth Perrine**
Rotary Club of L.A. Foundation
Norman Seastedt
Simon Strauss Foundation
Sanford, Linda & Taylor Smith**
Universal Studios - Discover A Star Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Stuart & Patricia Wilkinson**
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Wood
AbilityFirst chAmPion
$2,500 & Over
Associated Administrators of Los Angeles
Bay City Rodders
Laura Beck**
Steve & Mary Brockmeyer**
Sue Brown
Chief Jesus Burciaga
Richard A. Dreher
Edison International
Eric L. Foumberg & Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Estabrook Glosser
Jackey C. Gray
Bob & Gaye Harris Foundation
Lorna M. Johnson*
Frank & Pat Lee**
Lee Meriwether-Borden
Christel & Eyal Mintz**
Dr. & Mrs. Mario Molina
National Charity League - South Coast Chapter
National Charity League - San Marino Chapter
NSBN LLP
Open For Business Productions, LLC #3
Denise L. Petitfils
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Rogahn**
Dave & Cindy Seastrom**
Specialists in Long Term Care Insurance Services, Inc.
Josephine Tassi
Trader Joe’s
Triangle Distributing Co.
United Way of Orange County
Patricia G. Vick**
Wells Fargo
James L. White Foundation
Willow Woods
XL Touring Video, Inc.
AbilityFirst
AmbAssAdor
$1,000 & Over
Carolyn E. Aguayo**
The Allergan Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Ardolf, Jr.
Carl A. Ballton*
Bank of America United Way Campaign
Donna Battaglia
Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers
Mr. & Mrs. Emmett H. Bradley
Gloria Briggs
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Cheney, Jr.
Chubb Group
City Of Claremont
City Of Pasadena
Claremont Community Foundation
Codington Construction Company
Michael Condon*
Thomas S. Cook
DPR Construction Inc.
Department of Water & Power Employee Giving
Dynamic Solutions, Inc.
Ear Professionals International Corporation
Lena M. Echols**
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Eckstrom
Encino Chamber of Commerce
Bud and Mickey Erhardt
ESP Shibuya Enterprises, Inc. dba The ESP Guitar Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Falkner
Richard R. Frank
John & Jacqueline Furby**
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Goldman
Rick Gombar
Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP
Marjorie and Dean Heller
Betty B. Hutchison
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald D. Jackson
Jennings Insurance Services
Jerry & Teri Kohl Family Foundation
Kaiser Permanente
Margaret M. Karren
Patricia C. Kolpa
Kelly & Kenny Kunsek
L.A. Brotherhood Crusade
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Littlejohns
Longo Lexus
Los Angeles Breakfast Club Foundation
Lunch Salon, Inc.
M3K Foundation
Isis W. McDonald**
Michael K. Menerey, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Milton H. Merrill
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Miller
Booker T. Moten, Jr.**
Trust of Jane and Marc Nathanson
Mr. & Mrs. Julio S. Negrete
John S. Niendorff
Northrop Grumman Employees Charity Organization
Juliana Otis
Andrea Parke
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Peck
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore F. Perrine
Ruth Priest
Privitt-Kavanaugh Family**
Marian Pure
Randall J. Repp
Richard Alatorre and Co.
Robinson-Kramer, Inc.
Charles A. Rohe
Rotary Club of Pasadena Foundation
Samoan Congregational Christian Church
Barbara A. Schlosser
Steve & Linda Schultz**
Julia Shaw
R. Wesley Sierk, III
Susan Sipe
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Smith
Dr. Sarah Solberg
Storco
Tetra Tech Inc.
Frances Tomich
Alberta Toy
United Way California Capital Region
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Von Der Ahe Foundation
C. Richard Wagner, III
Evelyn M. Walton*
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Warden
Carol L. Warren
Wellpoint Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Keith R. Wieland
indiViduAls &
orGAnizAtions
$500 - $999
3M Foundation
A Better Box Co.
Alliant Insurance Services
Carolyn A. Andres Tayllor
Mr. & Mrs. Frank G. Arnstein
B.S. Journey Int’l Co.
Emanuel Bachmann Foundation
Mike Bantuveris
Michael Barkyoumb
Mr. & Mrs. Mattheus C. Berbee
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Blum
Gary D. Brown
Casa De Salsa
Elvira Castaneda
Jeannette E. Cayen
Chino Hills Equine Hospital
Christopher Clark
CNA Foundation
Donald R. Costill
Marcia Cribbs
Virginia Culp
Dames Club
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Ellis
Nancy Emerson
Eileen Fariester
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Fariester
Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson*
Ryan Fridborg
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gamm
The Goodwin/Garcia Family
Ruth Gaskin
Robert B. Giase
Sam and Emily Glick
Good Earth Recycling Center
Mr. & Mrs. David Grajeda
Gilbert E. Haakh
Har-Bro Inc.
Patricia Harsh
David Hartsman
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Herman
Mr. & Mrs. Mark C. Higgins
Ron Jankowski
Grady Jennings
Gerald Juergens
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management
Syed Kazmi
Kennard Design Group
Frances Kim
Henry Y. Kim, Jr.
Wai Ling L. Kong
KUD International LLC
L.B. Firefighters Honorary Association
Mary Lu La Hauser
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Leigh
Patrice & Doug Litchfield
Jenny Liu
Denise Longo
Dr. & Mrs. James Luck
Marlene Macleay
Robert Madok
Maryanne Malzone-Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Jim McCarthy
Michael T. Menerey
Ernest Messner
Mr. & Mrs. David Meyerson
Milestone Corporate Advisors, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Edmund S. Mockus
Mordena M. Moore**
Morillo Construction, Inc.
Barbara J. O’Neill
Jesus Ortiz
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Otero
Pasadena Lions Club
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Peterson
Mr. & Mrs. George W. Playdon
Mr. & Mrs. James S. Porter
Jacquie Prey
Ophelia G. Privitt
George & Julie Ramirez*
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Rea
Francisco J. Rebollar
Christine Wright Roper
Patsy R. Sampson
Roger J. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. John Snider
Soroptimist International of Lake Arrowhead
Margaret Steeken
Myrna Stevenson
Sun Life
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Taboada
Tarzana/Encino Rotary Charitable Foundation
Marlene Temple
The Personal Branding Group
Mr. & Mrs. Brenton R. Thomas
Union Bank Foundation Matching Gifts*
UNUMProvident Corporation
Mark Varize
Michael Wall
Jon Ward
Waterworks Plumbing
Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign
$250 - $499
AFT College Staff Guild
Margaret Agrusa
Charleen Alexander
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Alpert
Leticia C. Ambriz
Shirley Autrey
Timothy Ayala
B & L Studio Rentals
Mary L. Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. John I. Ballard, Jr.
Bank Of The West Employee Giving Program
Elaine Barber
Ray Bayat
Mr. & Mrs. David L. Bland
Mr. & Mrs. Dalton M. Box
Jennifer Bray
Joel E. Bronson
Marilyn W. Brooks
Juanita A. Buck
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Bunnell
Richard Carpenter
Dean W. Carr, Jr.
Casa Colina, Inc.
M. Graciela Castro
Cherry on Top
Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Chui
City of Santa Fe Springs
Cathy Clingman
Duncan Clyborne
Mr. & Mrs. Neal C. Coble
Nidia Cole
Commercial Cleaning Management
Costume Jewelry
Rachelle Cracchiolo
Mary Jane Craig
Leslie E. Cunningham
Del Real, LLC
Jessica A. Delgado
Delta Scientific Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. Clifford R. Dernham
Dicker and Dicker of Beverly Hills
Teresa Dieguez
Susan Dileo
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Durgerian
Mr. & Mrs. Andre Ellis
Fan Interactive Marketing, LLC
John Fata
Annemarie B. Forster
Mr. & Mrs. John Foster
Josh Freeman
Maria French, Ph.D.**
Linda Garcia
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Garcia
Mr. & Mrs. Ritchie L. Geisel
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gilliespie
Global Elastomeric Products, Inc.
Goldencare USA, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. James W. Gott
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Grigsby
Jean L. Gross
Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Grossman
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Haering
Gerald Harsh
Daniel Hedlund
Julia Henricks
Mr. & Mrs. Russell J. Hibbs
Christine Hoffman
IDS Real Estate Group
iGive.com Holdings LLC
Inland Empire United Way
Kathy Jeffers-Volk
Jones Lang LaSalle (Matching Gift Program)*
Miriam G. Jones
Jordan Allen, Inc.
Bill Jordan
Mr. & Mrs. Terry R. Kay
Mary C. Kincaid
Melinda King
Lynn Komar
La Salle High School of Pasadena
Jeffrey Leitzinger
Mr. & Mrs. Jack G. Lescoulie
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Levinson
Steven Llanusa
Los Cabos Cantina Mexican Bar & Grill, LLC
Elaine Lotwin
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Lynn
Rosario Maraquine
Bob Marseilles
Mr. & Mrs. John F. McCasland
Grace Michihira
Mike Richarson Construction
Daniel Minahan
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Minor
Mr. & Mrs. William M. Moore
Kim F. Morgan
Melina Morgan
Linnie J. Murphy
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick M. Murphy
David Nahas
Stephanie Nelson
New York Life Insurance
Chad A. Nikoletich
Timothy P. O’Brien, Esq.
Robert S. O’Meara
Tyler Page
Constance Perett
James L. Perzik
Jean Plant
Laura Plotkin & Tony Wiener
Arthur & Patricia Price Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Quinn
Rainbow Center for Spiritual Enrichment
Lisa Ramos-Oakley
Patricia D. Randolph
Beverly B. Reynolds
James Rieder
Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Riley
Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. Rowden
Louis J. Saavedra
Mr. & Mrs. Pascual Sanchez
James Schultz
Father Richard Schuster
Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Schutz
Judy A. Schwartz
Robert N. Sechrest
Gay D. Serway
Wanda Sewak
Shakey’s Pizza
Sue & Barry Shanley
Kathy Shearer
Shelley’s Fashion Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. John Sievers
Mr. & Mrs. Kirk J. Sievers
Mr. & Mrs. Franklin H. Simmons
Herbert H. Simmons
Patricia Slaback
Ann J. Sloss
4 5
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Spears
Paul R. St. John
Janet Steffen
Sarah Stewart
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Stewart
David Sykora
Bree Taber
June Teitsworth
Darrel Thomas
Joy Thomas
Annie Tran
Andrea Tripoli
Unique Promos Inc.
UnitedHealth Group
Delia C. Valenzuela
Cristina E. Vegas
Victory-Girl
Ruth Wagner
Vera Mae Walsh
Fennie Washington
Mr. & Mrs. Thaddeus G. Wasung
Natalie Webber
Fran White
Dorothy Williams
The Wilson Family
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen G. Wonn
Paige Yen
Lois M. Zelsdorf
$100 - $249
Michael
Lynette Abbott
Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Acosta and Family
Virginia Adkins
Renee Y. Agnew
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Aisenson
Albertsons
Katherine M. Alday
James Alder
Mrs. George Alexander
Gordon Alexander
All Cities Tool
Allstate Insurance
Lawrence W. Altruda
Antoinette Ambrosio
William C. Andersen
Bernice M. Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. David E. Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Andre
Azfar Anwar & Bushra Yasin
Apple Graphics, Inc.
Jennifer Appleberry
Nicole Appleberry
Mr. & Mrs. Edgar E. Arroyo
Arroyo Insurance Services, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ash
Steven D. Asher
Mr. & Mrs. Flemming Astrup
Mr. & Mrs. Michele Atias
Alan Augenstein
Mary Elizabeth Aulmann
Auto Supply Company
Anthony R. Ayala
Louis Bacco
Mary Ellen Balmer
Bank of America Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barakat
Earl E. Barner
Denise Barnes
Rebecca C. Barney
Margaret Barnum
Henry P. Barretta
Ernesto Barrios
Cecile C. Bartman
Louise A. Barwick
Sharon L. Battaglia
Linda S. Batton
Mr. & Mrs. Steve R. Bauman
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Baur
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas F. Beliakoff
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bellan
Julie A. Benn
Mark T. Bennett
Carol Ann Benson
Jane H. Benson
Simon L. Benson & Tatyana Bickford
Michele Bignardi
Pauline Bingham
Jeannie L. Bishop
Dr. & Mrs. Frank C. Blair, Jr.
Ronald H. Bloom
Bill Bloomfield
Kathryn E. Bobzin
Haus Boer
Mary Bonilla
BP Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Braddock
Mr. & Mrs. James Breedlove
Mary Bright
Daniel Brown
Cheryl Bryan
BSI Insurance Services, Inc.
Gayle Buol
Mr. & Mrs. Jon M. Buss, Sr.
Anne Bykerk-Plante
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
California Clutch & Gear
Dr. John L. Callas
Calvary Chapel Golden Springs
Douglas Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Gene Campbell
Winifred J. Canty
Family of Corey Capece
Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Carey
Christine Carlironey
Helen M. Carlson
Susan R. Carlson
Kristin Carlson-Evanilla
Alice Carman
Carol’s Boutique
Lucia Carrillo
Verni Carter
Robert Casey
Eva M. Casner
Sarah C. Cavanaugh
Kim L. Cavin
Debra Celek
Marilyn Center
Chalio Birrieria
Chuck Champlin
Chinglin Lilian Chan
The Chapman Family
Greg Chapman
Linda Chapman
Danielle Chayot
Mr. & Mrs. Arthuro Chayra
Long Chen
Anita Cheng
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn D. Cheshire
Jacquelyne J. Childs
Jenni R. Childs
Angela M. Chretin
Alice Chui
Citizens Business Bank
Claremont Presbyterian Church
Mr. Carl Clark
Mr. & Mrs. H. W. Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Clark
Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Cleveland
Doris Y. Coates
Patricia Cockriel
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cole
Tami H. Cole
Angela Collins
Keleny Compton
Concept Unlimited
Leticia M. Congo
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cooper
Deborah L. Cornejo
Cathy Cousineau
Dr. & Mrs. Noland W. Cramer
Andrew Crowell
Crown Housing Corporation
Victoria Cruz
CU Direct Corporation
Elfrie Cuizon
Mr. & Mrs. William J. Cullinane
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Cummings
Donna Damon-Scarinza
Davidson Hotel Company
John Davis
Jean Dayak
Mr. & Mrs. Ron de Crescent
Tami De Groat
Mr. & Mrs. James L. Decker
Gloria M. Deukmejian
Joetta Di Bella
Donovan Diehl
Col. (Ret) & Mrs. Joseph P. DiRosario
Mr. & Mrs. Liong T. Djie
Mike Dokmanovich
Mayra Dominguez
Don Markese Productions
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Donelson
Gladys H. Doscher
Michael E. Downing, CPA
Mr. & Mrs. I. Morley Drucker
Susan DuBrin
Imy Dulake
Karen L. Duncan
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Dunevant, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Durham
Lillian Eagleson
East Woodland Hills Womens Club
Ann Eby
Megan A. Egley
El Tapatio, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. John Elizalde
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Ellis
Mr. & Mrs. John Elmassian
David G. Engel
Maria P. Espinoza
Elise T. Esquivel
Kelly M. Estrada
Ethan Christopher, LLC
Carrie Evanilla
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Everett
Dr. & Mrs. Garold L. Faber
Marilyn K. Faber
Naomi Fang
FannieMae Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Farias
Fedde Furniture
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Ferrell
Gloria Ferry
Viney T. Figueroa
First Congregational Church Of Long Beach
Jane M. Fischer
Mr. & Mrs. Keith N. Foster
Oscar Franco
David C. Frankenthal
Christopher Freeberg
Carmen Fried
Patricia Frobe
Debra-Froling & David Titzler
Rene Fuentes
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Fujita
Edward D. Fulgoni
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Furlong
Fusion Floral
G & E Becker
Baudelia Gaeta
Susan Gainey
Claudia Galina
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gangloff, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Gannon
Craig Gaskill
Alberta Gee
Dr. & Mrs. Erwin Gerberg
Mr. & Mrs. A. R. Gerecke, Jr.
Alysa Gerlach
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth G. Gill
Marc A. Gilmartin
Mary J. Giotta
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Glassman
Glendora Woman’s Club
Glory M’Lou’s Boutique
Mr. & Mrs. Lessing Gold
Mr. & Mrs. Elihu Goldish
Michael A. Gombar
Dacia Gonzalez
Louellen Gonzalez
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin G. Gradvig
Laura J. Grant
Marilyn Graves
Bette Gray
Susan Green
Richard J. Greenberg
Barry Greene
Joseph Griffin
Mary Grobaty
Lance Gross
Laura Gross
James Guerra
Ann M. Guevara
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Gutierrez
Joan D. Haden-Colimar
Jeanette Haley
Mr. & Mrs. William T. Hammond
Nancy Hanania
Mrs. James C. Hankla
Peggy Hansen
Chiaki Harami
Marilyn Hardy
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert L. Harger
Janet M. Hargett
Sandra Harlan
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne M. Harp
Elaine Harwell
Paul Hastrup
David R. Hayden
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hayden
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hayward
Julia Hayward
Douglass A. Haywood
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hearing
Mr. & Mrs. Todd D. Hedger
Mr. & Mrs. Clark Heggeness
Lupe Hemauer
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Hemminger
Angelita Hernandez
Marisol Hernandez
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Hertler
Col. & Mrs. Charles L. Higgins
Mary E. Higgins
Catherine Higley
Mrs. Willi Hill
Anne B. Hills
Bradley Hirigoyen
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hirigoyen
Richard J. Hirrel
Rabith Hitti
Ofelia Holguin
Margaret P. Holland
Scott Hollett
Angela Hollingshead
Hollywood Film Company
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin M. Holt
Honeywell International inc.
Mari Hooper
Dan Hoover
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hosch
Carolyn R. Houser
June Howey
Gregory J. Howorth
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Hsieh
HTG LLC
Marilyn C. Hudson-West
Robert Hunt
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin P. McKenna
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Inouye
International Plate Collectors Guild
Carla C. Itson
Marilouise E. Jackson
JAM Enterprises
Cynthia M. James
Lana J. Jardine
Bibiana Jauregui
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Jimenez
Leonard Johns
Mr. & Mrs. Clifford L. Johnson
Linda M. Johnson
Christy Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Roger G. Jones
Mr. & Mrs. William D. Jordan, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kaley
Barbara S. Kalish
Paula Kane, Esq.
Peggy A. Kaus
Mr. & Mrs. F. John Kavak
Vemura Kazuaki
John P. Kemper
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Kennedy
Catherine Kerr
Ruby W. Kerr
Henry Y. Kim, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Hyung K. Kim
Cheryl E. King
Kirkland & Ellis Foundation
Sheldon M. Kirsch
Larry F. Klimas
Blanche A. Kline
Mrs. Larry Kokonyan
Richard Kolpa
KPMG
Robert Kral
Mr. & Mrs. Stan Krasnoff
Mr. & Mrs. Wolfgang Krause
Gary Krauss
Lou Kreis
Marilynn B. Kretschmer
Lillian M. Kreuper
Kroger
Laura Kroh
Sandra Kurtz
Melsen Kwong
Andrea La Russa
Mary Jo Labrie
Victoria Laham
Lakewood Lions Club
Tabatha Lam
Nicole D. Lambright
Theresa M. Landers
Gabriel Lara
Linda Larragoiti
Christine Larscheid-Jones
Nell Lathon
Deborah Laux
Cherry Lawson
Jue Lay
Lyn Lederman, M.D.
Lee Foundation
Joyce Lee
Mary J. Leland
Rose Leto & Joseph Leto
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Leuschen
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce S. Levine
William Lewis
Jae Lim
Amina Linn
Edythe L. Lippey
Rosemarie Lippman
Mr. & Mrs. Steven R. Little
LIVLOV
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Longo
Cecilia Lopez Arreola
Donald J. Lopez
Timothy A. Lopez, Pharm.D.
Los Angeles Police Relief Association Inc.
Marie Loscalzo
6 7
Carolyn D. Lucas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Luckie
Raymond A. Luther, Jr.
Kathleen Lyden
Melanie K. Lynn
Mr. & Mrs. James MacLeman
Macy’s West G.I.F.T.
Marjorie W. Maiden
Mr. & Mrs. Brent M. Maire
Majestic Realty Foundation
Corina Maldonado
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff R. Mancino
Sylvia Mancino
Caryl Manley
Andrew Mann
Lily Y. Mar
Sherry Marlowe
Adriana Marmo
Jose E. Marquez
Susan Marshall
Norma Marter
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Marthe
Matrix Mailing, Inc.
Mary Mayes
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mayne
Scott Mazenko
Angela McCalister
Jack R. McCarthy
Kevin D. McCarthy
Erin McConahey
Lynn A. McCorkle
Keith H. McCoy
James McCracken
Mrs. H C. McCray
Keith McKenna
Bettie J. McKinney
Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. McKinney
Col. & Mrs. C.L.P. Medinnis, Ret.
Aminder Mehdi, M.D.
The Melendez Family
Donna Merrill & Mike Premro
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Messina
Brian D. Metcalfe
M. B. Meudell
Katherine S. Meyers
Joseph Mickelson
Mijac Alarm
Marilyn L. Miles
Diana Milich
Carol Miller
Lorelie B. Miller
Roy H. Misenhimer
Lex Mitchell
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Moffitt
Jennifer L. Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Jess Moore
Mr. & Mrs. John Moore
Kathryn J. Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moore
June E. Moore-Logan
Cheryl Moran
Stephen Morey
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Morrill
Kristine Morrill
Thomas Morrison
Carol Moss
Shirlee A. Moss
Virginia L. Mouzakis
Suzanne Mullen
Paula Mundo
Scot A. Munro
Christopher D. Myers
Shirley L. Myers
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Nakakura
Eileen Nakano
Richard Narver
Mr. & Mrs. J. Allyn Nelson
James O’Donnell
Susanne W. O’Gara
Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Olifson
Mr. & Mrs. Miguel Oliver
Dr. & Mrs. William Olson
Ynez V. O’Neill
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ortega
Maria Ortiz
Holly Osborne
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Osterman
Sally Otvos
Outlook Vision Services
Irene Pajtschuk
Palm Canyon Community Outreach
Martin Paravato
Betty M. Parks
Gloria G. Patterson
Robert Patton
Paul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services
Mr. & Mrs. Sanieev Pawar
Robert Paxton
Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Pedersen
Judith Pedneault
Margie Penny
Armando A. Perez
Christopher Perez
Krystal Perez
Perfect Impressions
Mr. & Mrs. John Perrine
Personal Services Plus, Inc.
Lori Phillipi
Neomia Phillips
Charlotte Y. Pick
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Pickering
Pilgrim Congregational Church
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Pillow
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Pipes
Laraine T. Pipoly
Nancy Placencia
Debra Plotkin
Leanne A. Polacco
Arthur Polansky
Celeste Porter
Tracy Porter
Carolyn S. Powers
Premier Mailing Services
Professional Micro Computer Service, Inc.
Joann Prosser
Mr. & Mrs. James D. Quackenbush
Girja Raina
Hans H. Ralk
Kathleen A. Ramirez
Bonita Ramos
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Randolph
Day Ravenscroft
Linda Reabe
Sun Recher
Charles D. Reese
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence J. Reinhard
Mr. & Mrs. James K. Reynolds
Deborah Rezvani
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Richman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ring, III
Cynthia Rivera
Dr. & Mrs. Vincent J. Roach
Sandra H. Roberts
Toni A. Roberts
Michael Robertson
Valerie Robertson
Robin Hood Music Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Rocky R. Robinson
Robinson’s Manor
Christy Rosa
Jean P. Rose
Denise M. Rose-Dahlen
Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Rosenberg
Donald A. Ross
Mrs. Loren Ross
Patty Ross
Sue Rossi
Lorna J. Rowland
Rebecca Ryan
Elizabeth Saba
Edward E. Saborio
Elliot A. Sainer
Fathaazam Sanaee
Adelaide E. Sanagan
Earlean Sanders
Betty Sandford
Liza Sarao
James E. Sargent
Kathryn Sarkissian
Alice Sato
Savor the Flavor
Donna Scarinza
Jane Schaffner
Barbara A. Schorr
Robert Schuchard & Alison Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert A. Schwaz
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Schweitzer
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Scott
Rosemary Scott
Albert Segal
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Selbst
Mr. & Mrs. Jess Senecal
Leticia Serna
Mr. & Mrs. James B. Shackelford, Jr.
Jagdish J. Shah
Patrick Shea
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald S. Shimabukuro
Billie Short
Mr. & Mrs. Adolph A. Shymanski
Linda Silver
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Simon
Gerry Sinclair
SLK.US, Inc.
Smidt Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert B. Smith
Family of Marcellus Smith-Holiway
Robert Smith
Arlene Solomon
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Sorensen
Jill A. Sorensen
Southland Publishing, Inc.
The Speicher Family
Rose Mary Spriggs
G. Rita Stack
David A. Stallwood
Marilynne Stander
Brenda Starkins
James Starks, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Walter G. Stegeman
Paul E. Sterba, Jr.
Nancy J. Stern
Julie Stindt
Bonnie J. Stovall
April Stover
Thomas P. Stover
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Strobel
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Sun
Supervalu, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Jess Swick
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph C. Sykora, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Simon Szeto
Dr. Sandy Tan
Alex Tang
Yvonne Tang
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Taylor
Taylor Street Rods
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Stewart
Hope Team
Bryan Terlecky
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Thatcher
The American Embassy Group
The Optimist Club of Encino Sherman Oaks
Mr. & Mrs. Mendell L. Thompson
Richard Thompson
Barbara Thorn-Otto
Caroline M. Thorpe
Mary I. Threlkeld
Phil Tirone
Jenene F. Tisdale
Mayra Torres
Christina Tran
Linh M. Tran
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Truex
Kenneth Truknette
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Tse
Sidney F. Tyler
Jodie Ullman
Marc Ulrich
Liberty G. Unciano
United Builders
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Urquhart
Jenny Valadez
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Valentine
Peterangelo Valis
Tina Van Dalden
Kylia Van Delden
Mr. & Mrs. Dale A. Vanderbilt
Edwin Vasquez
Erick F. Vasquez
Francisco Vasquez
Shaye Vega
Mr. & Mrs. John D. Vena
Verizon Foundation
Andrea Victor
Julie Villanueva
Vision Service Plan
Becca Wahlquist
Cecil A. Walker
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn H. Walker
Mr. & Mrs. James Wallace
Carol A. Wallisch
John Walters
Evelyn Walton
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Ward
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Ward
Dr. & Mrs. William F. Ware
Lois J. Watson
Waywegos 4 Wheel Drive Club, Inc.
Ida Weil
Margot Weiss
The West Family
Carolyn West
Jann Whisenant
Janet V. White
Yvonne White
Sylvia V. Whitlock, Ph.D.
Whole Foods Market
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Wilby
Geoffrey C. Wiley
Tracy R. Wilke
Giovannia Wilkerson
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Williams
Mark D. Williamson
Sondra Williamson
Leslie Wilmoth
Mr. & Mrs. Rick Wilmoth
Betty R. Wilson
John L. Wilson, Jr.
Pat Wilson
Paul D. Wolfe
Fred K. Wong
Katherine Wong
Mr. & Mrs. W. Edward Wood
Mr. & Mrs. Norman W. Woodall
Teri Woodruff
Dorrie Woods
Nourine V. Woods
Mr. & Mrs. David Woodson
Linda Wright
Joyce E. Yarborough
Jose L. Yasuhara
Chris A. Yauch
Jack Yeh
Howard S. York
Valerie J. York
Mr. & Mrs. Selwyn Yosslowitz
Todd Yost
Mr. & Mrs. James Yu
The Zampiello Family
Jia N. Zhang
Stephen K. Zimmerly
tribute GiFts –
in honor oF
During fiscal year 2008-2009
gifts were made to AbilityFirst
in honor of the following
individuals, groups and events.
AbilityFirst Claremont Center Staff
AbilityFirst for its involvement in EWI
Augiendress
Louise Barton’s Birthday
Laura K. Beck
Christopher Benson
Glenn Bittner
Maria E. Boutte
Woody Brown
Camp Paivika
Richard Carpenter
Colleen Casey
Grace Castro
Etienne Chamberlain
Arthur Cheney, III
Elijah Cummings
Ron Davidson
Richie Dunn
Roy Eby
Lisa Erese
Carl & Eileen Evans
Steve Falkner
Larry Figner
Jeri Formby
John Frederick
Freeberg Family
Marcus Furby
Pam & Ritchie Geisel
Kelsey Gibson’s High School Graduation
Marilyn Graves
Mary Ann Hackworth
Deanne Hall
Darryl Henry
Molly Herman
Elizabeth Lee Holland
The Hollister & O’Connell Families
Linda Johnson
Mike & Katie Kraus
Kelly, Kenny & Sydney Kunsek
Daniel Lee
Van Lee
Gregory Scott Lewis
AJ Longo & Associates
Brandon Mancino
Steven Marvin
Lee Meriwether
Mom and Dad
Laura Murphy
CJ Nunez
Marlene Otto
Mary & Richard Perez
Bernita Perrine
Carol Richards
Paul Richards
Jeffrey Rinsky
Stacey Santomauro
The Sievers
Pat Smith’s 10th Anniversary with the Capital Group
Laura Stewart
Ryan Wilson
Felix & Betty Yang
Paula & Rick Yualan
8
tribute GiFts –
in memory oF
During fiscal year 2008-2009
gifts were made to AbilityFirst
in memory of the following
individuals and groups.
Elvigie Aristrones
Bonnie Arnold
Marion Axelson
Mrs. E. O. Bachmann
Barbara Barr
Nicholas Barr
Betty Bohr
Alice Bown
Debra Braxton
Joseph Brey
Doris Brooker
Simonne Bamrungpong
Leroy Cayen
Brian Daniel Chun
Grace McFarland Crozier
Anna Cushing
Cynthia Daugherty
Eugene Davis
Linda Davis
Daniel C. Delgado
Kurt Dieringer
Randy Dodd
Dr. Eugene Dorfman
Fred Emerson
Virginia Evans
William C. Faber
Gina Fata
Rebecca Fitzmorris
Don Foley
Bruce Friden
Don & Jane Galias
Glen & Richard
Michael James Gombar
Rocco Mario Gorillo
Richard Greenig
Michael P. Guerra
Jeri Harsh
Halland & Debbie Heard
Don Hershey
Richard Hoffman
Jonathan Hole
Wilfred Kaliel
Joyce Kirsch
Eleanor LaBeau
Kelly Leuschen
Charles J. Locicero
James Logan
Cliff Lowen
Myra Mannheimer
Irene Matthies
Glen Melland
Preston Meyles, Jr.
Guena Mindel
Joseph Pardieu
Irving Pearlberg
Ken Pirkowitsch
Florence G. Plotkin
Bertram L. Potter
Eva Rebollar
Hugo Rose
Dorothy Rue
Elisa San Pedro
Roccie Schavoni
Emma Schultz
Samuel Sherwin
Virginia Solberg
Morgan Steelman
Inger Stevens
Nancy Ruth Stevens
Arthur Toy
Carolyn Toy
Irene Valdez
Kristen Vena
George Vick, Jr.
Mae Eileen O’Dell Walsh
Yvonne Warden
Deanna M. Warren
Jeri Weir
Jimmy Woehler
Jules Woehler
John Wolsdorf
Zella Worden
Gary G. Zelsdorf
bequest, trust &
estAte GiFts
Estate of William Peter Albrecht, Jr.
Estate of Harold Alder
Estate of Selma E. Andrews
Trust of Israel Baran
Estate of Elizabeth Gertrude Bishop
Memorial Trust of Nancy Brower
Estate of Margaret Burgwald
Estate of Gladys Edenbaugh
Trust of Jocelyn Gibbons & Mary Scott Marks
Estate of Edward Augustus Harpstrite
Estate of Gerard LeBeau
Estate of Cecile W. Lewis
Estate of John Jack Pick
Estate of Dexter Bolton Selby
Trust of Barbara Lee Strite
Estate of Loretta E. Timbrook
Estate of Kittie E. Vencill
Trust of Mona and Geb Von Mueffling
Estate of Ilah Wilstach
leGAcy society
The Legacy Society was created
to honor individuals who have
made a bequest to AbilityFirst
in their estate plans or other
planned giving arrangements.
AbilityFirst is grateful to the
following individuals who
have made AbilityFirst part
of their legacy.
Charles F. Axelson
Mary Alice & Bob Braly
Roberta M. Bode
Jeanne A. Carr
Ercile Christmas
Raymond George De Peters
Joetta Di Bella
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Douglass
Maria French, Ph.D.
Mr. & Mrs. Estabrook Glosser
Margaret P. Holland
Verona Ingrum
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. William Maas
Michael Morris
Juliana Otis
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Parker
Mary Beth Perrine
Paul M. Propp
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Rogahn
Lorraine Schavoni
Marian L. Wilson
John M. Wolsdorf
